• The Awakened Brain

  • The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life
  • By: Lisa Miller
  • Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
  • Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (341 ratings)

Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Awakened Brain  By  cover art

The Awakened Brain

By: Lisa Miller
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $18.00

Buy for $18.00

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

A groundbreaking exploration of the neuroscience of spirituality and a bold new paradigm for health, healing, and resilience - from a New York Times best-selling author and award-winning researcher.

“A new revolution of health and well-being and a testament to, and celebration of, the power within.” (Deepak Chopra, MD)

Whether it’s meditation or a walk in nature, reading a sacred text or saying a prayer, there are many ways to tap into a heightened awareness of the world around you and your place in it. In The Awakened Brain, psychologist Dr. Lisa Miller shows you how.

Weaving her own deeply personal journey of awakening with her groundbreaking research, Dr. Miller’s book reveals that humans are universally equipped with a capacity for spirituality and that our brains become more resilient and robust as a result of it. For leaders in business and government, truth-seekers, parents, healers, educators, and any person confronting life’s biggest questions, The Awakened Brain combines cutting-edge science (from MRI studies to genetic research, epidemiology, and more) with on-the-ground application for people of all ages and from all walks of life, illuminating the surprising science of spirituality and how to engage it in our lives:

  • The awakened decision is the better decision. With an awakened perception, we are more creative, collaborative, ethical, and innovative.
  • The awakened brain is the healthier brain. An engaged spiritual life enhances grit, optimism, and resilience while providing insulation against addiction, trauma, and depression.
  • The awakened life is the inspired life. Loss, uncertainty, and even trauma are the gateways by which we are invited to move beyond merely coping with hardship to transcend into a life of renewal, healing, joy, and fulfillment.

Absorbing, uplifting, and ultimately enlightening, The Awakened Brain is a conversation-starting saga of scientific discovery packed with counterintuitive findings and practical advice on concrete ways to access your innate spirituality and build a life of meaning and contribution.

©2021 Lisa Miller (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Dr. Miller’s cutting-edge research heralds a new revolution of health and well-being. The Awakened Brain is an investigation of the choice we each have in confronting challenges and limitations - and it’s a testament to, and celebration of, the power within.” (Deepak Chopra, MD, New York Times best-selling author of Super Brain)

“A captivating look at what happens to our brains when we’re connected to something greater than ourselves - and what it does for our lives.” (Adam Grant, number one New York Times best-selling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife)

The Awakened Brain is a revelation of the spirit and the mind, and a revolution for all of us. Dr. Lisa Miller’s science is on the cutting edge, and her personal journey is both heartrending and uplifting.” (Lori Gottlieb, New York Times best-selling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone)

What listeners say about The Awakened Brain

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    286
  • 4 Stars
    31
  • 3 Stars
    13
  • 2 Stars
    6
  • 1 Stars
    5
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    227
  • 4 Stars
    42
  • 3 Stars
    14
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    6
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    243
  • 4 Stars
    31
  • 3 Stars
    12
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    5

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

just awful

The information is superficial. The author oversimplifies and talks down to her audience. There's an attempt to turn what should be a science book into a human interest story. But the author comes off as entitled and out of touch. Her angst when her husband wears a black coat with blue slacks is so silly that it's funny. The narrator unfortunately has this perky "mary sue" tone of voice that just reinforces the vapid writing. Save your time and money. Read Viktor Frankl or William James, who said the same things more powerfully decades ago.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Okay

This book is good for people who are just beginning spiritual journeys. I really didn’t learn much I didn’t already know.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great insights

The performance wasn't good especially in the beginning chapters but improved in the mid to end chapters.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Clear explanation of connectivity of all including science and spirituality!

Well written and spoken for audio. I will share toss audio with my family and friends.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful and Encouraging Scientific Approach to Treating Depression

This book has changed me. I will likely return to it and am grateful to have discovered it. I found this book to be encouraging and inspiring. I would love for everyone to understand this research…especially, but not exclusively, if you are someone who experiences or is close to anyone who experiences depression.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Research That Continues to Prove God’s Guidance

This was a phenomenal read/listen! This research reignites hope, and also solidifies the teachings of God throughout time. We are created to have a connection with Him and His creation. It’s easy to forget this in our busy lives with mounds of worries and seemingly mountainous problems. We miss the life right in front of us. I am very guilty of this. What has stoked the fire in me from listening to this research is how I can be a part of protecting future generations in my lineage from the devastating effects of depression and hopelessness. There is protection in connection with our Creator and His creation. What a freedom it is to be so loved! Thank you for your persistence and hope in the research you work so hard in, Dr. Miller. You are giving people a special view into the life we can live, and the importance of the power of our choice, no matter what our immediate circumstances may be.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent and very relevant

This is the answer!!! The work and book are well developed and presented. Thank you !!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

cert thought provoking and poignant,!

Enjoyed very much at crossroad in my personal life. I hope you're to implement the things I learned in this book. Thanks to the author 😀

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Enlightening!

I am amazed by what we are learning from neuroscience. Well written clear book for the lay person.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Grounded in research

This book was well balanced. It discussed spirituality in an academic way and was grounded in research and function throughout. It opens the door for those who seek something more but let their practicality and sensibility block the way to embracing it. Dr. Miller’s writing was open and accepting of all forms of spirituality, whether it be organized religion or an intuitive awareness of something outside our immediate perception. The reader did a fantastic job creating a flowing and interesting cadence and vocal performance.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!