Big Think

The grindset has left us depressed. Here’s one thing that can save us. | Lisa Miller

7 snips
Aug 29, 2025
Lisa Miller, a Columbia University psychology professor and founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, delves into the relationship between spirituality and mental health. She argues that our obsession with achievement often neglects our spiritual needs, contributing to rising depression rates. Instead, she advocates for 'awakened awareness' as a protective mechanism. By embracing spirituality and engaging in altruistic acts, we can foster resilience and collective well-being. Miller emphasizes reconnecting with our spiritual selves for holistic wellness.
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INSIGHT

Spiritual Core Missing From Mental Health

  • Lisa Miller argues modern mental health lacks its spiritual core and that spirituality is innate.
  • She links a decline in personal spiritual life to rising addiction, depression, and suicide rates.
INSIGHT

Two Inborn Modes Of Awareness

  • Miller differentiates two inborn forms of awareness: achieving awareness and awakened awareness.
  • She warns that an achieving-only focus (goals, accomplishments) leads to addiction to the next goal and eventual depression.
ADVICE

Shift Questions To Notice Guidance

  • Ask 'What is life showing me now?' instead of only 'What do I want and how will I get it?'.
  • Use awakened awareness to perceive guidance, synchronicity, or new directions in life.
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