Loved, Held, Guided, and Never Alone: The Science of Spirituality with Dr. Lisa Miller

"Loved, held, guided, and never alone. We are wired to be able to perceive that. And when we do, everything in our world is reordered. And in fact, of all the dimensions of lived spiritual life, that which most strengthens the awakened brain is love of neighbor—to one another. We are able to draw closer to God.” — Lisa Miller (Columbia University, author of The Awakened Brain)

What does science have to say about spirituality?

Dr. Lisa Miller, clinical psychologist and researcher, has made the case through years of research collaborations that spirituality is a birthright to the human species. In her best selling book, The Awakened Brain, she notes the glorious complexity of the human spiritual brain, revealing an innate capacity for transcendence. But she's not content to stop at these psychological capacities. She wants to help people with practical, tangible, evidence backed interventions that lead to their thriving and spiritual health. Lisa not only gives words, but explains scientifically why spirituality is so transformative. She challenges us to reimagine religion, faith, and spirituality as an experience of love from beyond us.

Her research suggests that spirituality has less to do with the dos and don'ts of religion, and rather offers a richer experience of how to encounter the love of God. Even if you don't believe in God, spirituality provides access to powerful transcendent emotions such as awe and joy that help our resilience and are necessary for thriving. These emotions broaden and build our capacities and help us develop narratives around love and goodness.

In this conversation with Lisa Miller, we discuss:

• The neuroscience of spirituality
• Guided meditative practices to fortify spiritual health and a sense of love, purpose, and possibility
• How paying attention to our inner mental and spiritual life builds awareness and resilience
• Research findings from the science of spirituality that we're wired for transcendence
• How transcendent love fortifies our brain in ways that buffer against depression and anxiety
• How human connection and spiritual guides are vital for a healthy life and even a thriving democracy
• And we explore all of these experientially, working through the ideas with practical exercises to increase our awareness

About Lisa Miller

Dr. Lisa Miller is bestselling author of The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain, and researcher and professor in clinical psychology at the Teachers College of Columbia University.  Learn more on her website.

About Dr. Pam King

Dr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking.

Show Notes

• "Loved, held, guided, and never alone. We are wired to be able to perceive that. And when we do, everything in our world is reordered. And in fact, of all the dimensions of live spiritual life, that which most strengthens the awakened brain is love of neighbor to one another. We are able to draw closer to God.”
• What does science have to say about spirituality?
• About Lisa Miller and The Awakened Brain
• An experience of love from beyond us
• With & For’s approach to practical resources and exercises
• The power of asking a council of advocates in your mind: “Do you love me?”
• Meditative practice: The Hosting Table
• “We can ask what's on our heart. The capacity to be in a deep transcendent relationship is our birthright.”
• “God is working in us and through us.”
• Dr. Gary Weaver on trauma