"For the first time, public figures like Madonna, Michael Douglas, Oliver Stone, Candace Bushnell, Kelsey Grammer, Chris Kattan, Luciano Pavarotti, Paul McCartney, Juliette Binoche and a host of others confess their intimate dreams. Dream expert Lauren Lawrence dissects these dreams, giving us unprecedented insight into celebrities' deepest thoughts and what makes them shine. From ancient times of Delphian oracles to present day psychoanalysis, dreams have always captivated, inspired and fascinated us. What secrets do we unlock when we close our eyes? We are in a constant search for meaning in our dreams, hoping to discover the mysteries of our unconscious. Private Dreams of Public People approaches the dream like never before, focusing on celebrity dreamers, and the expression of talen inherent within their nighttime journeys."--Back cover

"Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty . . . weaves a brilliant analysis of the complex role of dreams and dreaming in Indian religion, philosophy, literature, and art. . . . In her creative hands, enchanting Indian myths and stories illuminate and are illuminated by authors as different as Aeschylus, Plato, Freud, Jung, Kurl Gödel, Thomas Kuhn, Borges, Picasso, Sir Ernst Gombrich, and many others. This richly suggestive book challenges many of our fundamental assumptions about ourselves and our world."—Mark C. Taylor, New York Times Book Review "Dazzling analysis. . . . The book is firm and convincing once you appreciate its central point, which is that in traditional Hindu thought the dream isn't an accident or byway of experience, but rather the locus of epistemology. In its willful confusion of categories, its teasing readiness to blur the line between the imagined and the real, the dream actually embodies the whole problem of knowledge. . . . [O'Flaherty] wants to make your mental flesh creep, and she succeeds."—Mark Caldwell, Village Voice

Mark S. Cladis pinpoints the origins of contemporary notions of the public and private and their relationship to religion in the work of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. His thesis cuts across many fields and issues-philosophy of religion, women's studies, democratic theory, modern European history, American culture, social justice, privacy laws, and notions of solitude and community-and wholly reconsiders the political, cultural, and legal nature of modernity in relation to religion. Turning to Rousseau's Garden, its inhabitants, the Solitaires, and the question of restoration and redemption that preoccupied much of Rousseau's thought, Cladis examines how Rousseau addressed the tension between the joys and moral obligations of social engagement and the desire for solitude. He was caught between two possibilities: active involvement in the creation of an enlightened and humane society or extrication from social entanglements in favor of cultivating a spiritual interior life. Yet Rousseau did not view this conflict as a desperate division. Rather, for him it was a moral struggle to be endured by those who had fallen from the Garden. For this edition Cladis has added a substantive introduction that discusses the role of religion in contemporary democratic societies, particularly in American public life. Cladis proposes four models of thinking about religion in public and champions what he calls spiritual democracy-a dynamic, culturally specific, and progressive democracy. Cladis argues that spiritual democracy refers not only to a society's legal codes and principles but also to its democratic culture and symbols and its daily practices and institutions. It encompasses the nation's character, diverse identities, and a distinctivel exchange between the nation's public vision and citizens' complex, private lives.

“Explores a dimension of synesthesia long encountered in reports of synesthetes: its relation to mystical and artistic vision . . . fascinating accounts.”—Patricia Lynne Duffy, author of Blue Cats and Chartreuse Kittens What happens when a journalist turns her lens on a mystery happening in her own life? Maureen Seaberg did just that and lived for a year exploring her synesthesia. The wondrous brain trait is often described as blended senses, but for Maureen, synesthesia is not an idle “brain tick” that can be explained away by science (although it does offer some important clues). It is a unique ability to tap into and reveal a greater creative universe and even the divine. Join her as she visits top neuroscientists, rock stars, violinists, other synesthetes, philosophers, savants, quantum physicists and even Tibetan lamas in her journey toward the truth. Step into Maureen’s shimmering alternate universe as she explores this fascinating subject, combining clear explanations of groundbreaking scientific research with an exploration of deeper spiritual truths. “Tasting the Universe is not only the brilliant writing of a top, professional journalist looking in on a strange but romantic phenomena, but it is the writing of a person who could embrace the feelings of those she interviews, because author Seaberg herself possesses this remarkable gift of synesthesia. I predict when you pick up this book, you will be unable to put it down, as it will open up for you a whole new world in our universe.”—The Amazing Kreskin

Dreaming is vital to the human story. It is essential to our survival and evolution, to creative endeavors in every field, and, quite simply, to getting us through our daily lives. All of us dream. Now Robert Moss shows us how dreams have shaped world events and why deepening our conscious engagement with dreaming is crucial for our future. He traces the strands of dreams through archival records and well-known writings, weaving remarkable yet true accounts of historical figures who were influenced by their dreams. In this wide-ranging, visionary book, Moss creates a new way to explore history and consciousness, combining the storytelling skills of a bestselling novelist with the research acumen of a scholar of ancient history and the personal experience of an active dreamer.

"Synesthesia is wondrous brain trait that is often described as blended senses. This book explores this fascinating subject, combining clear explanations of groundbreaking scientific research with an exploration of a deeper understanding of our senses"--

“A kind, gentle, and nurturing guide to personal growth . . . focusing on the key elements that will lead you to greater peace and inner happiness.” —Dr. Sheri A. Rosenthal, author of Banish Mind Spam! Software and technological entrepreneur Huie, who came to a search for deeper meaning later in life, has teamed up with artist and writer, Radmacher, who came to it earlier through her art. Point and counterpoint, they take the reader through a process to taking charge of their own lives. The key to living an inspired life is simple: accept your past; release your expectations; embrace your choices. The truth of the matter is that the more we like ourselves, the fewer expectations we have, and the way we make conscious choices—in everyday matters large and small are the keys to living an inspired life. Simply an Inspired Life teaches readers to distinguish between events and our feelings about them, to choose thoughtfully, and never blame ourselves or anyone else. Filled with inspiring quotes, wisdom from the ages and all traditions, personal stories, and exercises, Simply an Inspired Life is based on eight guiding principles: honor, forgiveness, gratitude, choice, vision, action, celebration, and unity with all creation. They are equally important—and practiced daily they change lives. “Mary Anne Radmacher’s words simply inspire. Now, teamed with Johnathan Huie, I have two SAILs furled in one craft to remind me of virtues I want to incorporate into my life with suggested steps to do just that.” —Jane Kirkpatrick, New York Times-bestselling author “A great read. The interplay between the two authors was compelling.” —Karen Casey, author of Each Day a Renewed Beginning