The Source: The Secrets of the Universe, the Science of the Brain

Swart—a neuroscientist, former psychiatric doctor, and MIT lecturer—explores the psychological underpinnings of attracting success and happiness in her affable, illuminating debut. The “law of attraction” and “visualization” have dominated the self-help industry for several decades, she writes, while remaining free of empirical evidence. Looking to bridge that gap, Swart teaches readers how to retrain their behaviors and thoughts to fully utilize the apex “source”—their brain. Including lengthy endnotes to peer-reviewed evidence, success stories from past clients, and anecdotes from her own life, Swart stitches together a convincing argument that manifestation can work. Journal prompts and activities will help readers “rewire neural pathways” and create new mental pathways that will allow readers to “nimbly switch between different types of thinking.” Swart then provides suggestions for cultivating new pathways based on a three-pronged approach: physical exercise, novelty (trying out new things), and emotional stimulation. In the final sections dealing with managing and understanding emotions, Swart is at her best as she explains how readers can better listen to their bodies, enhance focus, rethink failure, stop disregarding their creativity, and remain resilient in working toward a more full life. Swart’s insightful ideas, backed by her neuroscience experience, will appeal to readers looking for a more scientific approach to “enhanced thinking.” (Oct.)