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

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) 

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.

Okay

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

This is more her telling the story of her life

I went through 11 chapters and really wanted to like this. But it’s more just a story of her life not much insight here.

GameChanging Science That Invites Beauty into Life

Wow, this book is incredible! The information provided about the relevance of spirituality in wellbeing and the clinical data, brain MRI, and highly detailed insight makes such an impactful case for incorporating these teachings far and wide. I will be reading and re-reading this book for my own understanding and intent to incorporate these teaching into peak performance approach for leaders.

An awareness of our birth right

As humans we are given a birth right “to choose”. Dr. Miller research brings to light how man can embrace self and make a difference for the world around him and self shall benefit.
This book has a lot of intellectual jargon but is a great source of information.
I’m glad that I got through the jargon to hear the benefits of Awakened Brain.

Amazing content!

This is the amazing story of how we are all one! We are created with a desire to be in unity with all creation. A must listen!!!

Science Meets Spirituality

What an amazing book and life work by Dr. Miller! Best and most meaningful book I have read In the last five years!

Lamarque

Amazing

I absolutely loved this book it is a great personal representation on spirituality and life.

We all have to capacity for an awakened brain

Excellent contact for anyone who appreciates science and the humanities. Finally, there is a link for those of us who lean heavily on spirituality and cling to the scientific method to explain world around us. This is a must read for anyone in a service oriented profession, or anyone who wants to live a better life.

Science AND Spirit

Fascinating research. It further reinforces the concept that we are first of all spiritual connected beings.