The
Process:
To answer the question of identity, we explored the latest scientific
evidence and theories pertaining to the origins and nature of living
systems, particularly in the disciplines of physics, biology, and
mathematics. We reviewed the mythological, theological and mystical
concepts of cosmogony and the nature of life in the light of the
scientific information hoping to develop a richer, more complete
understanding of the origin and nature of consciousness, of the
self, as it manifests individually and universally as life. Our
explorations have only begun to scratch the surface of the information
available. We confess that so much more has yet to be done. But,
because we have been so impressed by the recurring themes and patterns
of conception, belief, and evidence, over such wide-ranging disciplines
and perspectives, uncovered at every level of investigation, we
felt compelled to share what we have gathered so far.
The
Thesis:
We
believe the purpose of life is to give identity and meaning to consciousness.
We believe the recurring patterns observed in physics, metaphysics,
and biology constitute a unique and unmistakable "signature," "finger
print," or "hallmark" of identity, revealing the true essential
nature of the Infinite Self that brought life into being. We also
believe the fundamental principles or archetypes of life that determine
and govern the nature and function of living systems are the functional
constructs of this fingerprint and should act as the foundation
upon which a more complete and functional understanding of health
and healing is based. We propose that the fundamental patterns of
living systems are the fingerprints of life--evidence of the "Creator's"
personality and identity. By understanding them in this context,
one can recognize the "Deity" within each creation and begin to
answer the primordial, burning question of self-awareness--"Who
or What Am I?"
The
Book:
In
the following pages, we present the results of our exploration in
a synopsis to acquaint you with what we feel to be the salient principles
of life and the true fundamental nature of being and of healing.
It is our fervent hope that our presentation will stimulate further
exploration, discussion, and illumination by you and others. Hopefully,
this exposition will give you a sense of connectedness to something
greater than the separate I of the ego-self and provide a more comprehensive
understanding and knowledge of the laws of causality, transformation
and healing. We would be delighted if this awareness serves as a
springboard to propel you towards an expanded appreciation of your
own unique identity as a distinctive part of the Divine Whole. May
this new self-realization assist you in answering the question "Who
or What am I?" and catalyze a healing and self-affirming transformation.
-
REVIEWS -
"This is a bold and imaginative work, brilliantly researched, penetrating
to the core of the question that confronts us all: Who are we? What
are we? Knowing who we are and what we are is both the question
and in some ways the ultimate answer. We are about the exploration
of ourselves - we are that discovering. It is the brilliance of
Donovan & Joiner Bey that turn this quest into a finely woven tapestry
of ideas and visions. Framed amid this New Age adventure, free will
finds its purpose and we find our meaning. It is the enabler, basic to the author's vision. 'Life evolves and unfolds to become self-aware
and realize its full potential.' This is a New Age masterpiece -
clear, thorough. In their study they weave the fabric of both religion
and science, creating a new view of our reality. We are both place
and role in the patterns that Donovan and Joiner Bey reveal. And
in the end we are not left to wonder what the answer is to the questions
with which they begin their journey. Their search is a journey that
carries you to the end and in the end you find the answer. Who am
I? Donovan and Joiner Bey answer." Even
Harris Walker, Ph. D., Physicist and author of The Physics of Consciousness
and founder of the Walker Cancer Institute
"Most
impressive! It has almost everything in it. The material is so rich…
Such a probing and deep work it might 'freak out' some academic
and professional colleagues as well as move some very profoundly
as you back metaphysics with detailed observation." Z'ev ben
Shimon Halevi Director of the Kabbalah Society and author of The Way of Kabbalah, A Kabbalistic Universe, and numerous other
books on Kabbalah and cosmology
"In
answering the questions, 'Who am I? What am I? and Why am I here?'
Doctors Patrick Donovan and Herb Joiner Bey weave us through a course
on mysticism, mythology, archetypes, religion, history, quantum
physics, physical chemistry, chaos theory, fractal geometry, and
psychoneuroimmunology. They tackle dualities of the universe: I/Thou,
part/whole, self/others, humanity/divinity, wave/particle, yin/yang,
man/woman, good/evil, health/illness, and weave through their lessons
teachings from the Kabbalah, the Bible, the Egyptian Book of the
Dead, the Hindu Rig Veda, the Tao Te Ching, the I Ching, Carl Jung,
systems theory, and ancient Celtic stone carvings. Their research
is exhaustive and scholarly, and yet their writing is friendly -
they hold your hand and lead you through these complex and diverse
terrains. What they end up delivering is a remarkable integration
and synthesis, a whole-world view of consciousness and being. They
distill out the simple truths and destinations we are all seeking:
self-identity, self-affirmation, personal destiny, and connection
to a greater whole." Ralph T. Golan, M.D. Author of Optimal
Wellness, Where Mainstream and Alternative Meet
"I
wish The Face of Consciousness had been available when I
was a young clinician-I could have learned the art of healing much
sooner and better helped so many more patients. This work is transformational,
not just for practitioners, but to each of us on our unique, personal
journey through life. Ultimately, isn't full manifestation of our
"selfness" or "consciousness" all we really have? Exploring this
wonderful book has been a powerful experience. It will be a powerful
experience for you as well. I can think of no better reward for
a teacher than to be taught by his students. Thank you Dr. Patrick
Donovan, thank you Dr. Herb Joiner-Bey for making all the hard work
worthwhile." Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr. N.D. President Emeritus,
Bastyr University Editor, Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's
Journal, Author of Total Wellness and co-author of The
Textbook of Natural Medicine
"Your
book appears to have both inner and outer structures. It strikes
me that the outward structure of your book consists of the explicit
references to ideas and their relationships that come from science,
philosophy and spirituality. But the inner structure is more consistent
with that of poetry. Possibly the term 'prosetry' would be more
apt. Prosetry: pros that has the effect of poetry on the reader's
mind. Poetry (and prosetry) can elevate our perspectives. This form
of literature wherever found, helps us to appreciate the subtle,
but still profound, aspects of our realities. I hope your book will
be adopted by curriculums in the naturopathic community since it
seems to provide a model I am referring to. Your book invites readers
to engage it with their own thoughts and feelings while trying to
abstract meaning from its pages. During that exchange, readers have
the opportunity to further evolve and refine their own conceptual
frameworks for subsequent practice and action. To the extent that
it would be used to assist students in becoming more mindful of
their emotional lives as they relate to the topics in the book,
so much the better." Ken Ostrander, Ed.D. Professor of Education
(retired), University of Washington
"I
feel you have done a very profound, solid and rigorous inquiry into
the nature of consciousness and this is the kind of book that I
would be happy to recommend. In significant ways I can also see
that it is complimentary to my own work as it goes in depth where
I have not. Your study of how disease may be related to consciousness
on a larger scale is very interesting." Carl Johan Calleman,
Ph.D. Internationally recognized expert on the Mayan calendar and
author of The Mayan Calendar, and The Mayan calendar and
the Transformation of Consciousness.
About
the Author:
Patrick
Donovan, ND, has over 30 years of patient care experience
as a registered nurse (R.N.) and a naturopathic physician
(N.D.) representing a wide range of settings from hospital-based
surgical and intensive care to outpatient primary care.
He received his doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine
in 1985, from Bastyr University where he has been a member
of the clinical and academic faculty. He has had a number
of articles published in various medical journals and has
contributed chapters to the Textbook of Natural Medicine.
In
1996, he was invited to join the medical staff of the first
government-funded community health clinic project integrating
alternative and conventional medicine at the King County
Community Health Clinic in Kent, Washington. In 1997, he
was one of the first two naturopathic physicians invited
to join the medical team of the first fully integrated oncology
clinic in the Northwest. This clinic, the Seattle Cancer
Treatment and Wellness Center, established by the Cancer
Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), integrates the full
spectrum of conventional oncology care with nutritional
and naturopathic medicine, and acupuncture.
Most
recently, Dr. Donovan was one of 23 physicians featured
in Burton Goldberg’s book An Alternative Medicine Definitive
Guide to Cancer. His areas of clinical interest include
autoimmune inflammatory disorders, inflammatory bowel disease
and digestive tract disorders. Currently, Dr. Donovan maintains
a busy private practice as a licensed, naturopathic primary
care physician at University Health Clinic in Seattle, Washington.
He is a member of the editorial review board of the Alternative
Medicine Review and continues his research, writing
and lecturing in healing and spirituality. He is a board
member of the Foundation for Return To Creativity. The Foundation
is dedicated to the advancement of creative expression in
the arts, sciences and humanities. He is also a member of
the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
and the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians
(WANP).
He and his two children reside in Shoreline, Washington.
Lucky Press, LLC is also the publisher of Dr. Donovan's book Dancing with the Beloved
ISBN-10: 0-9776300-1-3 ISBN-13: 978-0-9776300-1-1
Binding: paperback (6x9) Page Count: 272 with Index, Photos, Bibliographical References
Retail: $24.95 Publication Date: May 2006
BISAC Categories: PH1015000: Philosophy: Mind & Body and OCC000000: Body, Mind & Spirit