The Awakened Brain

The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life

By: Lisa Miller

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

A groundbreaking exploration of the neuroscience of spirituality and a bold new paradigm for health, healing, and resilience—from a New York Times bestselling 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.

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 bestselling 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, #1 New York Times bestselling 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 bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

“Lisa Miller is the leading psychologist of her generation on the benefits of religion and spirituality. She asks, ‘What makes life worth living?,’ and finds evidence-based answers.”—Martin Seligman, PhD, founder of the Positive Psychology movement and New York Times bestselling author of Learned Optimism and Authentic Happiness

“A masterpiece! Dr. Miller’s method of using both science and experience to show how and why the awakened mind is essential and attainable for everyone is nothing short of enlightening.”—Andrew Newberg, MD, author of How God Changes Your Brain

“Dr. Miller is a consummate scientist who refuses to accept one of our culture’s most pervasive and damaging assumptions: that science and spirituality are at odds. She unequivocally shows that spirituality heals.”—Larry Dossey, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Healing Words

excellent!

excellent read and profound, engaging work by dr miller! applicable to all interested in living a full life!

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.

Spirituality has a measurable affect on lives

Lisa Miller is among a number of top academics who have found how spirituality is measurable and affective in healing depression. Miller at Columbia and Michael Ferguson at Harvard Medical School are neuroscientist focusing Brain Circuit Therapeutics.

I love this truth

I loved this book and the research that supports what I have always felt was true!!

Loved the story, how the science was shared as part of the story.

Loved the awe, wonder, and joy of the author’s appreciation of nature and humanity. Very well written and told. Hopeful but not Pollyanna-ish. Facts about protective factors of mothers’ spirituality was a comfort to me. Thank you!