Perception

How Our Bodies Shape Our Minds

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Pub Date 28 Jul 2020 | Archive Date 20 Aug 2020

Description

A groundbreaking popular psychology book that explores the deep connection between our body and our brain.

Over decades of study, University of Virginia psychologist Dennis Proffitt has shown that we are each living our own personal version of Gulliver’s Travels, where the size and shape of the things we see are scaled to the size of our bodies, and our ability to interact with them. Stairs look less steep as dieters lose weight, baseballs grow bigger the better players hit, hills look less daunting if you’re standing next to a close friend, and learning happens faster when you can talk with your hands.

Written with journalist Drake Baer, Perception marries academic rigor with mainstream accessibility. The research presented and the personalities profiled will show what it means to not only have, but be, your unique human body. The positive ramifications of viewing ourselves from this embodied perspective include greater athletic, academic, and professional achievement, more nourishing relationships, and greater personal well-being. The better we can understand what our bodies are—what they excel at, what they need, what they must avoid—the better we can live our lives.

A groundbreaking popular psychology book that explores the deep connection between our body and our brain.

Over decades of study, University of Virginia psychologist Dennis Proffitt has shown that we...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781250219114
PRICE $29.99 (USD)
PAGES 320

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Average rating from 14 members


Featured Reviews

'Perception' takes a close look at the concept of embodiment, how our body influences what and how we perceive. Perception reflects the relationship between what we are attempting to do and what is available in our surroundings to achieve these goals. For example, there was a study mentioned in the book in which athletes perceive a ball coming towards them as being bigger and slower compared to non-athletes who would perceive the ball as being smaller and faster and therefore more difficult to hit. This is due to something called an Umwelt, which is a perceptual world that is scaled by our unique abilities, essentially, you see what you are and you are what you see.

The notion of embodiment is a fascinating one that injects scientific data into something commonly referred to as the mind body connection. What 'Perception' has shown is that the more we are attuned to our bodies, the better decisions we can make, and suddenly the world doesn’t seem like such an intimidating place. We derive meaning of the world through our bodies. Perception is not a mental construct, it depends on our body’s capabilities, what we can and cannot physically do.

A fascinating topic well researched with many studies included.

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This was a great non-fiction read that was thought provoking and immersive. It kept me intrigued and wanting to learn more. It was well written and very informative. The author executed the points he presents in the novel well and it allows you to stop and think about the body and the mind.

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I found this one to be super interesting! I loved how it explored the connection between our body, our abilities and our perception. As someone with a background in psychology, I found the data and exploration of the concept of perception to be intriguing!

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A fascinating read! Perception is a great addition to all general nonfiction collections, particularly those where psych titles are popular.

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There couldn't be better timing for this book in my opinion, given recent events - between COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter. Great overview on how perception shapes our world and worldviews - as well as some insight into why certain demographics react the way they do. It was not easy to digest the information quickly, but still a good read.

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If you like practicing self-awareness and taking care of your body and mind, this book is for you. Incredible and truly eye-opening.

I reached for "Perception" because I was intrigued by the premise that we perceive things differently depending on our state of mind. As someone trying to lose weight and work out more often, the fact that stairs look steeper when you're dieting or hungry totally rings true for me! I figured this book would help me understand the mechanisms behind this and hopefully help me control my mind better as a result.

It turns out this book fulfilled all its promises. Although it's written through the perspective of science and psychology, "Perception" is actually not a very difficult read in terms of wording/phrasing, which is something I dislike in popular science books. I learned a ton about how my brain connects with my body. The number of aha! moments I had was pretty shocking.

I will use this knowledge in my daily life as well as a good conversation opener in social situations (don't laugh, it's perfect).

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Perception was a very informative read that I still managed to enjoy and follow amongst the research/data. I found it really interesting and suitable for our current times. Definitely one that made me think and will recommend to others.

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I received a link to the ARC from the publisher. The concepts aren't new, but our knowledge of them certainly increases, and this book explains things we kind of already know but didn't realize that we did, and compiles them into a study. My new favorite term is "Umwelt." Anyone interested in developmental studies, physical therapies, aging, and the body in general should read this book. As a medical professional and a patient, this information was very enlightening. Four stars.

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Perception
By Dennis Proffitt and Drake Baer

I enjoyed this book a lot - really made me look at things a little different - changing my perceptions and understanding of things. As a nurse specializing in injuries of the brain I really found this book completely fascinating and my kind of a read I really enjoyed a lot. The deep exploration on how our brain and body connection affects the way we see the world and everything around us.

The expertise by Dennis Proffitt from years of study and research, partnered alongside with the writing by journalist Drake Baer, makes this book readable, understandable and simply applicable for the readers without medical or scientific background.

I highly recommend this book!! Fantastic read.

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