In this enlightening talk, Dr. Lisa Miller, a renowned psychologist and professor at Columbia University, delves into the intersection of spirituality and neuroscience. She discusses how depression can serve as a gateway to spiritual awakening. Dr. Miller shares powerful insights on the brain's wiring for spiritual connection and the significance of synchronicities in our lives. The transformative power of choosing love, especially during life's challenges, and the role of community in healing are also emphasized, offering a fresh perspective on mental health and personal growth.

Are we at the leading edge of a resurgent interest in religion and spirituality in the academy? Quite possibly. And not just as a curiosity. This week, Faith Matters begins a series of conversations with prominent scholars from outside our faith. What are we learning about the nature of spiritual experience and the value of a religious life?  In coming weeks, we’ll be traveling to some of America’s top universities—starting with Harvard, Yale and Princeton—to sit down with thinkers deeply engaged in this fascinating topic.We’ll start this week with Dr. Lisa Miller, a Professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Columbia University, where she founded the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program in spirituality and psychology. Dr. Miller will share insights from her recently published book The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life. In her words, Lisa “takes the lens of science and focuses it on the impact of spirituality in human life,” with some surprising results. She talks about the truly remarkable real-world  benefits of a personal spirituality that leads to a lived relationship with the divine, and calls for a spiritual renaissance to help solve some of our society’s most troubling issues.Dr. Miller's research has been published in top-tier psychiatric journals, and she is the Editor of the Oxford Handbook of Psychology and Spirituality and the Founder of the American Psychological Association’s journal, Spirituality in Clinical Practice. After finishing her undergraduate work at Yale, she received her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.This conversation also introduces a new member of the Faith Matters team, Zachary Davis. We’re extremely excited to be joining forces with Zach, a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, where his work focused on intellectual history and philosophy of religion. Previously, Zach has been a producer at HarvardX where he built open online courses in the humanities. He’s  also a highly experienced podcaster and host of  shows like Ministry of Ideas and Writ Large.

Dr. Lisa Miller, a Clinical Psychology Professor at Columbia University, discusses the shocking truth about depression diagnoses and the neuroscience of spirituality. She reveals that many diagnoses are incorrect and suggests that spirituality can often serve as a remedy for depression more effectively than medications. Lisa shares powerful insights on how hardship can lead to spiritual awakening, the role of altruism in mental well-being, and practical techniques for fostering deeper connections to our higher selves. A fascinating blend of science and spiritual growth awaits!

Dr. Lisa Miller, a trailblazing clinical psychologist, discusses spirituality as a superpower and the impact it has on mental health and well-being. She shares insights on awakening the brain for spiritual awareness, nurturing inner spirituality in childhood, and embracing challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth. The conversation explores Gen Z's embrace of spirituality and the commercialization of spiritual practices.

Dr. Lisa Miller discusses how depression intersects with spirituality, offering insights on different types of depression, the role of spirituality in mental health, and strategies for emotional growth. She explores the impact of existential yearning on personal growth and emphasizes the importance of integrating spiritual and cognitive awareness for holistic well-being.

Leading psychologist Dr. Lisa Miller shares insights on spirituality, personal growth, and resilience. Topics include fostering spiritual connection in the next generation, turning low moments into opportunities for renewal, embracing the unpredictable, and tapping into the awakened brain for a spiritual adventure.

The many benefits to cultivating a spiritual practice are obvious to those with experience—but it’s a pursuit too long dismissed by skeptics and scientists. That is, until now.Recent research in neuroscience, genetics, and epidemiology now establish that humans are not only universally equipped with a capacity for (and inclination towards) spirituality, but that our brains, when so awakened, become more resilient and robust—and our lives more meaningful and content.Here today to discuss the emerging and fascinating ‘science of spirituality’ is the woman who helped pioneer it, Lisa Miller, PhD.A leading generational psychologist on the benefits of spirituality, Lisa is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate in psychology. She is currently a professor of psychology and education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute,the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology.Dr. Miller is widely published in leading academic journals, has appeared on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and Weekend Today as an expert, and her first book, The Spiritual Child was a New York Times bestseller. Her latest work (and the focus of today’s discussion) is The Awakened Brain, a groundbreaking exploration of the neuroscience of spirituality that sets a bold new paradigm for health, healing, and resilience.My exchange with Dr. Miller is centered on the intersection of hard science and spirituality—what neurology, neurobiology, genetics, epidemiology, and psychiatry can tell us about the mental health benefits of cultivating your own awakened brain.I think you will find her work fascinating, full of counterintuitive findings and practical advice on the many concrete ways to access your own innate spirituality—and more importantly, how this can be deployed to enhance things like grit, optimism, and resilience.In addition, we explore the many ways you can leverage the awakened brain to insulate yourself against addiction, trauma, and depression.Ultimately, this is a conversation about how to build a life of greater joy and enhanced personal fulfillment to better thrive and contribute to the greater well-being of all.To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.An intellectual delight from start to finish, I thoroughly enjoyed talking to Dr. Miller, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the listen.Peace + Plants,Rich

Dr. Lisa Miller, a clinical psychologist and professor at Columbia University, explores how spirituality influences mental health, particularly among Gen Z. She discusses this generation’s unique spiritual awakening and their quest for deeper meaning. Miller highlights the role of suffering as a catalyst for growth and how spiritual practices can protect against depression. The conversation also dives into the transformative power of spirituality, encouraging listeners to connect with their inner wisdom and embrace community support in their journeys.

Lisa Miller, a Columbia University clinical psychology professor and founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, explores the intersection of spirituality and health. She discusses how spiritual practices can enhance emotional resilience and mental well-being. Highlights include the transformative power of viewing adversity through a spiritual lens, the benefits of community in fostering connection, and evidence from MRI studies showing spirituality’s impact on brain function. Discover practical strategies to integrate spirituality into daily life for improved health and happiness.

This conversation features Sophie Miller, a co-writing expert; Conner Jones, a sound design professional; Yoni Wolf, an artist with the band WHY?; and psychologist Lisa Miller, PhD. They explore how to balance creativity and commercial demands. The guests discuss the importance of the 'journey mindset' and how to remain true to one's creative core amid financial pressures. They delve into turning inner creativity into tangible realities and offer strategies for cultivating discipline while nurturing collaborative efforts.