In this insightful episode of the Passion Struck podcast, host John Miles sits down with Dr. Lisa Miller, psychologist, researcher, and author of The Awakened Brain, to uncover the powerful relationship between lifeโs challenges and spiritual growth. Dr. Miller explains how moments of struggle, including experiences of depression and despair, can serve as catalysts for spiritual growth and a deeper sense of purpose.
Drawing on research from The Awakened Brain, Dr. Miller shares how periods of suffering can open us to new ways of connecting with our inner selves and higher power. She discusses how the brain is wired to seek meaning, especially during hardship, allowing us to tap into strengths and resilience we may not have known were there.
John and Dr. Miller also explore practical ways to embrace struggle as a transformative tool, as well as how to support loved ones through their own challenges. From mindfulness and prayer to a renewed understanding of suffering, Dr. Miller emphasizes how these practices can help us turn difficult times into opportunities for spiritual and personal growth.
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“The most important thing we can do for ourselves is to cultivate and open up our spiritual life.”
DR. LISA MILLER
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Exploring Spirituality and Resilience: Insights from Dr. Lisa Miller on Passion Struck
In this enlightening episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles engages with Dr. Lisa Miller, a leading expert in the science of spirituality. They delve into the profound impact of spirituality on mental health, resilience, and personal growth, especially in times of adversity. Dr. Miller emphasizes that spirituality is an innate human capacity that can be cultivated to enhance our well-being and help us navigate life’s challenges. Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, the conversation highlights the importance of community, purpose, and spiritual practices in fostering a fulfilling life.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Spirituality as a Foundation: Dr. Miller explains that spirituality is not just a belief system but a vital component of mental health that can significantly reduce the likelihood of depression.
- Post-Traumatic Growth: The discussion covers how trauma can lead to spiritual awakening and growth, transforming adversity into opportunities for deeper connections and resilience.
- The Role of Community: Emphasizing the importance of shared spiritual experiences, Dr. Miller notes that connecting with others can enhance our spiritual lives and provide support during difficult times.
- Awakened Awareness: The episode contrasts achieving awareness with awakened awareness, highlighting the importance of being open to divine guidance and life’s lessons.
- Practical Spirituality: Listeners are encouraged to engage in spiritual practices, serve others, and seek purpose to cultivate a more meaningful and connected life.
WHY IS THIS A MUST-LISTEN?
This episode is essential for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of spirituality and mental health. Dr. Miller’s insights provide practical guidance on how to harness spirituality to build resilience and navigate life’s uncertainties. Her research-backed perspectives, combined with personal stories, offer listeners valuable tools to enhance their well-being and foster deeper connections with themselves and others. Whether you’re facing challenges or simply looking to enrich your spiritual journey, this conversation is filled with wisdom and inspiration.
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Understanding the Awakened Brain: Insights from Dr. Lisa Miller on Spirituality and Resilience
Throughout the fascinating interview, Dr. Lisa Miller explained some of the groundbreaking concepts presented in her book, The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Her Quest for an Inspired Life. Dr. Miller, a leading expert on the science of spirituality, delves into how our spiritual core is not just a belief system but a vital component of mental health and resilience.
One of the key ideas discussed was that every human being possesses an innate capacity for spirituality, which Dr. Miller refers to as the “spiritual brain.” This concept emphasizes that regardless of our religious backgroundsโbe it Hindu, Christian, Jewish, or Muslimโwe all share a common spiritual journey. Dr. Miller’s research reveals a measurable biological basis for our spiritual experiences, supported by findings from functional MRI studies that show how our brains are wired for spiritual awareness.
Dr. Miller highlighted that spirituality can significantly impact our mental health, stating that individuals who engage in spiritual practices are up to 80% less likely to experience depression. This statistic underscores the importance of cultivating a spiritual life, especially in today’s world, where many people feel disconnected and anxious. She emphasized that spirituality is not just an abstract concept but a practical tool that can help us navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties.
During the conversation, Dr. Miller also introduced the idea of “post-traumatic spiritual growth,” which suggests that individuals can deepen their spiritual lives and emerge stronger through adversity. This concept is particularly relevant in light of the increasing rates of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, especially among younger generations. By fostering a spiritual foundation, we can build resilience and find deeper meaning in our experiences.
Inย The Awakened Brain, Dr. Lisa Miller provides readers with insights and practices to awaken their spiritual awareness and encourage them to explore their relationship with a higher power. She advocates for a three-legged stool approach to spirituality, which includes practice, community, and purpose. This framework guides individuals seeking to enrich their spiritual lives and cultivate a sense of belonging and significance.
Overall, Dr. Lisa Miller’s insights into the awakened brain offer a compelling perspective on the intersection of spirituality and mental health, making her work essential for anyone looking to enhance their well-being and navigate the complexities of modern life.
THANKS, Dr. Lisa Miller
If you enjoyed this interview with Lisa Miller, let her know by clicking on the link below and sending her a quick shout on Instagram:
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If you want us to answer your questions or you want John to discuss a topic on one of our upcoming Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected].
RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH DR. LISA MILLER
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. Itโs just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Dr. Lisa Miller’s Website
- Dr. Lisa Miller’s Instagram
- BUY Dr. Lisa Miller’s Book: https://a.co/d/cnJZN9P
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struckโs interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struckโs Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
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My solo episode on Unleash Your Creativity: The Benefits of Creative Expression
About Todayโs Guest, Dr. Lisa Miller
Dr. Lisa Miller is a New York Times bestselling author and a professor at Columbia University, recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on the science of spirituality. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Dr. Miller has revolutionized our understanding of spirituality as a measurable and vital component of mental health and resilience. She is the founder of the Spirituality Mind-Body Institute, the first Ivy League program dedicated to the intersection of spirituality and psychology.
Dr. Miller has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals, includingย Cerebral Cortexย and theย American Journal of Psychiatry. Her groundbreaking research demonstrates that spiritual practicesโsuch as meditation, prayer, and connecting with natureโcan significantly enhance emotional well-being and resilience, making individuals up to 80% less likely to experience depression.
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