PSYCHE is Aidan Shingler’s mind-blowing account of the visionary potential of unusual states of consciousness. With striking imagery and compelling narrative, the author explores the spiritual and creative aspects of schizophrenia, the way people so labelled are treated by the psychiatric system, and how the senses of those experiencing psychosis are opened to paranormal stimuli. The book validates schizophrenia or ‘Psyche-sensitivity’ as evidence of humankind evolving before us, here and now, and emphasises its positive and transforming potential.
Reviews:
'A shaft of light into the darkness' - Arts Journal
'Inexplicably beautiful '- The Guardian
'Sharp, witty and in places very funny' - Northern Review
'Beyond categorisation' - Artesian Magazine
'Sheer brilliance' - Mail-Out
'This work and the manner of its presentation afford an alternative world view. The reader is taken on a remarkable guided tour of the author's life and philosophy. The combination of text and images is beautifully structured and paced. Through joy, sadness, and laughter Aidan Shingler validates the human spirit and encourages us all to strive to become 'Reality Testers.' Prof. Philip Barker
'By accentuating the positive aspects of schizophrenia, Aidan Shingler restores dignity and wonder to worlds we disregard at our peril. Whilst this book will be a delight for anyone, it should be on the introductory book list of every person embarking on a career in the mental health field.' Dr. Langley Brown
'This is a book of our times, one that offers hope, inspiration, and discovery; by unleashing the potency of the mind and its creative potential when freed from the personal boundaries and frames of reference the majority of us create for ourselves. It is an important book not solely because it deals with Aidan Shingler’s personal journey and reality (his adventure) but because it offers a better understanding of how to explore the many facets of mental health. By examining schizophrenia through art and writing, Aidan Shingler offers ideas of how, through self-expression, people can lead a more self-aware and authentic life, and thereby experience greater fulfilment, purpose and meaning. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to celebrate humanity and cognitive diversity, who chooses to accept themselves, embrace difference and transcend the mediocrity of the everyday in order to gain an enriched reality.' Freewind
‘As a survivor of the mental health system and a once upon a time professional working in mental health, I can think of no better book to give an introduction to the often transformative and positive experiences of those labelled as mentally ill. Aidan Shingler so eloquently relates this in poetic words and stunning images that reveal this beauty alongside the depiction of the destructive reality of a cruel and abusive psychiatric system. If your life is in any way touched by mental health, you appreciate witty intelligent art, or want to read something totally original, then I strongly recommend this amazing book.’ Catherine Ingram
Reviews:
'A shaft of light into the darkness' - Arts Journal
'Inexplicably beautiful '- The Guardian
'Sharp, witty and in places very funny' - Northern Review
'Beyond categorisation' - Artesian Magazine
'Sheer brilliance' - Mail-Out
'This work and the manner of its presentation afford an alternative world view. The reader is taken on a remarkable guided tour of the author's life and philosophy. The combination of text and images is beautifully structured and paced. Through joy, sadness, and laughter Aidan Shingler validates the human spirit and encourages us all to strive to become 'Reality Testers.' Prof. Philip Barker
'By accentuating the positive aspects of schizophrenia, Aidan Shingler restores dignity and wonder to worlds we disregard at our peril. Whilst this book will be a delight for anyone, it should be on the introductory book list of every person embarking on a career in the mental health field.' Dr. Langley Brown
'This is a book of our times, one that offers hope, inspiration, and discovery; by unleashing the potency of the mind and its creative potential when freed from the personal boundaries and frames of reference the majority of us create for ourselves. It is an important book not solely because it deals with Aidan Shingler’s personal journey and reality (his adventure) but because it offers a better understanding of how to explore the many facets of mental health. By examining schizophrenia through art and writing, Aidan Shingler offers ideas of how, through self-expression, people can lead a more self-aware and authentic life, and thereby experience greater fulfilment, purpose and meaning. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to celebrate humanity and cognitive diversity, who chooses to accept themselves, embrace difference and transcend the mediocrity of the everyday in order to gain an enriched reality.' Freewind
‘As a survivor of the mental health system and a once upon a time professional working in mental health, I can think of no better book to give an introduction to the often transformative and positive experiences of those labelled as mentally ill. Aidan Shingler so eloquently relates this in poetic words and stunning images that reveal this beauty alongside the depiction of the destructive reality of a cruel and abusive psychiatric system. If your life is in any way touched by mental health, you appreciate witty intelligent art, or want to read something totally original, then I strongly recommend this amazing book.’ Catherine Ingram