Dr. Lisa Miller, a clinical psychology professor at Columbia University and author of "The Awakened Brain," dives into the vital connection between spirituality and mental health. She explains the significant distinction between spirituality and religion, emphasizing how spiritual practices can enhance our resilience, especially in our 20s. The conversation uncovers the biological basis of spirituality and offers practical tips to nurture one's spiritual core. Lisa shares insights on overcoming resistance to spirituality and its impact on personal well-being.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Dr. Miller's Spiritual Quest
Dr. Lisa Miller's spiritual quest began in her 20s after a heartbreak.
This led her to question love, reality, and the existence of a higher power.
insights INSIGHT
Spirituality vs. Religion
Spirituality is an innate human capacity, unlike religion, which is learned.
Everyone has spiritual circuits in their brain, shown by MRI studies.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Hosting Council Practice
Visualize a table and invite those who have your best interest, including your higher self and power.
Ask them if they love you and listen to what they need to tell you.
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The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life
Lisa Miller
In 'The Awakened Brain,' Dr. Lisa Miller combines cutting-edge science, including MRI studies, genetic research, and epidemiology, with practical advice to show how humans are universally equipped with a capacity for spirituality. The book demonstrates that an engaged spiritual life enhances grit, optimism, and resilience, while providing protection against addiction, trauma, and depression. It offers insights and tools for people of all ages and backgrounds to tap into their innate spirituality and build a life of meaning and contribution.
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.
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.
The Psychology of your 20s 
