Podcasts about awakened brain

Thomas and Dr. Lisa Miller, a clinical psychologist, professor, and NYT bestselling author, explore humans' innate capacity for spirituality. Dr. Lisa explains how neuroscience and cutting-edge research help us understand our hard-wired drive for spiritual awareness and what these discoveries mean for the way we approach our spiritual journeys…and our entire lives. According to Dr. Miller, we're all receptive to transcendent relationships, we are all emanations of the same source, and there is hard science to back this up. She and Thomas discuss how connection with others can deepen our spiritual experiences and how important it is to align with life's natural rhythms. They also explore how trauma can be a pathway to spiritual growth and awakening, and Dr. Miller offers a guided practice for experiencing transcendence and awakening to our spiritual awareness. Click here to watch the video version of this episode on YouTube:

Do you long for something more in your life? Are you innately drawn toward spirituality? Do you think we as humans are naturally wired to look for deeper meaning in our lives? Whether it be a walk in the woods, or through mediation or prayer, our guest today, Dr. Lisa Miller, believes that we are naturally able to tap into a heightened awareness of the world around us. We are able to cultivate circuits in our brains which help us to become more spiritually aware. By developing this awareness, we can begin to free ourselves from depression, anxiety, loss of creativity, and so much more. We can consider things from a more awakened, more elevated perspective. Dr. Miller believes when we feel depressed, this is an alert asking us for deeper spiritual exploration.  Dr. Miller is a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she founded the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology. She has been with the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School for more than a decade.  Dr. Miller is the NYT bestselling author of “The Spiritual Child” and her latest book is “The Awakened Brain.” She is the Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal “Spirituality in Clinical Practice,” an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. A graduate of Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, and she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant-funded research studies. Info: LisaMillerPhD.com.  

Spiritual health isn't about following a specific religion, meditating on a mountaintop, or taking the sacrament (unless you want to do those things). It's about something deeper—our connection to something greater than ourselves, our capacity for faith, and the hope that carries us through life's challenges. Dr. Lisa Miller is a New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain. She's a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute—the first Ivy League graduate program dedicated to the study of spirituality and psychology. Her groundbreaking research has been published in over 100 peer-reviewed articles, and she's a sought-after speaker, working with the U.S. military, Fortune 500 companies, schools, and healthcare organizations to integrate spirituality into mental health and leadership. Spirituality isn't just a belief system—it's a proven driver of resilience, purpose, and well-being. In this episode, we dive into: ✔️ How spiritual health impacts mental resilience and emotional well-being ✔️ The neuroscience behind spirituality and how it physically changes the brain ✔️ Why faith—whether in God, the universe, or your inner wisdom—makes you stronger ✔️ Practical ways to nurture your spiritual health (without needing a formal practice) Because here's the truth: Whatever created you, lives within you—and that alone makes you inherently valuable, worthy, and powerful. Connect with Dr. Lisa Miller:  Website: https://www.lisamillerphd.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamillerlis Related Podcast Episodes: Abundance: Secrets to Prosperity and Ease with Cathy Heller | 260 How To Breathe: Breathwork, Intuition and Flow State with Francesca Sipma | 267 The Power of Conscious Connection with Talia Fox | 263 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Are you curious about spirituality but don't know where to start? In this episode, I share five book recommendations for those wanting to dip their toes into spiritual concepts in a very accessible way. These books offer wisdom whether you're new to spirituality or returning to deepen your understanding.Books Recommended:The Celestine Prophecy by James RedfieldA fictional story exploring the interconnectedness of beingsIntroduces concepts of meaningful coincidences, energy fields, and subtle communicationPerfect starting point for those new to spiritual conceptsMany Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian WeissChronicles a psychiatrist's unexpected journey into past life regression therapyShows how past life experiences may influence current challengesBridges traditional psychology with spiritual explorationJourney of Souls by Dr. Michael NewtonExplores the spiritual realm between physical livesDocuments patterns from thousands of regression therapy sessionsOffers perspective on how we may choose our life challenges for spiritual growthThe Awakened Brain by Dr. Lisa MillerCombines personal experience with neuroscience researchDemonstrates how spirituality strengthens brain healthShows how spiritual practice protects against depression, addiction, and lonelinessMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklWritten by a psychiatrist who survived concentration campsExplores how finding meaning transforms our experience of sufferingEmphasizes our power to choose our response to any circumstanceFREE GUIDE -  20 Client Conversation Starters Guide:https://www.integratedwisdom.com.au/20conversationstartersBe sure to SHARE this episode to anyone you feel may be interested or benefit from this content.And please don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE to keep up to date with our episodes and give us a RATING below. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️You can now send me your comments or questions, to hello@integratedwisdom.com.au or you can also find me on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/integrated_wisdom/Intro and Outro music: Inspiring Morning by PlaysoundDisclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be treated as psychological treatment or to replace the need for psychological treatment.

On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I speak to author of “Carry On” @carryonthebook Shea Bart Andreone @shea_andreone . Shea shares her deeply personal journey through fertility challenges, pregnancy struggles, and the emotional rollercoaster of loss and hope. She discusses her desire to become a parent, the difficulties she faced with hyperemesis gravidarum, and the heartbreak of losing a pregnancy. Ultimately, Shea emphasizes the importance of resilience and the joy of welcoming her children into the world. In this heartfelt conversation, Shea Bart Andreone shares her journey through the challenges of parenthood, including loss, the search for control, and the importance of community support. She discusses her book 'Carry On', which compiles true stories of individuals navigating the complexities of starting a family. The conversation emphasizes the significance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, and the need for emotional support in healing. Be sure to tune in as you won't want to miss our deeply touching and hope filled conversation!   Takeaways   Shea always wanted to be a parent and started her journey with high hopes. Fertility struggles are common and can be emotionally taxing. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that can lead to significant health challenges. Shea experienced extreme nausea and weight loss during her pregnancy. The emotional toll of pregnancy loss is profound and can lead to feelings of guilt and despair. Shea's journey highlights the unpredictability of pregnancy and the importance of being adaptable. The desire to have children can drive individuals to persevere through immense challenges. Finding peace is possible, even amidst uncertainty. Loss can lead to discovering new activities that provide control. Writing can be a powerful outlet for processing experiences. Community support is crucial for those facing fertility challenges. The journey of parenthood can be isolating without connection. Stories of others can provide comfort and understanding. It's important to seek out community and support during difficult times.   Guest Bio:   Shea Bart Andreone was raised in Queens, New York, but moved west and loves California. She is a writer of numerous plays, essays, and maintains a blog called Twig Hugger. Shea has written multiple articles for mom and parent-oriented platforms (The Next Family, Motherfigure, LA Parent, Your Teen Magazine, and Chicken Soup For The Soul). Carry On is her first book and she hopes that it can provide hope and comfort to those who are on the fertility journey.    Websites: https://sheabartandreone.com/  Instagram: @carryonthebook @shea_andreone  X: X.comCarryOnTheBook   For more information about Michelle, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com The Wholesome FertilityFacebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/     Transcript:   Michelle (00:00) Welcome to the podcast,   Shea Bart Andreone (00:01) Thank you. Thanks for having me.   Michelle (00:04) Yeah, it's a pleasure having you and I would love for you to share your story and what got you inspired to write your book Carry On. would love for you to share that with the listeners.   Shea Bart Andreone (00:17) I would love to. So I always loved kids. I always wanted a younger sibling. I wanted to babysit when my parents decided they were never gonna have another child. I'm the youngest with a big age gap. So I took on all things that could keep me around.   Michelle (00:36) Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (00:45) kids so that I felt like I could be a big sister or a babysat. And I taught kids and ran day camps and stuff like that. I always knew that I wanted to be a parent and start a family. So when I did finally find the person to do that with, I thought, okay, well, when we get to that moment, it's just gonna be easy peasy and   you know, that's so exciting. We make the decision and we go. And of course, like every listener of your podcast and many, many more people around the world, it doesn't always work that way. So it took me quite a bit of time to figure out what to do. You you're instructed pretty quickly to try for longer and   I just, think I knew something was going to stop me unless I got help, but I, I did see my regular OB at the time and she suggested that we do an HSG, where they flush the iodine up your fallopian tubes. And she discovered that, I, I, you can really feel that.   Michelle (02:04) Not a fun test.   Yeah, it's crazy, but I hear so many things, so many stories, and I just wish doctors would just let people know like what's coming.   Shea Bart Andreone (02:19) Yeah, like exactly what you're gonna feel. Yeah, no, we have to experience it for ourselves. So that resulted in finding out that I had a fibroid right at the opening of my uterus. So I had scheduled the surgery to get it removed and somehow in...   Michelle (02:21) Yeah.   Yeah.   Shea Bart Andreone (02:48) that, well, not somehow. We know how making babies can work. I guess my husband and I were continuing to try and because of the HSG, it pushed the fibroid a little bit out of the way and I was able to actually conceive. But the fibroid and the pregnancy, they were fighting for the blood supply.   Michelle (03:16) So just backing up, were you about to do surgery for it, but then you stopped because you got pregnant?   Shea Bart Andreone (03:22) Yeah, so I scheduled a surgery and then ended up in crazy, crazy pain. like pain I'd never experienced before, like just shocking, like sharp, sharp pain. And I ended up calling the doctor and she said, go to the emergency room. And it was in the emergency room that I found out I was actually pregnant.   Michelle (03:30) Mm.   wow.   Shea Bart Andreone (03:52) And I was told basically, you gotta just kind of deal with this because they didn't know which one would win out. So I waited and I took whatever I could for pain, but not a lot, because I was like, well, I think I had a feeling like, no, no, no, I'm pregnant. Like, this is amazing.   Michelle (04:06) Got it.   wow, you felt it before they confirmed it?   Shea Bart Andreone (04:22) No, no, no. I definitely didn't know when I went in, but once I was, I was very protective. I was like, no, I don't, you can tell me all you want that like, there's a chance this won't stick, but I'm going to protect this. So I was very, very careful. And then in the end, that doctor was really not helpful. And I had like,   Michelle (04:25) Okay.   Yeah.   Mm-hmm. Yeah, yeah. For sure.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (04:51) crazy pain on the following Monday and ended up like my sister-in-law said, just go to my doctor, just go to my doctor. So I went to her doctor and I had a very like strong clear line in the sand that I would not go to a male doctor. And I felt like at that point I was like, okay, like we all have things on this journey that we think we're not gonna do. And we think we're gonna like,   Michelle (05:09) Mm-hmm.   Yes.   Shea Bart Andreone (05:19) okay, I'm never gonna do IVF or I'm never gonna do IUI and I'm not gonna, and then like, you're like, well, I'm gonna change that. So I started with him and I really do think that because of that situation, I ended up in the right hands. So luckily for me, like that pregnancy ended up sticking.   Michelle (05:22) It's true.   that's great.   Shea Bart Andreone (05:49) and that fibroid eventually just sort of died off. However, within, I think I felt good for like two weeks and then I started feeling symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum, which is, yeah, a few weeks in, I started feeling severely nauseous and,   Michelle (06:06) Mm-hmm. You mean early in the pregnancy.   Mm-hmm.   Right.   Shea Bart Andreone (06:18) I thought, okay, well, this will pass. This is what they tell people, like, know, morning sickness, but it's not morning sickness. Hyperamesis Gravidarum is like, if I threw up eight times in a day, that was a really good day. And I broke all the blood vessels in my face daily from the pressure of vomiting. And the blood vessels in my eyes were...   Michelle (06:35) Wow, yeah.   Shea Bart Andreone (06:48) Like my, I had bloodshot eyes and just could not remember a time that I liked food. Like it was so awful to me. Like the idea of it, sipping water, anything. And originally, like...   Michelle (07:04) Yeah, that's that's a big thing, too, because people get dehydrated.   Shea Bart Andreone (07:08) Yeah, yeah, and I tried everything. tried like, you know, motion sickness bands and you know, there were lollipops that were supposed to help and ice pops and nothing, nothing, nothing. And I just didn't want anything. And that, you know, began the insane journey of my pregnancy because that led me to lose about 15 pounds.   Michelle (07:18) Mm-hmm.   Wow.   Shea Bart Andreone (07:37) And my doctor didn't quite realize how bad it was. And when he did, he was like, I am giving you medication that is going to stop the, you know, the vomiting for a few days and you have to eat. If you do not gain weight by Monday or stay the same, I have to admit you for a feeding tube. So we took the weekend.   Michelle (07:54) Yeah.   Wow.   Shea Bart Andreone (08:06) And my husband was like, can you think of anything, any food you ever liked? And I was like, pizza.   Michelle (08:18) Ha ha ha ha!   Shea Bart Andreone (08:21) For like kid food, I went to growing up, had, I think was, had Elio's frozen pizza and tater tots. And I was like, I don't even know where that came from, but okay, let's try that. And the medication was so intense that you basically like, you could eat and then you'd fall asleep. And so that started on a Friday and Saturday midday, I woke up and I felt like,   Michelle (08:23) Yeah.   The simple things.   Shea Bart Andreone (08:51) I couldn't stop moving. Like I was very restless. And I felt like this must be what restless leg syndrome is like, but it feels like this for my whole body. And that was crazy because I'd never experienced a situation like that before where you feel like it's out of control. Like you can't say kind of wreaks havoc on your mind because you don't want to keep moving, but you are.   Michelle (08:53) Mm-hmm.   Mm-hmm.   wow.   Shea Bart Andreone (09:21) Yeah.   Michelle (09:21) Yeah, yeah. Is that from, was that from the medication side effect? my God, you poor thing. You got tortured.   Shea Bart Andreone (09:25) Yeah.   It's the yeah, it got worse too. Then I got jaw lock.   Michelle (09:31) no.   no.   Shea Bart Andreone (09:37) So like my entire jaw just locked to one side. And once that started, it didn't let go for 16 hours.   Michelle (09:42) no.   my God.   Shea Bart Andreone (09:51) And the only thing that would help is sometimes I could put all my upper body weight over my husband's shoulder and it would like kind of fall. And at one point in that time it moved to the other side, but it was so uncomfortable and so painful. And I remember walking to use the bathroom at some point and looking at the toilet and thinking, I'd actually rather throw up than this. Like, I'm like.   Michelle (10:01) Mm-hmm.   Mm.   poor thing. my gosh. And was that also from the medication? Wow.   Shea Bart Andreone (10:24) Yeah. And it's interesting how your brain can only focus on one thing at a time, because in the back of my mind, I was like, how could I remain pregnant through all of this? my body is going through so much trauma right now. I don't know how. And   Michelle (10:34) Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (10:49) I knew that my husband was thinking the same thing, but we weren't discussing it because I was so distracted by the pain and the discomfort. But I knew that he was calling the doctor and trying to find out like, would this baby be okay? And fortunately he got the answer that like, this, guess what you eat doesn't.   Michelle (11:08) Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (11:18) always and what you what medicine doesn't always go fully like you do filter those things out to a degree. And I remember the next, you know, that was over the weekend and I went back and I, I was able to maintain my weight. So he did not have to send me to the hospital. But I remember, like waiting with bated breath to see that ultrasound on Monday morning. And   Michelle (11:46) Yeah.   Shea Bart Andreone (11:46) there was the baby inside with its legs crossed and an arm back and like yeah I've been fine in here.   Michelle (11:55) lounging. That's amazing.   Shea Bart Andreone (12:00) Like, I know you've been in hell, but I'm having a vacation.   Michelle (12:03) I'm sure you tell the story. It's interesting because my mom actually reminded me again. You have stories that you just keep hearing over and over and over again. But truthfully, mean, suffered secondary infertility to conceive me. So I'm kind of a product of secondary infertility. And she's tried and tried and tried. She said every time I get my period, I cry.   Shea Bart Andreone (12:06) Yeah.   Michelle (12:28) And it was really the stories of the people that I treat. It's so crazy how that comes full circle. And I'm kind of like the proof that a woman can go through all of this and still have a baby. And she also had the same thing. I don't know how severe it was, but to the point where she lost so much weight, she was under a hundred pounds and her doctor said, listen, we got to abort this child. You're not going to survive. And she's like, no way.   You know, and it was, it's pretty crazy. You know, you go through this journey and then you advice that you're like, no, no, no, no, no, this is not happening.   Shea Bart Andreone (13:04) Yeah, you get advice and then also like you try again and willingly enter something this crazy because the power and the, you know, the need and the, yeah. Yeah. That desire to have children is, is pretty huge. pretty, it's, it's, it's quite magical and   Michelle (13:10) Mm-hmm.   The belief really, right? The belief in that desire.   Shea Bart Andreone (13:34) wondrous, I think. Yeah. Yeah.   Michelle (13:37) I agree. I think it's meant to be there. Like, I don't think that it's a random thing. People feel that really strong calling and I don't think it's random. It's not just something that was kind of planted there for no reason. I think it's because you're meant to find the baby in one way the other. Like you were saying before about how maybe you don't expect it to be IVF, but maybe it is, and then you can kind of go back and forth. But even with...   egg donor or embryo donor or even adoption. I've had people talk about that and they said I was meant to have that baby. Like it was that calling. just that I was trying to control how it was going to show up.   Shea Bart Andreone (14:17) Yeah, yeah, it's really wild. mean, the things when you listen to other people's stories, sometimes you're like, why didn't you stop? And like, mean, or how did you keep going? How did you persevere? like, I follow someone online who is pregnant right now. And this is the first positive pregnancy test that she's gotten in over eight, like in eight years of trying. While you wait.   Michelle (14:28) Mm-hmm.   I think I saw that one. Yes. It was amazing. It was really, my God, I got the chills with the video that she showed. was like, that was amazing.   Shea Bart Andreone (14:47) Yes, it was amazing!   Yeah, like to see that double line. yeah, that's a long time. And people go through a lot. And it is not something for anyone on the outside to judge or decide or advise on because that desire, like you said, it's pretty wild. Yeah, yeah.   Michelle (14:57) Yeah, after eight years.   Yeah.   It's real.   Shea Bart Andreone (15:22) So in the end, I did get a very healthy baby and a baby girl. did not find out the gender and in the middle of a contraction, my husband, we had names for both a boy and a girl and in the middle of a contraction, my husband goes, I gotta tell you something. I don't like the boy's name. And I was like, I can't talk to you right now.   Michelle (15:45) That's funny. That is so funny.   Shea Bart Andreone (15:52) So for that sake, we were very happy to have a girl. Like we were happy to have a girl anyway. think we admitted to each other we really wanted a girl, but like, obviously we would have been over the moon for anything except that I don't know what we would have named that boy. So, you know, when she was about...   Michelle (15:59) Yeah.   Yeah, that's so funny.   Shea Bart Andreone (16:17) close to three. I wanted some time. I was really, really enjoying just like feeling healthy and raising a baby and not rushed to have another one. And so I thought, okay, well, when she like goes into preschool, then I can try to do this again. And this time I did get pregnant right away. And   was pretty sick right away as well. And my doctor found this team that like sends an IV, like teaches you guys, like a couple to do their own IVs. And I was set up to give myself, to put a port into my belly every morning with an IV that I wore as a pack.   Michelle (17:01) Mm.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (17:16) that was to help me to stop throwing up. And unfortunately,   I feel like, you know, anything I deal with, like there's research that comes out like a year or two later that like, that could have helped me in that situation, but unfortunately it didn't. But the medicine that was given to me at the time is no longer on the market for pregnancies because it can stop the heart from beating. So in...   Michelle (17:33) wow.   Uh-huh.   my gosh, wow.   Shea Bart Andreone (17:55) you know, at our 12 week ultrasound, which I was hoping to celebrate, was, and talk about like power and instinct. That morning, I felt like something was wrong. And I don't know where that feeling came from, because it's too soon at that point to really feel anything, you know.   Michelle (18:15) my gosh.   Shea Bart Andreone (18:24) moving around, but I just felt like something was wrong. And I remember looking at the sky and it was like this perfect blue and telling myself that no matter what happens today, that sky is still going to be blue. And just to hold on to like, not everything is lost. And I don't, I really don't even know why I felt this like foreboding, foreshadowing feeling. but   Michelle (18:43) Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (18:54) know, the doctor was, we were waiting in the room for the doctor and my husband was joking around and I said, I don't know, I don't feel like joking around. you know, when the doctor came in all friendly right away, I said, don't feel, I feel like some, I was very straightforward in a way that I don't think I usually am. And I was right, there was no heartbeat.   Michelle (19:03) Mm-hmm.   Wow.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (19:21) and I was too far along to like have anything done in the office. So I had to get checked into the hospital and yeah, it was really, really rough and awful because I felt like...   I tried so hard to do the right thing and to like keep everybody healthy. And it was awful doing like, you know, the port and injecting myself every day and all of that. And it still didn't work. So we ended up naming that baby, the name that I...   Michelle (19:43) Mm-hmm.   Mm-hmm.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (20:08) show is with my, what I thought with my husband, but he didn't really like it. And I said, I know you didn't really like this name, but can I use it for this baby? And in that moment, he said, yep, but why don't you give all the other names that we're not gonna use next time. And that was the first time I heard him agree, like, we'll try again.   Michelle (20:13) you   wow.   Shea Bart Andreone (20:34) I hadn't thought that, like, guess it was, like, it was a lot for me, but I knew I wanted to try, but I kind of felt like, like I said about advice that came from others, like, it felt like everything in the universe was saying, you have gone through enough, take your one child, be grateful and move on. And for him to say, we will try again, it just gave me such a sense of relief that we were on the same page.   But we did agree that no matter what happened, this would be the last time because our daughter couldn't live through that again. And we couldn't, you know, do that. So we were gonna, so we tried again this time with no medication and only an IV for fluid. So I...   Michelle (20:59) Yeah.   Mm-hmm. Yeah.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (21:24) It's strange, hyperemesis is a weird thing. Like I definitely got it all three times that I was pregnant, but with the first one and the third one, the time of day that I could eat was totally different. I, with this, the last pregnancy, I could eat something in the morning, but once like one o'clock came, that's it. Like the gate was closed. Like there's no more putting any food or liquid into your body.   Michelle (21:30) Mm-hmm.   huh.   Shea Bart Andreone (21:54) so I did what I can, like I did what I could to eat before that time. and you know, we navigated it and, and I had a healthy baby boy. so I, I am very, very grateful and definitely, I'm aware, especially when I talk to others that are in the middle of their story.   Michelle (22:07) amazing.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (22:24) that   You don't know how your journey is going to end. really don't know how you're going to get to where you get to. But,   I know it's so cliche, like, whatever is supposed to happen, like the end of the story, it works out in the end. Like whether or not you get the biological child or adoption or foster or five dogs.   Michelle (22:56) Yeah. Yeah.   Shea Bart Andreone (22:58) you find peace at some point. I, my heart, yeah, my heart goes out to the people that are still in that journey and they don't have the ending yet.   Michelle (23:02) Yeah, I mean that makes sense.   Yeah, it's the ending. It's, things start to make sense at the end. And then you realize, had it not been for that exact moment, the genetics, all the alignment wouldn't be that exact child that you have. And, you know, obviously when you're holding that child in your hands, you're like, I wouldn't change this for anything. but sometimes it can be really scary because when you're going through it, you're walking into like a dark room, cause you have no idea how things are going to play out.   Shea Bart Andreone (23:37) Yeah. Yeah.   Michelle (23:38) And that the unknown, as we know, is like the scariest things for humans. all, nobody likes that. It's just the unknown. And especially when it comes to such a strong desire that is so primal. Yeah.   Shea Bart Andreone (23:43) Yeah.   Yeah, yeah. And so universal. mean, it's just procreating. That's what we think we're wired. I mean, we are wired and we think that we're meant to do it and it doesn't work out that way for everybody. So in all of that, for me though, especially in the miscarriage part, I felt like   Michelle (23:59) Yep.   Yeah.   Shea Bart Andreone (24:21) I didn't know who to go to and I didn't know where to, like, didn't feel, obviously I had at the time, like a three year old. And so either everyone around me in my circle at the time had a second child already or was trying to. And I didn't, I don't want to go to those people in that time.   So I ended up calling a friend of mine who had also lost several babies at the same week because I needed very specific support at that time. Like someone who really   Michelle (25:00) wow.   Yeah, yeah, yeah, no, that's somebody who can understand.   Shea Bart Andreone (25:09) Yeah, like understand exactly. And I talked to her and then she maybe led me to someone else. And I discovered that each woman that I spoke to had felt such a loss of control with their trajectory of what they had planned.   that they found activities that they could control to keep them a little bit grounded. It's such an ungrounding time. And one of them was like painting pottery, you know, plant pots. One ran a marathon. One was cooking and started to become a chef.   Michelle (25:45) Mm-hmm.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (26:06) And I realized that there were these like stories of activities that have, and, you know, hobbies or whatnot that came out of this. And I, I was like, okay, I got to find my, activity. So, and, and like I said, like something I can control, something I can, you know, seek from start to finish and have an outcome.   Michelle (26:07) wow.   Shea Bart Andreone (26:36) because I can't do that with a baby.   Michelle (26:36) Mm-hmm.   That's so interesting. This is the first time I've ever heard anybody put it in that way. I find it so interesting and I think that is really powerful.   Shea Bart Andreone (26:48) Yeah, it made sense to me once I realized this common thread. I was like, I get it. So I took up sewing and realized really quickly that is not going to be my thing. was one of those things I was always curious about and I like maybe took an eighth grade and didn't totally understand it. And so I was like, I'm going to try it now. And I was like,   Michelle (26:57) Mm-hmm.   Which that happens too.   Shea Bart Andreone (27:18) Nope, don't have any control over this either. But I was writing and I decided, that is something that I can do and I really love it and it can be an outlet for me. And so I decided to, because I couldn't think about anything else, to compile these stories from people.   Michelle (27:19) Yeah.   Shea Bart Andreone (27:47) and their hurdles and their stories of trying to become a parent. And that is how the book, Carry On, came to be. And it is stories of infertility and adoption and fostering. And most stories in the book have a happy ending, but not all the stories in the book.   Michelle (27:57) Mm-hmm.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (28:18) And yeah, mean, a lot of them, like when you're in the, if you, before you get to the end of that chapter for that person, you're like, whew. But there, you know, every story has a beginning, a middle and an end. so it's been, it, it, it's been wild to, interview people and learn about people. And you know, it is, because it's.   Michelle (28:29) Mm-hmm.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (28:47) It's my book and I put it together with all these different people. I thought I was done with it a couple of years ago. And again, talk about control and you think you're going to put a deadline on yourself and it has a life of its own. But I made a fairly new friend in the last few years.   Michelle (28:56) Mm-hmm.   Mm-hmm. Things change.   Shea Bart Andreone (29:17) And we got to know each other over something completely unrelated to fertility. And it was actually like activism against violence for something. we just connected and realized like, we should be friends, but we were so busy focusing on the cause that it took like a couple of months for us to get together and go for a walk before I like.   looked at her and said, so what do you do? Who are you? And she asked the same of me and I said, you I'm working on this book. And she said, if I had known you before, I probably would have been a chapter in your book.   Michelle (29:49) Yeah.   my gosh, wow.   Shea Bart Andreone (30:05) And it took me another couple of months of getting to know her and realizing that like, actually her story really does belong in this book and it is my book. So even though it's been done for a while, I'm adding it. So her story is one of the chapters in the book and she's the one that drew the line in the sand and said, I am never doing IVF. Like that's as far as I'll go.   Michelle (30:16) Mmm. Wow.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (30:34) And if she didn't do IVF, she wouldn't have her child.   Michelle (30:41) Wow, it's amazing how that happens.   Shea Bart Andreone (30:44) Yeah, and she and her story is really fascinating too because   Like mine, her health was at risk, you know, in order to have her child, but she, you know, went through 20 weeks of pregnancy with twins via IVF and unfortunately she lost those babies. And then, you know, knew what to expect the next time around. But when she wanted a second child,   it was just too much for her to like endure again, but it wasn't an option for her to not have a second child. So her second child is actually adopted from Ethiopia.   Michelle (31:33) my is beautiful.   Shea Bart Andreone (31:36) So it's a pretty amazing story.   Michelle (31:40) That's amazing. That's so beautiful. I had a guest, a previous guest, Dr. Lisa Miller. She wrote The Awakened Brain. She has an incredible story and it was, she was struggling to conceive for years with her husband. She had a voice in her head that kept saying, would you adopt if you had a child? If you were able to conceive, would you adopt? And she kept saying no. And then,   Shea Bart Andreone (31:48) yeah.   Michelle (32:04) one day randomly they saw something on TV. think they were either, I don't know if she was in hospital or a hotel. I don't remember exactly what it was, but like the TV wouldn't change. And it was stuck on this channel of a child that didn't have parents and her heart just blew wide open.   and her husband as well. And they're like, that's it. We're adopting. The second they decided to adopt and they got everything in order, she conceived. And she was meant to have her adoptive child. It was like something was calling her in that direction. She kept putting it off. And then all of sudden, boom, like in the right time, it was like, that was it. And then what happened was she heard that voice again in her mind.   if you were able to conceive naturally, would you still adopt? And she said, absolutely yes. Like after she decided and saw the child and it was just so powerful and she was getting all kinds of crazy signs. There was a duck that left an embryo in her door. It was right after she had a challenge conceiving. was just, it was so crazy. Like all these weird signs and it just tells you that they were part of a very cosmic intelligence.   there's got to be some kind of order that we're part of because it can't you can't explain that otherwise. There's something else. There's some other kind of divine intelligence. Yeah, yep.   Shea Bart Andreone (33:31) Yeah, whatever you want to call it, it's out there. So did she end up adopting a child and having a biological child?   Michelle (33:40) Yep. Yep. And she feels that her adoptive child is her child. Like that was the child she was meant to have. And then also her child and they were also meant to be together. It's amazing. It's just so wild on so many levels,   Shea Bart Andreone (33:56) Yeah, yeah, I just met someone I did a panel for a fertility expo and the woman sitting next to me had dealt with secondary infertility and had no issue getting pregnant with her first child and then her second child just she could not get pregnant, could not get pregnant and they had been on a list for fostering.   kids and I didn't go like she wasn't ever planning to adopt but just to help other people and to take in another child and she was thinking she was going to get like a teenager and somehow they were called randomly like two years ago with a newborn that was available and so she has raised that you know baby since birth and   Michelle (34:29) Mm-hmm.   Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (34:52) now is trying to adopt the baby. of course, two years, you know, year and a half into having that baby, she did get pregnant and now has three children.   Michelle (34:55) wow.   Wow. wow. you just don't know how and that's the part of relinquishing control. Like we know we have the desire and the desire is there for a reason. We just, we almost have to rely on that divine intelligence for the how. I think that that's what it is. And when we fight that, that's where I feel like it doesn't stop like you from having it eventually, but it stops the process. It delays it. think when we fight   Shea Bart Andreone (35:17) Yeah. Yep.   Michelle (35:30) that divine intelligence, that flow that's trying to move you in a certain direction.   Shea Bart Andreone (35:34) Yeah, it's really true. And also, I don't know why I keep coming back to this today, but that middle part of the story, you have to find a way to be uncomfortable in that disequilibrium and manage it, because it's not going to stay like that. It won't. Yeah.   Michelle (35:50) Mm-hmm.   Right. This too shall pass.   Shea Bart Andreone (36:01) Even like in every situation, every, like this week, my daughter was expecting to get, she had worked really, really hard for a slot and an opportunity to do something. And they were looking at 10 people and knocking it down to six. And she ended up in the bottom four and did not get that opportunity. And I'm shocked. She's shocked, she's devastated.   Michelle (36:28) Mm.   Shea Bart Andreone (36:30) And as a parent, have that like, don't really want to be more upset for them. Like there's a fine line. You got to balance like your own emotions before you like, you know, and I just like the last couple of days, I've been like, okay, what's going to happen next? Because somehow something is going to make this better. Like, and I know something will happen. Like, but I feel like I'm on the edge of my seat sort of waiting for news.   Michelle (36:37) Mm-hmm.   Yep.   Mm-hmm. Yep.   Shea Bart Andreone (37:00) and that is familiar to me for like, you know, all the waiting and the waiting and the waiting of like, well, what's going to happen? Something is going to happen. Something exciting at some point. And you might have some pretty upsetting moments along the way, but something is going to happen.   Michelle (37:21) Yes, I actually remember hearing, I don't remember where it was, but it was a rabbi who said that there was like a saying that everything in the end works out. And if it's not working out or everything in the end is good. And if it's not good, it's not the end. And I'm like, I love that. Yeah.   Shea Bart Andreone (37:36) at the end. Yeah. Yeah. Yep. Yeah, I definitely feel that way.   but we get like, it's so global. It's so like, you know, whatever your politics are, you can feel like, shoot, you know, that happened. You know, like, we feel this universally, like many, many times, and it shifts, things shift. And then, yeah, and the story ends.   Michelle (38:03) They do.   Yes. Yeah. Things definitely shift. I'm also kind of into Kabbalah right now, like, cause it's very similar to quantum physics. And I love that, how Joe Dispenza talks about that. But I find that a lot of like ancient traditions teach about, and these are things that aren't necessarily, you don't need to see them as like a religion per se. It's actually a way of life. It's almost like a science of life. And they talk about how, things do come up.   It is really for your soul to evolve. And sometimes those difficult things, like the second we react to them, then we sort of block ourselves off from the light and that like wisdom. But when we allow them, and this is, you know, they talked about it in Zen Buddhism, that's truly going with the flows. Like even when things are not comfortable, if you just allow for it to move and don't fight it.   with the non-resistance, then it actually helps to grow your soul, your spirit, your personality, your mind, your ability to handle things. It's pretty wild, but in some senses that   challenge   is what helps us. And the same thing if you look at a butterfly or even like a plant coming out of a seed and that hard shell and that fighting and that   challenge   of trying to get through. so it's painful, but they do it in that   That aspect of it, the difficulty, the challenge is really what helps us to become more of ourselves.   Shea Bart Andreone (39:44) Yeah, to get to the other side.   Michelle (39:46) Yeah, it's pretty wild. But like you said, it's universal. It could be applied to anything in your life. It could be applied to anything, to getting a job, to marrying the right partner. And it's very similar and also just any kind of challenges that happen in your life. And I've seen it so many times, just like you, like so many stories of people that had they looked at their history and said, okay, well, since I've never gotten pregnant,   Shea Bart Andreone (40:01) Yeah.   Michelle (40:12) before, like the one we just spoke about eight years of never getting pregnant, you could look at the history and say, based on the history and since it's been so long, that's going to probably be my future. And logically, it makes sense to think like that, but it's not necessarily the case for many people.   Shea Bart Andreone (40:15) Yeah.   Yeah. Yeah, and that belief of holding and hope, hope is like.   Michelle (40:35) Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (40:38) That's such a challenging topic because it is the first thing to go, I think, when you're challenged and faced with a big hurdle to overcome. It's hard to think you can hold on to any sort of hope, but that's pretty much the key.   Michelle (41:00) Yeah, it is. it's so interesting that it's so hard because the journey by itself, you're also faced with a lot of professionals that are giving you stats and numbers. And sometimes when you go into that, that's like a hope killer. It'll immediately say, well, I guess you can't really do it because look at your numbers are terrible. And based on this, it's just not possible for you. And so many people still conceive despite that and have healthy   children, know, births. So it's interesting how also the journey, the fertility journey just happens to be one that you're faced with a lot of hope killers in general. And so having to really stay grounded and really stay close to that desire and keep that like in your heart.   is very challenging. and you mentioned something that was actually really powerful. And I think that that is something that everybody should be given as a resource is just community connecting with people that know exactly what you're going through. And having that support is tremendous. And it's just nowadays, it's getting better than it used to. I feel like it used to be worse. Now we have social media.   We have lots of groups, we're connecting. And I think that that's huge. And I think that people who go through miscarriages doctors should be required to give them resources because you're dealing with a traumatic event and then you're sent home. And I think that that is not right. It's, it's like unethical to not provide support for people going through that.   Shea Bart Andreone (42:44) I agree, and I think that is a big flaw in our medical community, like our medical world. takes, I mean, I don't want to be, put anybody in boxes, but the majority of the people who become doctors are very cerebral and understand the logistics of the physical body and don't always necessarily take into account the emotional side.   Michelle (43:13) Mm-hmm.   Shea Bart Andreone (43:14) I would say most for me of the doctors that I have seen don't handle the emotional stuff very well. And I think we're learning that mental health is such a massive, massive element that cannot be ignored and needs the attention. And I do think when you said it's getting better community wise, it is, from what it start like...   There, know, hundreds of years ago and in other countries still today, community is everything surrounding people. And I would say Western medicine has, you know, unfortunately kind of cut that out. And like even in other countries, I think it's France where you're, once you have a baby, you're, you're provided with physical therapy for the woman who gave, you for you as a woman.   Michelle (43:49) Yeah, it's just true. Yeah.   Shea Bart Andreone (44:12) You're given attention to heal yourself. And here we're sent home. You just had a baby. Bye. You're good. Not even 24 hours of any instruction. If you adopt a baby, you have to go through many, many, many hours of training. But on the other side, if you just birthed your own baby, you're sent home. Good luck.   Michelle (44:20) Yeah.   Mm-hmm. Yeah.   Shea Bart Andreone (44:39) So yeah, would say lack of community is still huge. And yes, you can find that online, but...   Michelle (44:49) Right. It's not the same as actually having a physical community.   Shea Bart Andreone (44:52) Yeah, and we still don't provide that for each other. And there's no wonder to me why doulas and midwives and lactation consultants and postpartum doulas are in such high demand. And unfortunately, that's a luxury.   Michelle (45:13) Mm-hmm. Right, right. It's a luxury and it's expensive. Not everybody can afford it.   Shea Bart Andreone (45:17) Yeah, but I understand the need for it. It makes perfect sense to me because it's like we're thrown into this dark tunnel without any light provided. It would be nice for someone to sit by your side and tell you how it's going to go. And yes, mothers and sisters and friends can do that to an extent, but yeah, it feels like there's a need.   Michelle (45:21) Yep.   Shea Bart Andreone (45:47) And yes, you can Google anything and you will find out.   Michelle (45:51) It's not quite the same. Actually, if anything, it gives you more anxiety. It's so important. And I think that it's true. I, as you're talking, I'm like, this is basically the building blocks of society. Like if you have a good foundation that's done with love and wisdom and carries on like traditions and history that people have learned from and can teach it. I mean, it feels like almost there's a gap because   Shea Bart Andreone (45:54) Yeah.   Michelle (46:21) It used to be that way really back in the day. And then there was this gap with industrial age and we've sort of gotten more separated and now we're thirsting for it. And there is a very big demand for that.   Shea Bart Andreone (46:35) Yeah, yeah. So that I, you know, not that a book can can cover that, but I feel like the aspect of why I chose to write this is just if it could help one person not feel as alone as I felt before I started finding these people. That's the goal because   I just, think even people who can find access to other people sometimes are afraid to like make that like leap to go find a support group or talk to other people. Like, you know, I have a friend right now, a very close friend dealing with cancer and she has three kids and there are so many groups available to them to...   Michelle (47:25) I'm sorry to hear that.   Shea Bart Andreone (47:33) speak to others who are dealing exactly with what they're dealing with, but they don't want to go. Yeah. I, you know, whatever way someone can find that community, whether it's through a podcast or, you know, or a group in the park or a Facebook group or, you know,   Michelle (47:37) Mm-hmm. Yeah, yeah. It's so personal.   Shea Bart Andreone (48:01) or in a book, just hope for people that they find people to connect to so they don't feel alone.   Michelle (48:09) Yeah. I love that you wrote this book. think having stories is so powerful and just knowing these true stories and that people went through them and then you can relate to the challenges and then you can see how it ends for some people. I think that it's so powerful not to feel alone. I think that that's the big key is just not feeling alone. And like you said, the key is hope.   So for people who are listening to this, and I'm sure a lot of people are going to be wanting to look at this book right now, how can they find the book? How can they find out more about you?   Shea Bart Andreone (48:44) My website is sheabartandrioni.com and the book is available on Amazon. It's also available in certain bookstores. You can walk into your local bookstore and order it through them if they don't have it. And the book is called Carry On and the subtitle is True Stories of the Heartbreak and Wonder of Trying to Start a Family.   Michelle (49:15) Well, first of all, I really enjoyed this conversation with you today, Shay. This is really so heartfelt and it just, it was so symbolic of like the power of the human spirit and going through that and just everything that you shared today and opening up and I really appreciate you coming on. I really, really enjoyed   this conversation with you   Shea Bart Andreone (49:36) Thank you. Thank you. was nice to meet you.   Michelle (49:40) same. And also just for the listeners, if you guys want all of the links that Shay just mentioned are going to be in the episode notes, so you don't have to memorize everything that you just heard. You could just go back to the episode notes. So thank you so much for coming on today, Shay.   Shea Bart Andreone (49:55) You're most welcome.  

The Medical Establishment is getting 2/3 of Depression Diagnoses Wrong & Science is PROVING We're ALL Hardwired for Spiritual Awakening  Dr. Lisa Miller (Columbia University Clinical Psychology Professor, Founder & Director of Spirituality Mind Body Institute) reveals surprising scientific proof that we're ALL born with the capacity to awaken spiritually—and how you can tap into it TODAY!  She shares mind-blowing research on how your brain is wired for spiritual awareness, how depression can actually be a doorway to spiritual awakening, and how mindfulness can lead to deeper inner peace, connection to a higher power, and even an increase in intuitive abilities. Dr. Miller dives into the shocking truth about why medicine is failing us in treating depression & anxiety—and what you can do about it without relying on SSRIs—how serving others can be the key to lifting yourself up, and what structured religion is missing when it comes to fostering true spiritual awareness. Dr. Lisa Miller also breaks down:- 4 powerful steps to living a fully integrated spiritual life (no need for psychedelics or one-off altered states!)- Purpose of suffering in your spiritual path & how it can lead to growth- Spiritual solution to depression- 3 simple techniques to quiet your mind enough to hear messages from the universe- Why loving your enemy is a game-changer for spiritual growth- Practical tips to cultivate a deeper connection to our higher selves and the divine If you're ready to break free from the conventional and tap into a higher consciousness, you NEED to TUNE IN to MBB today! Dr. Lisa Miller's book, THE AWAKENED BRAIN: https://a.co/d/iaBHLXU BialikBreakdown.comYouTube.com/mayimbialik

For our very first guest of the holiday season, I invited on Dr Lisa Miller - a professor at Columbia University, author, clinical psychologist and researcher to discuss her profound work on the intersection between spirituality and mental health.  Our spiritual health is often the dimension of wellbeing we neglect the most, but in this episode we uncover why having a strong belief system, sense of purpose, oneness and path is invaluable, especially in our 20s. This includes:  The distinction between religion and spirituality What brain scans say about the importance of a higher power or meaning  3 practices to improve your spiritual core  Why your spiritual core is so essential in your 20s  Why we resist spirituality and how this harms us  Dr Lisa was an incredible and inspiring guest, her book is called The Awakened Brain.  You can follow her her: @dr.lisamiller   PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755841/person-in-progress-by-jemma-sbeg/  Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visit https://marekhealth.com/knowthyself and get a 10% discount on the Optimization Package (use code KNOWTHYSELF) Author and researcher Dr. Lisa Miller unpacks the science of the Awakened Brain and how humans are innately wired for spiritual experiences. She discusses the root causes of the mental health crisis our planet is facing, and how by reconnecting to this innate spirituality we have the power to heal on a global level. She describes depression as two sides of the same door, revealing the opportunity hidden within our suffering. She discusses how transcendent experiences are explained on a neurological level and the 4 major finds of her research.  She reveals the science of synchronicity, surrender, and our ability to be 'trail angels' who help others along their journey. She also shares a guided practice to open yourself up to life's wisdom and live in harmony with the divine will. André's Book Recommendations: https://www.knowthyself.one/books ___________ 0:00 Intro 1:42 Defining Spirituality as a Scientist 3:45 The Cause of the Mental Health Crisis 6:00 Is Spirituality Limited to the Brain? 12:00 The Awakened Brain: Being in Sync with the Universe 16:52 Children are in This State Naturally 20:56 Ad: Marek Health, Gain Insights through Testing & Optimize Your Health 22:30 Mirror Neurons and Past Life Regressions 26:27 4 Major Findings on the Awakened Brain  32:15 Science of Synchronicity & Surrender  39:11 Guided Practice: Open Yourself Up to Life's Wisdom 44:46 Her Most Shocking Discoveries 46:06 Depression as the Doorway to Spirituality 53:00 Integrating Achievement & Awakened Brain 57:36 Conclusion ___________ Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Website: https://www.lisamillerphd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamiller/ ___________ Know Thyself Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/ Website: https://www.knowthyself.one Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ4wglCWTJeWQC0exBalgKg Listen to all episodes on Audio:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FSiemtvZrWesGtO2MqTZ4?si=d389c8dee8fa4026 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-thyself/id1633725927 André Duqum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/

Dawson Church is a best-selling science writer and author of the upcoming book Spiritual Intelligence: Activating the 4 Circuits of the Awakened Brain. I recently had the chance to talk to him about the following topics: What spiritual intelligence is and how we can tap into it Specific meditation techniques you can use to enhance feelings of bliss and spiritual oneness Scientific studies demonstrating positive effects of meditation on our physical, mental and spiritual health His work with the Veterans Stress Solution and how he uses EFT, energy, and meditation techniques to help Veterans and other people with PTSD reduce their symptoms of PTSD including nightmares, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and increased arousal How to respond if you are experiencing a toxic work environment or abusive relationship Dawson also generously shared that you can receive a Complimentary EFT Mini-Manual and BONUS Immunity EcoMeditation at www.DawsonGift.com. For more information on Dawson, please visit his website at https://dawsonchurch.com

Dr. Lisa Miller joins Rainn Wilson to explore the intersection of spirituality and science, delving into the hardwired nature of human spirituality. They discuss the unique spiritual journey of Gen Z, the role of suffering in personal growth, and the profound ways in which consciousness might transcend the physical brain. Dr. Miller also shares groundbreaking research on how spirituality can protect against depression and even influence healing. Tune in for a deep conversation that challenges conventional views and opens up new paths to understanding our place in the universe. Dr. Lisa Miller is a clinical psychologist, professor at Columbia University, and a pioneering researcher in the field of spirituality and mental health. She is the author of "The Spiritual Child" and "The Awakened Brain," where she explores the scientific basis of spirituality and its profound impact on human resilience and well-being. Dr. Miller's work bridges the gap between psychology and spirituality, offering groundbreaking insights into how spiritual practices can protect against depression and enhance life's meaning. Thank you to our sponsors! Squarespace (10% off!): https://squarespace.com/soulboom Waking Up app (1st month FREE!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/ Sign up for our newsletter! https://soulboom.substack.com SUBSCRIBE to Soul Boom!! https://bit.ly/Subscribe2SoulBoom Watch our Clips: https://bit.ly/SoulBoomCLIPS Watch WISDOM DUMP: https://bit.ly/WISDOMDUMP Follow us! Instagram: http://instagram.com/soulboom TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@soulboom Sponsor Soul Boom: partnerships@voicingchange.media Work with Soul Boom: business@soulboom.com Send Fan Creations, Questions, Comments: hello@soulboom.com Produced by: Kartik Chainani Executive Produced by: Ford Bowers, Samah Tokmachi Spring Green Films Production Supervisor: Mike O'Brien Voicing Change Media Theme Music by: Marcos Moscat

I am thrilled to be joined by Lisa Miller, a distinguished psychologist and professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. Lisa is the author of the acclaimed book "The Awakened Brain," where she explores the profound connection between spirituality and mental health. Her groundbreaking research has illuminated how spiritual awareness can foster resilience, creativity, and well-being, offering a fresh perspective on mental health. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Lisa has become a leading voice in integrating spirituality into psychological practice. Her work has been featured in numerous scientific journals and media outlets, making significant contributions to our understanding of the human psyche. In "The Awakened Brain," Lisa combines cutting-edge science with personal anecdotes and practical insights, providing readers with tools to cultivate their own spiritual awareness. Join us as we delve into the transformative ideas Lisa shares in her latest work, discussing how an awakened brain can lead to a more fulfilling and connected life. We are excited to explore the intersection of science and spirituality with such an inspiring and knowledgeable guest. In this episode we talked about: – her definition of an "Awakened Brain" – the intersection of Spirituality and Psychology – the Power of Spiritual practices – the innate Spirituality of every human being – the neurological effects of Spirituality – navigating life´s challenges with Spirituality – embracing the guidance of a highter power – The Power of Forgiveness and more... Shownotes: Get the Book "The Awakened Brain" Lisa Millers Homepage TED Talk with Lisa Miller Lisa Miller on Instagram It would be amazing if you show your appreciation with a review on Spotify (5 stars) and itunes (2-3 sentences + stars)? Thank you! GET WET SOON on Instagram Make plans regarding your True Self with The TRUE NORTH Planner Join the GET WET SOON Surf & Yoga Immersion

After a wonderful five years of hosting along side co-host Judea Lynch, Patty Davis will be hosting solo moving forward and will continue to invite interesting guests and explore the metaphysical realms. In this episode, Patty and her guest Janine Davis talk about how spirituality affects the brain and how to balance the logical with the spiritual. Follow and learn more about Janine: IG @janinedavisexecutivecoach . Through her bio at https://evolution.team/janine-davis . https://evolution.team/equuscoaching . https://evolution.team/your-call-to-courage   Here are some of the resources Janine speaks of in the episode: The Awakened Brain by Lisa Miller PhD -https://a.co/d/01t2n8x1 Leading From the Roots by Dr. Kathy Allen -  https://a.co/d/0fjAx8sw Info on Marti Spiegelman - https://www.martispiegelman.org/training.html   Interspecies.io https://www.interspecies.io/ Forest Bathing - https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-forest-therapy-enhance-health-and-well-being-2020052919948 Meditation impact on the brain - https://neurosciencenews.com/memory-meditation-23414/#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20long,and%20the%20right%20anterior%20insula.

Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Miller is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. A graduate of Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant funded research studies. Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses (including tech, finance, HR and sales), personal development, faith based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives. You can connect with Dr. Miller via Instagram. @dr.lisamiller and her website lisamillerphd.com.  You can access her book,  The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life, via Amazon.  Check out her Ted Talk on Depression and Spiritual Awakening via YouTube. Related Episodes: Ep 149 - The Science of Spontaneous Health with Dr. Jeffrey Rediger Ep 267 - Elijah Muhammad: Always Positive Energy If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every week. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

This episode is brought to you by the following:  Branch Basics: Save 15% on your Starter Kit or Hand Soap when you use code NOTALONE at http://www.branchbasics.com  Better Help: Visit https://www.BetterHelp.com/notalone today to get 10% off your first month. Join Valeria in a transformative conversation as she sits down with the remarkable Dr. Lisa Miller, a trailblazing clinical psychologist, and the visionary founder of the Spirituality MINDBODY Institute. With Valeria, Dr. Miller unravels the mysteries of the awakened brain, revealing how each of us is innately equipped with the ability to connect deeply with the spiritual world. Lisa guides us through the profound impact spirituality can have on mental health and well-being, and enlightens us on how mothers and children share their spirituality. She shares the heartwarming tale of how spirituality and mental health converged in her life, leading to her pioneering research and bestselling books, "The Awakened Brain" and "The Spiritual Child."  In this episode, you will get to participate in two guided exercises with Dr. Lisa Miller and Valeria to connect to your own innate spiritual brain. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened as you discover how to harness the power of spiritual awareness to transform your life, find deeper meaning, and navigate the challenges of the modern world with grace and resilience. Read more about Dr. Lisa Miller's book The Awakened Brain: https://www.lisamillerphd.com/home  The Spiritual Child: https://www.lisamillerphd.com/the-spiritual-child  Lisa is on: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamiller  https://www.lisamillerphd.com/  Valeria is on: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWkDFq1pO7YNzifE3A4UsMA  Shop my look from this episode: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/valerialipovetsky/posts/bff4a476-d653-11ee-a781-0242ac110039  What We Talked About: 00:00 Intro 02:55 What is an awakened brain? 05:24 Turning into spiritual guidance 09:13 Connection to the higher power 11:51 Awakening your spiritual core 13:46 Gen Z is a profoundly spiritual generation 18:00 Spirituality has become an industry 19:54 The most important role of a mother 22:23 How do we see the world at the spiritual level 26:39 Shaping natural spiritual awareness in children 28:23 Religion is a gift 30:13 Is love permanent? 34:55 The practice of love 36:44 Where are you in your spiritual journey? 42:16 Spirituality in clinical practice 47:41 There is an infinite sense of possibility 51:46 Speak with love from your spiritual heart 55:43 Celebrating your womanhood 58:29 Mid-life crisis is a spiritual awakening Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Unhurried podcast is BACK, only now it's called the Intuition for Breakfast podcast. Why the name change? I explain in this episode. Plus, I dive into recent ah-ha's around the removal of mysticism and spirituality from science and academia — and how I'm not the only one to notice this and be affected by it. // Thank you so much for listening! I'm happy to be back. Things/people I mention: Martha Beck, The Gathering Room: Your Spiritual Brain | https://youtu.be/14iwF5koLSs?si=regdx8oTPDqOxeow Dr. Lisa Miller, The Awakened Brain | https://www.lisamillerphd.com/ Robert Edward Grant | https://robertedwardgrant.com/ ifb on instagram | https://www.instagram.com/intuitionforbreakfast/ ifb substack (newsletter) | https://intuitionforbreakfast.substack.com/ ifb website (events, readings, sessions) | https://www.intuitionforbreakfast.com/ Host, Jorli Peña on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jorli Jorli Peña's website (art, writing, coaching, community) | jorlipena.com

Reflecting on spirituality and synchronicity, Dr. Lisa Miller talks with Raghu about the capacity to have an awakened mind and heart.Get your copy of Dr. Miller's book, The Awakened Brain, HEREThis time on Mindrolling, Dr. Lisa and Raghu talk about: Dr. Miller's synchronistic connection with Ram DassIdentifying threads of lived, spiritual human life in clinical psychologyBeing born with the capacity to awakenCultivating our relationship to the transcendentThe difference between a spiritual experience and a fully integrated spiritual lifeAn awakened heart and mind as a protective factor against despairThe mental health epidemic in our countryTrust and moments of unconditional loveRadical love on Dr. Lisa's journey to parenthoodHow suffering brings us closer to GodAbout Dr. Lisa Miller:Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is Professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Columbia University, Teachers College, where she founded the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program in spirituality and psychology. She is also the Editor of the Oxford Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality and Founder and Former Co-Editor of the APA journal, Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Dr Miller is the books The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child. Learn more about Dr. Miller on her website."No matter what religion we are born with or not born with, we are all born with a natural capacity in our brain to be in a transcendent relationship, number one, and number two, to feel power and love and guidance of that transcendent relationship as we turn towards one another.” – Dr. Lisa MillerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever experienced synchronicity?  As Martha defines it in this episode of The Gathering Room, a synchronicity is any event or experience that seems to confirm or indicate that the universe is not random—that there's something making all this happen. Martha has been re-reading The Awakened Brain by Dr. Lisa Miller, who writes about synchronicities and what she calls a “spiritual docking station” in the human brain. What Dr. Miller found in her research is that when people are open to the idea of spiritual realities like synchronicities, they have access to much more physical and mental health, and they're more resilient and more resistant to anxiety and depression. Martha says that when she opens the docking station of her own brain, it feels like a loving, beautiful presence is able to move through her. It gives her the experience of seeming to do things herself but also relax into being moved by a loving, creative force. It's only when we relax our nervous systems, Martha says, that we can feel the consciousness of the universe because the consciousness of the universe does not respond to anxiety and desperation. It responds to joy, love, and trust. To learn how to keep your spiritual docking station open so you can look for synchronicities in your own life, be sure to tune in for the full episode. Martha will also guide you through her Silence, Stillness, and Space meditation to allow those synchronicities to start showing up! CONNECT WITH US Follow Martha on Instagram The Gathering Room Show Notes Join Martha for a Live Episode of The Gathering Room via Facebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us on a profound journey in this episode of the Conscious Fertility Podcast, as we welcome Dr. Lisa Miller, author of two books;  "The Awakened Brain," and ”The Spiritual Child”, to explore the profound connections between spirituality, consciousness, and fertility. Dr. Miller opens up about her personal struggles with infertility and the beautiful path of adoption, illustrating how these experiences served as gateways to spiritual awakenings and deep, meaningful synchronicities. She challenges the conventional views of fertility, advocating for an understanding of it as not just a physical phenomenon but a deeply spiritual experience. Discover how to tap into your 'awakened brain' to access higher states of consciousness and connect more deeply with your higher self. Dr. Miller shares enriching insights from her groundbreaking research, emphasizing that spirituality is a core aspect of our human nature and has the potential to transform our lives. Whether you're facing fertility challenges, general depression and addictions or seeking to deepen your spiritual awareness, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to nurture your spiritual health and recognize the signs the universe might be sending your way. Key Takeaways: ●      Understanding Challenges as Spiritual Opportunities. ●      The Power of the Awakened Brain. ●      Cultivating Spiritual Awareness. ●      Interpreting Synchronicities. ●      Redefining Fertility. Lisa Miller's Bio:Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is an accomplished author and professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, known for her bestselling book The Spiritual Child and her more recent work, The Awakened Brain. She leads the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the pioneering Ivy League institute in the field of spirituality and psychology. With significant contributions to psychiatric and psychological research through over a hundred peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Miller is a respected editor and co-editor for major publications in her field. She has held prestigious roles, including joint appointments at Columbia University Medical School and leadership positions within the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Miller's academic credentials include degrees from Yale University and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied under Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology. Where To Find Lisa Miller: -       Site: https://www.lisamillerphd.com -       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamiller/   How to connect to Lorne Brown online and in person (Vancouver, BC)   Acubalance.ca book virtual or in person conscious work sessions with Dr. Lorne Brown Lornebrown.com   Conscious hacks and tools to optimize your fertility by Dr. Lorne Brown: https://acubalance.ca/conscious-work/     Download a free copy of the Acubalance Fertility Diet & Recipes and a copy of the ebook 5 Ways to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Pregnant from Acubalance.ca   Connect with Lorne and the podcast on Instagram:   @acubalancewellnesscentre @conscious_fertility_podcast @lorne_brown_official     DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Acubalance, any guests or contributors to the Conscious Fertility podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Acubalance be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast.           

0In the realm of personal growth and mental health, Lisa Miller's work on the "awakened brain" offers fascinating insights into the role of spirituality and connectedness in our well-being. Central to her discourse is the profound impact of rituals in enriching our lives. Rituals, whether they are daily meditations, weekly gatherings, or seasonal celebrations, serve as anchors, providing structure and meaning to our existence. These practices not only foster a sense of belonging and identity but also enhance our mental resilience. 

Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and her new book, The Awakened Brain. Dr. Miller is a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School.Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Dr. Miller is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA), and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality.A graduate of Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant-funded research studies.Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses (including tech, finance, HR, and sales), personal development, faith-based organizations, schools and universities, and mental health and wellness initiatives.Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Lisa Miller.

Can spirituality enhance our mental health? That is the question that psychologist and researcher Dr. Lisa Miller has pursued through her career. During her clinical internship after graduate school, she observed how while some of her patients had symptoms of major depression that required medication, other patients carried a sadness that carried life's big questions: What is the purpose of life? Is there a larger meaning to existence? Decades later, Lisa has found that each of us has an “awakened brain,” neural circuitry that enables a human's natural capacity for spiritual awareness. In this conversation, Lisa and the Surgeon General delve into the science that explains spirituality's protective effects on mental health. They also discuss the universal human need for an inner life that connects us to something greater than ourselves, and offer a few meditation practices to support the awakened brain.  (02:00)    Introductory Guided Meditation  (08:43)    What is spiritual health?  (15:04)    How does Dr. Lisa Miller define spirituality?  (18:18)    Why does spirituality protect our mental health?  (20:55)    What are some practices to build spiritual health?  (24:40)    What is the awakened brain?  (26:56)    Are there particular stages of life when spiritual seeking spikes?  (30:03)    What is an Awakened Campus?  (32:44)    Why don't college campuses focus more on spiritual well-being?  (34:26)    How Dr. Miller's spiritual crisis as a young person become her life's work.  (45:55)    What are the core elements of spirituality?  (53:12)    Where has Dr. Miller found the support for spiritual exploration?  (59:58)    How can parents build a spiritual foundation with their children?  We'd love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.      Dr. Lisa Miller, Psychologist Instagram: @dr.lisamiller    About Dr. Lisa Miller Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of “The Spiritual Child” and “The Awakened Mind: The New Science of Spirituality and our Quest for the Inspired Life.” She is a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  Dr. Miller is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. A graduate of Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant funded research studies. Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses (including tech, finance, HR and sales), personal development, faith based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives.

How much does our primitive brain influence our daily behavior? Most of us think it doesn't impact us much...but you might be surprised by some of the behaviors that can stem from a disorganized brain and retained primitive reflexes!Today we're talking about which behaviors are coming from a disorganized brain and which are behaviors we learn and pick up from our environment. Full disclosure: we did go on a bit of a tangent...but we think you're going to love it!Show notes:Book club is on 1/31/2024 at 12:oo pm PST - sign up here: https://in-the-cortex.newzenler.com/live-webinar/book-club/registerThe book we're reading is The Awakened Brain by Lisa Miller - you can purchase here (we do get a small amount if you use our link): https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Brain-Science-Spirituality-Inspired/dp/B08R96PSYZ?crid=1HXV41COV5ND0&keywords=The+awakened+Brain&qid=1703011150&s=audible&sprefix=the+awakened+brain,audible,141&sr=1-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=inthecortex-20&linkId=52f80d2aca15227c8efcc3cefba8ec4f&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Today we're sharing another fantastic session from our Restore Conference last October, this time from Lisa Miller. Lisa is a clinical psychologist and professor at Columbia University who specializes in the science of spirituality. She's also the author of the popular 2021 book The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life.We often think of science and spirituality as separate ways of knowing that don't really speak to each other, where science focuses on what we can see and empirically observe, while spirituality focuses on the unseen. Lisa's research bridges these worlds, building an empirical case for the reality of spirituality and its benefits across the lifespan, and showing how science can be a “witness” to spirituality. She believes we all have an innate, in-born capacity for spirituality, or “relational, transcendent awareness”. Individuals who cultivate a strong spiritual core are less likely to experience despair, addiction, and depression throughout the life course, and a spiritual core is correlated with growth and resilience after facing challenges.We really loved Lisa's session as well as her beautiful spirit. As we got to know her in person at Restore, we realized what a special person she is and felt the love she has for our community. We think you'll be able to feel that as you listen to her talk. 

"Loved, held, guided, and never alone. We are wired to be able to perceive that. And when we do, everything in our world is reordered. And in fact, of all the dimensions of lived spiritual life, that which most strengthens the awakened brain is love of neighbor—to one another. We are able to draw closer to God.” — Lisa Miller (Columbia University, author of The Awakened Brain)What does science have to say about spirituality?Dr. Lisa Miller, clinical psychologist and researcher, has made the case through years of research collaborations that spirituality is a birthright to the human species. In her best selling book, The Awakened Brain, she notes the glorious complexity of the human spiritual brain, revealing an innate capacity for transcendence. But she's not content to stop at these psychological capacities. She wants to help people with practical, tangible, evidence backed interventions that lead to their thriving and spiritual health. Lisa not only gives words, but explains scientifically why spirituality is so transformative. She challenges us to reimagine religion, faith, and spirituality as an experience of love from beyond us.Her research suggests that spirituality has less to do with the dos and don'ts of religion, and rather offers a richer experience of how to encounter the love of God. Even if you don't believe in God, spirituality provides access to powerful transcendent emotions such as awe and joy that help our resilience and are necessary for thriving. These emotions broaden and build our capacities and help us develop narratives around love and goodness.In this conversation with Lisa Miller, we discuss:The neuroscience of spiritualityGuided meditative practices to fortify spiritual health and a sense of love, purpose, and possibilityHow paying attention to our inner mental and spiritual life builds awareness and resilienceResearch findings from the science of spirituality that we're wired for transcendenceHow transcendent love fortifies our brain in ways that buffer against depression and anxietyHow human connection and spiritual guides are vital for a healthy life and even a thriving democracyAnd we explore all of these experientially, working through the ideas with practical exercises to increase our awarenessAbout Lisa MillerDr. Lisa Miller is bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain, and researcher and professor in clinical psychology at the Teachers College of Columbia University.  Learn more on her website.About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking.Show Notes"Loved, held, guided, and never alone. We are wired to be able to perceive that. And when we do, everything in our world is reordered. And in fact, of all the dimensions of live spiritual life, that which most strengthens the awakened brain is love of neighbor to one another. We are able to draw closer to God.”What does science have to say about spirituality?About Lisa Miller and The Awakened BrainAn experience of love from beyond usWith & For's approach to practical resources and exercisesThe power of asking a council of advocates in your mind: “Do you love me?”Meditative practice: The Hosting Table“We can ask what's on our heart. The capacity to be in a deep transcendent relationship is our birthright.”“God is working in us and through us.”Dr. Gary Weaver on trauma and spiritual or moral injuryUrgency and hope, curiosity and opennessNeuro-docking station: “There's one spiritual brain and we all have it.”The research that led to The Awakened Brain“Every single one of us is born with natural spirituality. There's an innate Human capacity and every single, just as we have two eyes, two ears and a nose, we are born with a neuro-docking station, the capacity through which to experience a transcendent, living relationship.”Longitudinal research on twins“This capacity to perceive and feel and know a transcendent relationship is one-third innate. We are all born with the wiring hardwired, but two-thirds environmentally formed.”Ken Kendler: What is the awakened brain?Neurological correlates while people told sacred stories of transcendent relationship. “The same neural correlates ran in every single person.”“Loved, held, guided, and never alone.”Supporting religious people across faith traditionsLisa Miller's personal struggle with infertility and the desire to have a childMeditative practice: The Trail Angel Exercise“Less cogitative, and more exciting”“Are we actually discoverers of our journey where we don't get what we want, we get something so much better?”“Where in your road of life is God? Where is your higher power? What is the deep nature of life?”The difficult balance between achievement and awakening—action and contemplationHead, heart, and hand“We are knowers in many forms.”“We can use all forms of knowing together, and when we do, we can literally track on an MRI. That we have built highways, if you will, myelinated tracks between regions of the brain, multiple organic forms of knowing, different inborn epistemologies, and we have a far more rich engagement with life because we are engaging through all of our channels of knowing.”Knowledge, spirituality, and our connection to the worldNeuroplasticity and adaptation to the lived environmentResilience, depression, and hopeAs of September 2022—48 percent of Gen Z “reported moderate levels of a disease of despair. The rate of death by suicide rivals the rate of death by auto accident. All three of my Gen Z kids have talked someone back from suicide.”“There is radical desanctification of life in the youth culture that is transmitted through the phone. So the phone is not the problem. It's not the phone. It, because the phone could have been a source for great spiritual connection. And in some cases is. But very often the phone is a place where a culture is transmitted that is effectively a public square minus a spiritual core. It is radically transactional, what can you do for me? It is radically material, what do you look like, what do you have, what are you going to vacation? It is It's basically a big golden calf delivered over the phone.”Spirituality and the spiritual muscle of the awakened brain is neuroprotective against depression“Beyond-the-self love”“It is relational spirituality beyond the self love and whether I am feeling that deep loved, I'm loved, felt guided by God or I show up as to be loving, holding and guiding of my family or my neighbor in need. I'm using the same neuro docking station and in fact, of all the dimensions of live spiritual life, that which most strengthens. The awakened brain is love of neighbor to one another. We are able to draw closer to God, which strengthened the awakened brain.”Having a strong spirituality: 250 percent more likely to have gotten there through profound struggle and depression within the past 10 years.Long-term clinical study vs fMRI studies and giving of alpha-energy“Is love real? Is God real?”“We have the equipment, but we have to use it. We have to develop it.”The hard work of meaning-makingHow to help children move towards transcendent loveAuthentic inner spiritual awarenessReligion vs spiritualityReligion and faith tradition is 100% environmentally transmittedSpirituality is 1/3 innate, 2/3 environmentally transmittedLisa's early childhood experience of her Jewish faith and the love her motherSpirituality and democracyHow spiritual pluralism and spiritual diversity can impact public life“We hold these truths to be sacred…”Finding common ground through shared spiritual dignity“Democracy is a verb.”“Our soul's code, our natural telos in relationship to fellow human beings and fellow living beings … in relationship to others, we go together. And we go together whether or not we're Republicans or Democrats. And we go together whether or not we agree or disagree. We are souls on earth going together on a journey.”Invoking generosity on all sidesWhat is thriving to Lisa Miller?“Living in alignment with God's will.”Pam King's takeaways from her conversation with Lisa Miller:Our brains are amazing.Our spiritual capacity is like a muscle we can exercise with daily practices of attention, meditation, imagination and prayer.And we hold the spiritual capacity for transcendence. In common with each other, it's knit into our relational essence as human beings.We can find a renewed sense of agency and power and resilience when we open up to what's inside: our feelings, our senses, our perceptions, and our core experience of God.Healthy spirituality allows us to know and experience that we are loved, held, guided, and never alone. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenterAbout Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking.About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

What if there is a possibility of tapping into a heightened awareness of the world around you and your place in it? A possibility of moving from an achievement orientation, where so often the questions center around what do I want and how can I  get it?To a more expansive, open and receptive way of relating to our experience as human beings? Today's guest will is Dr. Lisa Miller. She's a psychologist, a scientist, and a professor at Columbia University, and in her extraordinary book The Awakened Brain, she explores these questions and ideas in-depth. What she will reveal in this conversation (and more thoroughly in her book)  is that humans are universally equipped with a capacity for spirituality, and that our brains become more resilient and robust as a result of it. Through her wonderful storytelling (which you will hear a lot of today) she will offer profounds insights into the surprising science of spirituality, and how to engage some of the lessons from her groundbreaking work practically in our lives.Today's conversation is deep, wide-ranging, and may be the most personal I've had on the show yet.In the first half of the episode: Lisa will share some of her story of trying to have a child. She will openly  describe many of the struggles  her and her husband faced with infertility, and a most unexpected, but beautiful turn of events that led to ultimately adopting their son. I will also share some of my own story of being adopted, as well as the challenges my wife and I  faced with having a child of our own.From a planned perspective this interview went off the rails as we shared our stories back and forth for the first 25 minutes or so, and you'll hear us laugh about that later in the conversation, but as Lisa so aptly reminded me many times - so often plans can go awry and letting them do so, by loosening the grip of trying to control things, is actually a step toward awakening. In the latter part of the interview you'll hear more about:The two modes of awareness (achieving and awakened awareness) that Lisa has mapped in our brains through her fascinating work in neuroscienceHow to tap into awakened awareness and be in dialogue with your lifeThe many ways of knowing (logic, empiricism, mysticism, and intuition) and the validity of them allHow adversity can often be the doorway to growth and transformation.The role of spirituality in medicine, clinical treatment, and healing A guided meditation she's used with thousands of people. If you'd like you can participate yourself during the episode. Or if you'd prefer to do the practice later you can find it here: Practicing Courage #15: Being in dialogue with your lifeAnd more!More about Lisa:Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses, personal development, faith based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives. For more, visit: lisamillerphd.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

Our heart is restless until it rests in you.   - ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO"Spirituality." How do we actually define that word? What's the difference between spirituality and religion? Can one be a non-spiritual person? What does it mean to be "spiritual, but not religious" as many have described themselves? And, as we should always be asking, why does it matter to our wellness as beings, or our conversation as communities?In this episode, we'll unpack the word and bring it into context at camp and in culture. We'll talk through why spirituality as a human capacity matters deeply to our health and wellness, according to an increasing volume of faith-based and non-faith-based research.We call back a bit of our conversation with Tracey Gaslin from the Alliance for Camp Health. You can listen back to that episode here.We also share a book title or two from Lisa Miller, Professor at Columbia University and founder of the Spirituality, Mind, Body Institute (SMBI), a NYT Bestselling Author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain.Plus, we'll share a #QuickQampQuestion about camp denominations, and a #StatoftheWeek about campers and how much they love being in nature. Download your stat graphic below!Want a camp question featured on the podcast? Send us a message below, submit an audio file of your questions, or send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.Support the showCome help camp thrive with us on Facebook, Instagram, or at sacredplaygrounds.com.

Humans are universally equipped with a capacity for spirituality and our brains become more resilient and robust as a result. In Dr. Lisa Miller's book The Awakened Brain she highlights groundbreaking research, including MRI studies genetics research, epidemiology, and more. All of which illuminate a surprising science of spirituality and how to engage it in our lives. This week I  will release our conversation together on the podcast and you will hear more from Dr. Lisa Miller including her introduction to the two modes of awareness which she mapped in the human brain through cutting edge studies she conducted in neuroscience.The first mode is achieving awareness. A simple way to think about this is:What do I want and how do I get it? Achieving awareness is the awareness we often engage as we pursue goals and accomplishments.The second is awakened awareness, which involves being in dialogue with your life.It is the awareness that is more about asking questions like what is life revealing to me nowThe awareness associated with your inner wisdomThe awareness that may come online as you get quiet and listen deeply And the awareness that illuminates the ways in which everything and everyone are connected. To thrive we need the 2 types of awareness to be in harmony, or to be balanced. Over indexing on one or the other tends to have downsides. Today's practice will explore the question:How do we cultivate awakened awareness? Via a clip from the conversation with Lisa, she will introduce you, and guide you through a practice that has helped thousands of people she has worked with both as a clinician and as a leader in this field. Thanks for practicing with us!Till next Tuesday,-JoshuaSupport the show

With & For is launching in January 2024! Subscribe now in your favorite podcast app. "Every single one of us is born with natural spirituality." This preview clip features With & For guest Dr. Lisa Miller—bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain, and researcher and professor in clinical psychology at the Teachers College of Columbia University.Lisa shares about her findings in the science of spirituality; our innate capacities to perceive, to feel, and to know a transcendent relationship; and the amazing role of the human brain in seeking out this transcendence beyond ourselves.Show NotesDon't forget to subscribe to With & For, which is launching in January 2024.Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Pam King and The Thrive Center!How gratitude and positive emotion enlarge our capacity for joyful transcendence and activate our innate spiritualityPam King introduces Dr. Lisa Miller—bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain, and researcher and professor in clinical psychology at the Teachers College of Columbia University."Every single one of us is born with natural spirituality.""This capacity to perceive and feel and know a transcendent relationship is one third innate. We are all born with the wiring, but two thirds environmentally formed gives way to a tremendous impact of our environment.""Although this is our birthright, it must be cultivated, and it is an opportunity  of our lifetimes to do that.""We invited 18 through 25 year olds to come in and tell us about a time where you felt a deep personal connection to God. ... The same neural correlates ran  in every single person."CreditsAbout Lisa MillerDr. Lisa Miller is bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain, and researcher and professor in clinical psychology at the Teachers College of Columbia University.  Learn more on her website.About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking.About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenterAbout Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking.About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

Lisa Miller, professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University and author of “The Awakened Brain; The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life,”  talks about the connections between a spiritual life and mental health, specifically what happens inside the brain when a religious or a spiritual practice are introduced. Miller, a scientist and not a theologian, talks about her personal experience, work and research to develop a “new foundationally spiritually based treatment to help awaken our natural spiritual awareness..the awakened brain.”

David Lorimer's guest today is Dr Lisa Miller, the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and her new book, The Awakened Brain. She is a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University where she founded the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals. She is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. She earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant funded research studies. She speaks and consults for the US Military, businesses, personal development, faith-based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives.Imaginal Inspirations is hosted by David Lorimer, Programme Director of the Scientific and Medical Network and Chair of the Galileo Commission, an academic movement dedicated to expanding the evidence base of a science of consciousness. Imaginal cells are responsible for the metamorphosis of the caterpillar into a butterfly, which is the Greek symbol for the soul. These cells are dormant in the caterpillar but at a critical point of development they create the new form and structure which becomes the butterfly.scientificandmedical.net galileocommission.orgbeyondthebrain.orgWorks and links mentioned:https://www.lisamillerphd.com/https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-awakened-brain-the-psychology-of-spirituality-lisa-miller/6627661?ean=9780141991030 https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Lisa-J-Miller/The-Spiritual-Child--The-New-Science-on-Parenting-for-Hea/17317019Ram Das - The only dance there is. https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30366475868&ref_=ps_ggl_10939332144&cm_mmc=ggl-_-UK_Shopp_Textbookstandard-_-product_id=UK9780385084130NEWhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Better-Light-Candle-David-Lorimer/dp/B0BR9GP78NProduction: Martin RedfernArtwork: Amber HaasMusic: Life is a River, by Magnus Moone

She is also the author of The Awakened Brain.   Move from Theory to Practice to Mastery:   Listen to the first 45+ minutes of the audiobook here: https://www.heroic.us/optimize/the-book/audiobook-preview More goodness:   Grab some Heroic swag: https://store-heroic.myshopify.com/ -   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeroicBrian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heroicbrian/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heroicbrian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicbrian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicbrian/ Email: support@heroic.us

Get early access to our latest psychology lectures: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 In this interview, I'm joined by Professor Lisa Miller. Dr Miller is a New York Times bestselling author and Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals. Dr Miller's 2021 book: The Awakened Brain explores the neuroscience of spirituality and offers a bold new paradigm for human flourishing. In this lively and wide ranging conversation, we explore: — The neuroscience of the “awakened brain” — To what extent we can say that spirituality is innate in human nature — The scientific evidence for what Carl Jung referred to as “synchronicity” — How spirituality and depression may be two sides of the same coin and why depression may be viewed as a “call to awakening”. And more. You can learn more about Professor Miller's work by visiting: www.lisamillerphd.com. --- Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Miller is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. A graduate of Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant funded research studies. Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses (including tech, finance, HR and sales), personal development, faith based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives. Interview Links: — Dr Miller's website - www.lisamillerphd.com — Dr Miller's books - https://amzn.to/3KgI3dp

I hope that you have been taking time to notice the plethora of opportunities for awe and wonder that life so freely affords us.  This Sunday we will consider the power and purpose of Mystical/Spiritual Awe.The term mystical here simply means a direct, personal experience of the Divine. There are a plethora of these opportunities to connect. As we discussed last week, many of us feel this powerful connection while “walking in the Cathedral of nature” as Dr. Lisa Miller puts it.In his book Awe, author Dasher Keltner explores how our spiritual life actually grows out of experiences of awe.  Keltner refers to mystical awe as “…the feelings of encountering what we call the Divine, {meaning} what we feel to be primary, true, good and omnipresent” (pg. 195).Such experiences draw us closer to the power and presence of the Divine within and all around us. They also fulfill a deep and fundamental human need.The awe-inspiring body of work recently published by Dr. Lisa Miller in the book entitled, The Awakened Brain shares how science has also concluded that humans are hard- wired for spirituality. Not surprisingly, their work also shows the positive trends toward overall resilience and happiness, as well as greater physical health, and mental wellbeing among people with a strong spiritual foundation.Yet, statically speaking fewer Americans are finding that foundation in traditional religious settings. The need for spiritual connection and growth is alive and well, but the stronghold of dogma and outdated doctrine are increasingly less appealing in meeting that need.Keltner explored the analogy set forth by Rev. Jen Bailey in her experience of ministry as one of “composting religion.”I understood this to mean that she is doing the work of freeing religion/spirituality from its outdated and decaying foundations, particularly those rooted in racism and sexism. Doing so supports her ability to distill a message of Truth and a fullness of Spirit that nurtures deeper growth, and supports authentic connections among her membership.Using the natural process of composting is a powerful metaphor.  In nature, this is the process by which raw material is broken down by microorganisms that consume any toxins, distilling the purest mixture of organic matter to then nourish new growth.Keltner goes further by drawing the following intriguing comparison,   “Mystical Awe follows {that} pattern of decay, distilling, & growth. Our own experiences of mystical awe, or spiritual experience, follow this pattern of the decay of the default self's preconceptions about the world, which results in the distilling of some essential feeling that gives rise to growth of our own spiritual beliefs and practices” (pg. 196).Our direct and personal experiences with the Divine grow us by expanding our limited preconceptions about the Divine, ourselves, and the world.Mystical awe, like most things, begins with awareness!We all have the ability to perceive what Emerson called “the benevolent life force.” That perception offers a direct connection with the vastness and mystery of that force.That connection also unifies us with all of creation, and our perception continues to widen.Consider for yourself:How do you experience mystical awe?What settings or practices support you in a direct and personal experience with the Divine?How have these experiences expanded your preconceived ideas about yourself, and the world?

Join clinical psychologist Lisa Miller and neurosurgeon Philip E. Stieg as he discusses how the human brain is hard-wired for connection and the neuroprotective effects of spirituality. Discover practical ways to cultivate a sense of community, enhance mental health, and find joy in reconnecting with nature. Lisa Miller is a clinical psychologist and author of The Awakened Brain; The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life. Philip E. Stieg is a neurosurgeon and host, This Is Your Brain podcast. They discuss the KevinMD article, "Awaken your brain for a happier, more connected life: the key to combating depression and isolation." The Podcast by KevinMD is brought to you by the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience. Ambient intelligence augments human capabilities to make our lives easier. The applications are many, especially in health care. Ambient clinical intelligence is offsetting the most pressing challenges in health care today, such as burnout, physician shortages, physician and patient dissatisfaction, and underperforming financial outcomes, by applying the technology to clinical documentation.  The Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience, or DAX for short, utilizes artificial intelligence and natural language processing to automatically document care. It securely listens to and captures the natural, clinician-patient encounter conversation unobtrusively, and turns that conversation into a clinical note for the clinician's review and signature directly in the electronic health record. You just talk naturally, and DAX does the rest.  DAX is being used by thousands of physicians across 30 different specialties nationwide. It has already won the Silver Stevie award in the health care technology category and was ranked #1 for improving clinician experience in KLAS's top 20 emerging solutions. VISIT SPONSOR → https://nuance.com/daxinaction SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://earnc.me/vBfH8M Powered by CMEfy.

TUNE IN00:00 - Episode trailer06:29 - Does spirituality inoculate you against depression?13:51 - We have been educated out of spiritual awareness15:54 - Spirituality Mind Body Institute, Columbia University 20:09 - The awakened brain27:49 - What is dysthymia?33:32 - Shared moment of universal spirituality on Yom Kippur42:49 - Is there a collective shift happening right now?46:39 - What is the signature of the awakened brain53:58 - Late Dr Gary Weaver's practice to break through58:16 - About The Awakened Brain book1:00:30 - What does quest mean? 1:03:53 - What are synchronicities?1:05:49 - The Road of Life Practice1:11:29 - How do you feel into your higher purpose?1:15:09 - Connect with LisaLISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HJCflVnHRDmvNtI8r2a65?si=692723d115ce4ef2/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/inspired-evolution/id1272090974/CONNECT WITH DR LISA MILLERWebsite: https://www.lisamillerphd.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamiller/ JOIN THE INSPIRED EVOLUTION COMMUNITYWebsite: https://www.inspiredevolution/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredevolution/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspired_evolution/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredevolution/STAY INSPIRED & KEEP EVOLVINGYEWSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/inspiredevolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can you access the great sacred force that's in you and all around you? Dr. Lisa Miller, leading psychologist and scientist on spirituality & mental health, NYT bestselling author, psychology professor at Columbia University, and founder & director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute has dedicated her life's work to the study of spirituality and its effects on our psychology, personal growth, and resilience. She shares how to foster spiritual connection in the next generation, how to turn low moments into opportunities to renew your higher power, how to turn on your awakened brain, and how to embrace the unpredictable and beautiful moments along your spiritual adventure. - Get $500 off Cathy's podcast course with code "voice" at cathyheller.com/join (code is good until Wednesday midnight!) - Save your spot at Cathy's retreat Sept. 10-12th in Boca Raton cathyheller.com/retreat - Follow Dr. Lisa Miller on Instagram @dr.lisamiller - Get Dr. Lisa Miller's books, The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain at https://www.lisamillerphd.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I delve into the work by Dr. Lisa Miller, author of “The Awakened Brain,” and her discovery that spirituality is not external but intrinsic to all individuals. As she says, spirituality is hardwired into our neural circuitry, with genetics accounting for 29% of our capacity for spirituality. (!) I talk about how Dr. Miller discovered that cultivating a robust spiritual life and engaging our awakened brain can lead to various benefits, such as mental well-being, connection, compassion, and personal growth. And I suggest five practices that I feel can reinforce our awakened brain: meditation, cultivating meaningful relationships, self-reflection, spending time in nature, and practicing gratitude. ~ LaurieEpisode Highlights:Understanding dysthymia as explained by Dr. Lisa Miller in her book "The Awakened Brain,” and the feelings of emptiness, disillusionment, and unfulfillment that many people experience in life.Dr. Miller's groundbreaking idea that spirituality is inherent within us and not external.We explore Dr. Miller's research on spirituality and mental health through her MRI studies, genetic research, and epidemiology.The discovery that 29% of our capacity for spirituality is heritable, while 71% is influenced by our environment.The MRI findings that show the “high-spiritual brain was healthier and more robust than the low-spiritual brain. And the high-spiritual brain was thicker and stronger in exactly the same regions that weaken and wither in depressed brains.”How an awakened brain can protect against mental suffering, enhance well-being, and foster connection.The positive psychological benefits, such as resilience, optimism, and creativity.Five actionable steps we can all do to reinforce an awakened brain.Learn more about Dr. Miller and "The Awakened Brain"Hold the Light podcast aims to support and guide lifelong learners and light holders in deepening their connection to personal and spiritual growth. By providing a mix of information, application, and transformation, this show equips people with the tools and inspiration that can help expand and evolve their lives.THE HTL PODCAST CREWCreator, producer, and host: Laurie Gunning GrossmanCo-producer and audio mixer/sound guru: Jonathan GrossmanOriginal music: Jonathan GrossmanHold the Light podcast is recorded and mixed at Night Shift Audio in Los Angeles, CAFIND US AT:Website: Holdthelightcollective.comNewsletter: SubstackLaurie on IG: @laurie.gunning.grossmanHold the Light on IG: @holdthelightcollectiveRecording Studio: Nightshiftaudio.comJonathan on IG: @guitarpedalshootout Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spirituality has often been dismissed by skeptics —but what if I told you it holds the key to unlocking the full potential of the human brain?Revolutionary advancements in neuroscience, genetics, and epidemiology reveal a fascinating fact: humans are innately wired for spirituality. More importantly, when this spiritual facet is awakened, it transforms us. Our brains evolve into stronger, more resilient entities, enhancing our lives with deeper meaning, purpose and fulfilment.Our distinguished guest today, Dr. Lisa Miller, isn't just an expert in this field; she's a pioneer, challenging the traditional skepticism towards the 'science of spirituality'. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the emerging scientific research that validates the integral role of spirituality in fostering robustness, resilience, and a heightened sense of personal fulfillment.Educated at Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Miller currently teaches at Teachers College, Columbia University. She's the driving force behind the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the Ivy League's first entity dedicated to spirituality and psychology. Our conversation weaves a rich tapestry of science and spirituality, exploring how disciplines such as neurology, neurobiology, genetics, epidemiology, and psychiatry can shed light on the remarkable mental health benefits of an awakened brain.We delve into captivating segments, including:Depression and Spiritual Awakening - Two Sides of One Door: This segment offers a riveting perspective on depression as a potential gateway to spiritual awakening, integrating discussion about IVF, the spiritual child, groundbreaking MRI studies to her work with the US Armed Forces and techniques to enable your own awakened brain.The Neuroscience of Spirituality: An illuminating exploration of how various scientific disciplines affirm the mental health benefits of an awakened brain.Accessing Innate Spirituality - A Practical Guide: Tangible strategies to tap into your innate spirituality and bolster traits like grit, optimism, and resilience.Harnessing the Awakened Brain for Resilience: Ways you can leverage the awakened brain to help navigate life's challenges, such as addiction, trauma, and depression.Join us on this enlightening intellectual journey, discovering how spirituality can reshape your life. Tune in as we together explore the mysteries of the 'Awakened Brain and the Neuroscience of Spirituality.I sincerely hope you enjoy the listen as much as I enjoyed the conversation with Dr. Miller. It's an episode you won't want to miss! Join our tribe and lets grow together https://plus.acast.com/s/purpose-made-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Miller is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. A graduate of Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant funded research studies. Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses (including tech, finance, HR and sales), personal development, faith based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives. Website & Social media links (Facebook, instagram, twitter) @dr.lisamiller —instagram Www.lisamillerphd.com REGISTER FOR THE LIVE MASTERCLASS HERE: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/register-fertilitysecrets For more information about Michelle, visit www.michelleoravitz.com The Wholesome Fertility facebook group is where you can find free resources and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/

Books: 1. Awakened Brain, Lisa Miller: https://www.amazon.com/dp/198485562X?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzalexac06-20&creativeASIN=198485562X&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2IUH6S44K6PDA&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin 2. Afterlife Experiments: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743436598?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzalexac06-20&creativeASIN=0743436598&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2IUH6S44K6PDA&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin 3. You Are Supernatural: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401953115?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzalexac06-20&creativeASIN=1401953115&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.2IUH6S44K6PDA&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d_asin Shop my Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/alexacuc Shop my book: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Persevere-Inspiring-Stories-Challenging-ebook/dp/B08287DLYG Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexacuc/

*Support Third Eye Drops and Join the Wonder Lodge on Patreon* Psychologist and bestselling author, Dr. Lisa Miller returns the mind meld! In this one, we talk synchronicity, spiritual awakening, how to live a more connected life and why depression and anxiety are often signs of awakening. Dr. Miller has unique expertise in the neuroscience of spirituality and the relationship between spirituality and human thriving in general. She's the NYT bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain. Dr. Miller is also a professor of Psychology at Columbia University and the Founder and Director of their Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology.  Lisa's Portals

Dr. Lisa Miller, the author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain,  joins Joe in this powerful episode to discuss the science behind spirituality. Dr. Miller shares her findings on the neurological effects of spirituality and how it can help combat depression and anxiety,  make us more resilient, and lead us to living more fulfilling lives. Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Dr. Miller is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. A graduate of Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant funded research studies. Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses (including tech, finance, HR and sales), personal development, faith based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives. (Bio Courtesy of www.Lisamillerphd.com)

You know what you have to do to tighten your abs (whether or not you actually do it), but do you know how to awaken your brain?  Lisa Miller, professor of psychology at Columbia University, explains how we humans are hard-wired for spirituality, but we've lost the connection. Faith-based traditions once connected most of us to something larger than ourselves, and without that we've entered a self-centered age of widespread depression, addiction, and suicide. Dr. Miller has insight into how to awaken our brains and reconnect to the deeper force in life, even if you don't believe in a god. For episode transcripts and more information: www.thisisyourbrain.com  Dr. Miller's book "The Awakened Brain": https://www.randomhousebooks.com/books/608347/ 

Lisa Miller, Ph.D., author of The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life, talks with J about a belief in God and the neuroscience showing its benefits. They discuss the passing of J's mother, forms of knowing, empirical evidence for innate spirituality, post-traumatic spiritual growth, spirituality associated with cortical thickness in the regions of perception and a lessening of anxiety and depression, neural seeds of awareness, and being open to receive the intelligent and loving force that is your birthright.   To subscribe and support the show… GET PREMIUM.   Check out J's other podcast… J. BROWN YOGA THOUGHTS.    

Today we sit down with Dr. Lisa Miller author of “The Awakened Brain” and “The Spiritual Child”. The discussion centers around spirituality and awakeness and what the science and research says about both. How can we humans be our best healthiest selves? How can we thrive while also progressing as a species to achieve our… Read More »Almost Awakened: 145: Lisa Miller: Spirituality and Awakeness The post Almost Awakened: 145: Lisa Miller: Spirituality and Awakeness appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Lisa Miller, Ph.D., is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Miller is Editor of the Oxford University Press Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality, Founding Co-Editor-in-Chief of the APA journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice, an elected Fellow of The American Psychological Association (APA) and the two-time President of the APA Society for Psychology and Spirituality. A graduate of Yale University and University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, she has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grant funded research studies. Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses (including tech, finance, HR and sales), personal development, faith based organizations, schools and universities, and for mental health and wellness initiatives. You can connect with Dr. Miller via Instagram. @dr.lisamiller and her website lisamillerphd.com.  You can access her book,  The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life, via Amazon.  Check out her Ted Talk on Depression and Spiritual Awakening via YouTube. Related Episodes: Ep 149 - The Science of Spontaneous Health with Dr. Jeffrey Rediger Ep 267 - Elijah Muhammad: Always Positive Energy If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every week. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice.  I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.

We will learn: The surprising clinical evidence for how spirituality protects our mental health. How our own states of mental health pass down to our children and how spirituality is 29% inheritable. What factors create the spiritual connection necessary to physically alter our brains. Have you ever felt a deep sense of inner peace after meditating, or felt a rush of euphoria during a spiritual experience? Isn't it interesting how something as intangible as spirituality seems to have a tangible effect on our physical selves? Well, what if I told you that recent studies in neuroscience suggest that spirituality can actually alter the composition and structure of our brains? People who have a spiritual connection have been shown to have increased gray matter density in areas of the brain associated with self-awareness and empathy. They've also been found to have altered activity in brain regions involved in stress response and addiction. In other words, spirituality actually impacts our neurobiological makeup! How incredible is that? And that's why I'm so excited about this episode today. It turns out, the changes we experience aren't just the placebo effect. We're not just convincing ourselves to be more positive, we're actually creating physical changes to our brains. And there are a lot of scientific studies to back this up, which we'll get into. Our guest is Dr. Lisa Miller. She is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and her new book The Awakened Brain. She is also a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she Founded the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology. Links from the episode: Show Notes: https://mindlove.com/288 Become a Mind Love Member for high-value Masterclasses, Growth Workbooks, Monthly Meditations, and Uninterrupted Listening FREE 5-Days to Purpose Email Course Sign up for The Morning Mind Love for short daily notes to wake up inspired Support Mind Love Sponsors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molly Maloof, M.D.: “It still blows me away [how many] doctors don't require vitamin D testing.” Molly, a leading biohacker and personalized medicine physician, joins mbg co-CEO, Jason Wachob, to discuss all the underrated—and overrated—methods to increase healthspan and boost longevity, plus: - Molly's medical background & professional work (~01:51) - Why the biohacking conversation skews more male (~05:22) - How Molly optimizes her HRV levels (~06:40) - What women should focus on when biohacking (~12:50) - Which labs you should ask for at the doctor (~17:16) - Why parasites are more common than you think (~23:00) - How to know if your mitochondria are healthy (~29:10) - Underrated tips to stimulate mitochondria (~32:41) - Sneaky factors that may damage mitochondria (~35:14) - How long to intermittent fast to optimize mitochondria (~42:01) - Why women should get more protein (~47:55) - Why protein consumption means nothing if you don't exercise (~51:45) - How social connection influences longevity & health span (~53:42) - How to balance processed social connection (~56:46) - Overrated biohacks that shouldn't get as much hype (~01:00:58) - How self-love leads to longevity (~01:08:20) Referenced in the episode: - Molly's book, The Spark Factor. - mbg Podcast episode #146, with Molly. - Check out Molly's website. - NuCalm. - HigherDose PEMF Mat. - Centropix PEMF Mat. - MUD/WTR. - Ion Layer NAD patches. - BiOptimizers. - mbg Podcast episode #451, with Chris Palmer, M.D. - Brain Energy, by Chris Palmer, M.D. - mbg Podcast episodes #411, #293, and #29, with Mark Sisson. - Research on excessive HIIT training & mitochondria. - mbg Podcast episode #466, with Don Layman, Ph.D. - mbg Podcast episode #468, with Robert Waldinger, M.D. - mbg Podcast episode #344, with Lisa Miller, Ph.D. - Lisa's book, The Awakened Brain. - Lisa's study on depression & spirituality. - mbg Podcast episode #322, with Kristin Neff, Ph.D. - Sign up for The Long Game.  Take 25% off vitamin D3 potency+ with code D3POD. Cannot combine with gift cards or other discount codes. Apply code at checkout. We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com.

We chat with professor, researcher and clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Miller about her fascinating research into the benefits of spirituality.  Dr. Miller's groundbreaking research has revealed that humans are universally equipped with a capacity for spirituality, and that our brains become more resilient and robust as we engage with healthy spiritual beliefs and practices. After the interview, Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley talk about out how Dr. Miller's research fundamentally challenges the evangelicalism they inherited, and how through their faith deconstruction the spirituality that has emerged is very similar to the one Dr. Miller is advocating. They also ponder what Dr. Miller's research means for how they pass spirituality onto their children.  Interview starts at 17m 12s Show Notes → The creation of Nomad's thoughtful, wonderfully ad-free content is entirely funded by our equally thoughtful, wonderful listeners. Supporting us gives access to Nomad's online communities through the Beloved Listener Lounge, Enneagram Lounge and Nomad Book Club - as well as bonus content like Nomad Contemplations, Nomad Devotionals and Nomad Revisited. If you'd like to join our lovely supporters head to our Patreon Page or our Nomad members page to donate and you may even be rewarded with a pen or Beloved Listener mug! If you're hoping to connect with others who are more local, you can also take a look at our Listener Map or join our Nomad Gathering Facebook page. Additionally, we share listener's stories on our blog, all with the hope of facilitating understanding, connection and supportive relationships.

Whether you consider yourself a spiritual person, or not, your brain - yes, you - is wired for spirituality in a way you never imagined. It is activated, turned on, and greatly benefits, from spiritual experience. And, it's not just your brain, it's your body, your health, your relationships, your work, your life. Which begs the question, “what even IS spiritual experience?” And, beyond feeling more deeply connected to some notion of Source, God, or oneness, how does it affect us? And, is there science that explains it? That's where we're headed with today's guest, acclaimed researcher, and pioneer in the science of spirituality, Dr. Lisa Miller. Dr. Miller is a professor of twenty years in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held over a decade of joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School. Her innovative research has been published in more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Cerebral Cortex, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Dr. Miller is the New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and her newest book, The Awakened Brain, explores her groundbreaking research on the science of spirituality and how to engage it in our lives. In my conversation with her today, she uncovers more about the innate spirituality that's within all of us, dives deeper into the research that connects spirituality to wellbeing, and awakens the question that's inside us all, which is how do I live a meaningful and purposeful life? And, be sure to listen and join in when she guides me through a powerful thought experience, in real-time, that reveals insights about my own spiritual sense that surprised even me!You can find Lisa at: Website | InstagramIf you LOVED this episode you'll also love the conversations we had with Adam Gazzaley about neuroscience, psychedelic and spiritual experience.Check out our offerings & partners: My New Book SparkedMy New Podcast SPARKEDVisit Our Sponsor Page For a Complete List of Vanity URLs & Discount Codes.Solo Stove: Make more backyard memories with solo stove's award-winning fire pits, stoves, & grills. Right now, you can get big discounts on all fire pits during Solo Stove's Summer Sale. And use promo code GLP at SoloStove.com for an extra $10 off. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.