Coherent Self, Coherent World

This wide-ranging book - subtitled a new synthesis of myth, metaphysics and Bohm's Implicate Order - is an important contribution to reorienting our culture towards the neglected inner dimension that gives rise to coherence and meaning and which constitutes our deeper being. The author shows how we can experience coherence by accessing this deep self, drawing not only on the fundamental ideas of David Bohm on the implicate and explicate orders and on dialogue, but also on her extensive knowledge of art, Arthurian myth, the Grail and archetypes of transformation. The presidency of JFK is an interesting case study of the Arthurian myth and the practice of presence in the face of military and political pressures, which he also recognised in his opponent, enabling an outcome that averted disaster and saved face on both sides. This attitude is in stark contrast not only to George W Bush, as discussed, but also to the attitude of Trump and other populist leaders. Our own journey towards wholeness involves recognising and integrating the shadow and our woundedness, not only individually but also collectively as we evolve towards an inner wisdom that unites intuitive insights with rational analysis. It is a bold and inspiring vision, enriched with the author's own poetry.