Shallow Thought, Deep Mind: What you need to succeed, thrive and make the world better is for everyone who takes on life’s challenges and dreams of brighter tomorrows. This book is based on reason, science and philosophy. With stories, thought experiments and cartoons, Dr Somerville takes us beyond shallow thinking to unlock the power of the deep mind.
In this post-truth age, the way we use our mind is both the problem and the promise. The ancient, simple ways of thinking and behaving that got us here threaten to take us out. But the human spirit is strong, and there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with our minds. Success depends on how we put our mental machinery to work. The wisdom of our deep mind can transform lives and the world.
Drawing on his experiences as a clinical psychologist, horseman, bush regenerator and environmental activist, Dr Somerville guides you on a journey to discover who you really are, what you could be, and how you can make the world better.
Part 1 looks at shallow thought - what it is and how it can create trouble - and what it takes to find solutions to big problems. We see the evolutionary role that shallow thinking plays in the survival of our kind across time. The author then explores three big challenges from his life: the search for gentle psychological therapies for trauma and PTSD, the development of a treatment for forest dieback, and the protection of communities from invasive gas fields. These challenges appear different, but all were solved by going beyond shallow thinking to the deep mind. Solutions to complex problems can be simple when you find the key.
In Part 2, Shallow Thought, Deep Mind examines the ‘Key Mental Processes’ that determine all we know and do. Why ‘key’? Because understanding and knowing how to use these abilities unlock the power of the creative deep mind.
The human mind is a wondrous system, but it’s too fast and fluid to get a handle on while it’s in full flight. Our conscious attention is limited and much goes on that we’re not aware of. In separate chapters, Dr Somerville slows things down and teases the mind apart so the reader can grasp the roles that the Key Mental Processes of perception, memory, imagination, belief, language, emotions, intuition, sleep and dreaming play as they combine seamlessly to create our reality.
‘Perception’ zeros in on where our bodies end and the external world begins. ‘Memory and Imagination’ investigates how we can learn from the past and plan the future. ‘Beliefs’ frees us from limiting ideas and fosters attitudes that generate success. ‘Language’ breaks word spells that harm, mislead and restrict, and shows us how to use potent, respectful language to motivate ourselves and influence others. In ‘Emotions’, we learn to appreciate our emotions - both positive and negative - and listen to what they tell us. ‘Intuition, Sleep and Dreams’ takes us to the mysterious realm of the unconscious and sleeping mind where we can learn from an ancient but subtle wisdom that doesn’t speak in words.
Finally, Dr Somerville takes stock, looks to the future and asks, ‘What’s it going to take?’ In these troubled times, as problems proliferate, reason retreats. To counter the growing dark, we need a bright light of knowledge that’s intense enough to illuminate a new age of enlightenment. We need to revitalise our commitment to truth and human dignity. It won’t be easy. Nor should it be too hard.
But please be warned. There’s no quick fix on offer here, no secret to make wishes manifest, no ‘6-steps’ formula. Learning what you need to know takes time and effort. But once you’ve got it, you never lose it.
Industry Reviews
Murray Smith - Actor, Teacher
Shallow Thought, Deep Mind is a book for now with an optimistic conclusion, filled with practical advice and interesting ideas. Thoroughly enjoyed it. This is deserving of a broad audience. The exercises and interactive nature of the book was also engaging and fun. What you have is a local focus in some parts, a local tale of activism, but what you focus on mostly is a universal self-help book that anyone can read and apply to their lives, no matter where they live in the world.
Dr Eric van Beurden - Social Scientist, Activist
If you are haunted by bad memories, overwhelmed by unceasing demands of daily life and immobilised by threats to our future, then read Shallow Thought Deep Mind! Dr Somerville empowers us to turn our gloom and despair into calm and confidence. He shares with us his most profound secrets, drawn from a lifetime as a respected psychologist, social activist, horseman and planet-protector. He shows us how to re-vision our nightmares, retrain our minds and revitalise our actions. His endearing presentation style and captivating graphics lead us to powerful ‘mind experiments’, simple exercises that gently expand our thought process from habitual ‘One Thought Solutions’ to a deeper, holistic thinking. That in turn enables us to deal with our most complex challenges. These expertly-guided practices provide a clear path to step through the Alice looking glass of our own mind blocks, into a self-empowering and proactive approach to our ever-changing world.
Jill Lyons - Richmond River Shire Councillor
Thank you for writing this book. I found your book has made me think and consider the words I use and how I respond to those same words and how to not respond when others use them around me. The chapters on our gas fight are so vibrant and resurfaced so many emotions from that time. I love how you have scattered so many different quotes throughout this book and introduced the beautiful word ‘exquisite’ back into my life. I plan to reread this book and use it as a reference to guide me with decisions and getting the most out life. I think this book would be good reference guide for anyone interested in making changes on a small or larger picture scale.
Nan Nicholson - Author, Forest Expert, Activist
I read your book and really enjoyed it. Your various learning grounds (horses, bush regen and activism) are curiously similar to mine. The use of them was a novel way to discuss the psychological challenges that everyone faces, especially the earth-aware folks. It made the whole topic very real and understandable, and unlike other books on how to live and make a difference. The text was very easy to read, but not simplistic, and it provided wisdom that I felt we are all going to need in the future. Another thing that kept me engaged in the book is the little drawings.
Meg Nielsen - Radio Presenter, Activist, Artist
I found Dr Wayne Somerville’s wonderful book ‘Shallow Mind, Deep Thought’ a remarkable evolutionary tool. I have read it twice and I plan to keep it close by my side in the years to come. Wayne inspires us with his wisdom and experience, teaching how we can access the Wisdom only found by connecting with deep mind. This practice empowers us with the calm confidence we need to stride boldly forward, armed with clarity … strong in the Knowing we serve Planet Earth.
