In a World of Their Own: Experiencing Unconsciousness

by Madelaine Lawrence

Up until now, we have had little knowledge of what the state of unconsciousness was like from the patient's point of view. Surprisingly, in a state considered void of human experiences, Lawrence found that the events subjects reported were extraordinary. Her research in hospital units and in the literature reveals that more than 70% of the individuals who regain consciousness remember events during their unconscious period. They heard and understood conversations, had inner dialogues, recognized their emotions, and went out of their bodies. As would be expected, some of the patients' experiences are the now-recognized classic NDEs (near-death experiences).

The author also includes descriptions of related research from nursing, medicine, psychology, and parapsychology. The phenomena described in the book are not easily explained by the paradigm of one discipline. It is the author's point of view that because the phenomena crosses the lines of many disciplines, the answer to understanding and explaining the experiences can be obtained only by using theories and research methods from a variety of related disciplines. The integration of research from such varied disciplines brings a unique perspective to the chapters. Also included are suggestions for caregivers and families about what can be done for patients during their unconscious episode and after their recovery.

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 30, 1997

About the author

Hi,

During these extraordinary times, I found research on how individuals can boost their levels of fell-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. Instead of succumbing to feelings of anger, depression, or rejection, elevating these hormone levels can lead to feelings of happiness. All it takes is an act of kindness, like giving out $20 to people who could use a lift.

In my two books, A Pocketful of $20s and Three Worries, the protagonist shares ways to brighten someone’s day with a $20 gift at Christmas. Imagine standing in a long grocery store line as someone reluctantly puts back items that can’t afford. Instead of complaining about the long wait as people do, simply cover the cost of the food, usually $20 will do it. I saw a veteran in a wheelchair with his wife, putting back food they couldn’t afford. $5 covered the cost.

The list of possible ways to help others with a $20 is elaborated upon in the books. Also included are ways to make the receiver feel recognized and valued and never less than.
While these books also feature elements of romance and mystery, this information about giving out $20s makes it easier to have acts of kindness be a part of a person’s daily life

In the book, Three Worries, someone sends a series of devious and malignant emails from her account and creates other deceptions, putting her reputation and budding romantic relationship at risk, a caring nursing director elicits the help of a police detective and others to find the culprit assailing her before her life unravels.
Deer Park Hospital’s emergency department wouldn’t work as well as it does without Lynn Price. As nursing director of the county's busiest emergency department, she fearlessly takes on challenges. Lynn goes above and beyond for her patients. She also finds ways to carry on her mother’s tradition of giving $20 to strangers who seem like they can use a boost. Even her new relationship with the hospital’s well-liked orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Pete, is going well… although his ex-wife sometimes makes things a bit difficult.
As the attacks escalate beyond her computer screen to menace, Lynn must juggle her job, the investigation, and her relationship, trying to protect her future before it’s too late.
Three Worries is a thrilling and engaging read for women’s fiction groups and mystery readers. This book continues the stories of the characters from the first book in the series, A Pocketful of $20s, delving deeper into their lives and relationships. Delightfully humorous with a dash of romance, Three Worries features a capable woman sleuth, a wholesome adventure, and an inspiring thriller for fans of cozy mysteries, medical thrillers, and romantic suspense.



About the Author
A distinguished researcher and educator, Madelaine M. Lawrence, Ph.D., is the author of six fiction and nonfiction books. Her groundbreaking healthcare research studies have led to professional publications and interviews with numerous lay publications, radio talk shows, and television shows. One of her most prominent television appearances was on ABC's Turning Point with Diane Sawyer. She lives in South Carolina, where she practices the same act of giving as the main character of Three Worries: handing out twenty-dollar bills to people who could use a boost.