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The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life
A groundbreaking exploration of the neuroscience of spirituality and a bold new paradigm for health, healing, and resilience—from a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning researcher “A new revolution of health and well-being and a testament to, and celebration of, the power within.”—Deepak Chopra, MDWhether it’s meditation or a walk in nature, reading a sacred text or saying a prayer, there are many ways to tap into a heightened awareness of the world around you and your place in it. In The Awakened Brain, psychologist Dr. Lisa Miller shows you how. Weaving her own deeply personal journey of awakening with her groundbreaking research, Dr. Miller’s book reveals that humans are universally equipped with a capacity for spirituality, and that our brains become more resilient and robust as a result of it. For leaders in business and government, truth-seekers, parents, healers, educators, and any person confronting life’s biggest questions, The Awakened Brain combines cutting-edge science (from MRI studies to genetic research, epidemiology, and more) with on-the-ground application for people of all ages and from all walks of life, illuminating the surprising science of spirituality and how to engage it in our • The awakened decision is the better decision. With an awakened perception, we are more creative, collaborative, ethical, and innovative. • The awakened brain is the healthier brain. An engaged spiritual life enhances grit, optimism, and resilience while providing insulation against addiction, trauma, and depression. • The awakened life is the inspired life. Loss, uncertainty, and even trauma are the gateways by which we are invited to move beyond merely coping with hardship to transcend into a life of renewal, healing, joy, and fulfillment. Absorbing, uplifting, and ultimately enlightening, The Awakened Brain is a conversation-starting saga of scientific discovery packed with counterintuitive findings and practical advice on concrete ways to access your innate spirituality and build a life of meaning and contribution.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2021
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August 17, 2021
Publishers are like sheep: once a couple of books on a topic do well they follow in droves, and at the time of writing, the flock is thundering down the path of human brain books. These really have got distinctly samey - but Lisa Miller does something entirely different with The Awakened Brain, which despite being very much on the familiar topic of a link between an everyday concept and mechanisms in the brain gives us two real innovations.
Firstly, this is a book, as the subtitle describes it, on the psychology of spirituality. Specifically, it describes how having a spiritual belief (religious or not) has a significant effect on the brain, particularly in the ability withstand or recover from depression - this, Miller (a professor of clinical psychology) points out is a hugely timely discovery when depression, and pharmacological treatment of it, seems to be significantly on the rise.
Secondly, this is as much a memoir as a science book - it contains significant details of Miller's personal and professional life, giving real insights into the way that scientific work is undertaken and is changing in what has been one of the softer sciences.
Part of the reason I like the book, I confess, is that it will almost certainly wind up the Dawkins brigade, for whom saying anything positive about religion is horrendous, doubly so when what's said has any kind of scientific basis. Miller initially gets considerable resistance to her research because of this attitude. But although many of her examples are benefits from religious spirituality, Miller does make it clear that exactly the same applies whether the approach is through a traditional religion or through the kind of spiritual feeling about connections with the universe that bears little connection to a traditional religious mindset. The fact seems to be that having a spiritual outlook, one of a connected universe, looking outwards instead of focusing purely on our individuality, is deeply beneficial to aspects of the functioning of the brain.
In a sense, what we're getting here has been evident for some time at a common sense level. The current me-centred culture, particularly strong in the US, is not good for you. We need to feel connected and to see what we do in a bigger picture than just 'What's in it for me?' But Miller does this from the viewpoint of someone trying to help psychiatric patients and finding conventional methods failing, and someone who has been able to use fMRI and more to give a clear picture of how these different approaches are influencing the brain.
To an extent, I'm giving this book four stars despite its flaws. Although I found Miller's description of her work with patients really useful, I felt there was too much about her and her family. The book can feel quite repetitive and I did find myself skip-reading quite a few pages to get to a point where it had something new to say. Also it did play the dreaded quantum-out-of-place card (mangling some quantum physics along the way), which would usually totally put me off, but I was prepared to forgive the book because the topic was so interesting.
Just to clarify that quantum physics moan, Miller uses a common ploy along the lines of 'quantum physics includes spooky action at a distance, so the importance of connections between people and such could be a kind of quantum thingy.' Using quantum theory this way is just about acceptable as a metaphor, but not to provide a mechanism. Unfortunately, though, the quantum physics itself is not well-handled. So, for example, the uncertainty principle is totally misunderstood, using Heisenberg's original incorrect assertion that the uncertainty (to quote Miller) 'is because you can't make an observation without perturbing the system you are measuring.' Bohr tore a strip off Heisenberg over this, resulting in a rapid change of heart - the uncertainty principle is nothing to do with the observer effect, it is a fundamental of quantum nature.
Although the quantum bit is brought back a couple of times in passing, thankfully it isn't necessary for any of the real science here, so I can (grumblingly) forgive it. Not a perfect book by any means, then, but a brain book I was happy to read because it was so different, and because the premise is genuinely engaging and one that needs far greater consideration in what remains a largely personal identity-focussed society.
Firstly, this is a book, as the subtitle describes it, on the psychology of spirituality. Specifically, it describes how having a spiritual belief (religious or not) has a significant effect on the brain, particularly in the ability withstand or recover from depression - this, Miller (a professor of clinical psychology) points out is a hugely timely discovery when depression, and pharmacological treatment of it, seems to be significantly on the rise.
Secondly, this is as much a memoir as a science book - it contains significant details of Miller's personal and professional life, giving real insights into the way that scientific work is undertaken and is changing in what has been one of the softer sciences.
Part of the reason I like the book, I confess, is that it will almost certainly wind up the Dawkins brigade, for whom saying anything positive about religion is horrendous, doubly so when what's said has any kind of scientific basis. Miller initially gets considerable resistance to her research because of this attitude. But although many of her examples are benefits from religious spirituality, Miller does make it clear that exactly the same applies whether the approach is through a traditional religion or through the kind of spiritual feeling about connections with the universe that bears little connection to a traditional religious mindset. The fact seems to be that having a spiritual outlook, one of a connected universe, looking outwards instead of focusing purely on our individuality, is deeply beneficial to aspects of the functioning of the brain.
In a sense, what we're getting here has been evident for some time at a common sense level. The current me-centred culture, particularly strong in the US, is not good for you. We need to feel connected and to see what we do in a bigger picture than just 'What's in it for me?' But Miller does this from the viewpoint of someone trying to help psychiatric patients and finding conventional methods failing, and someone who has been able to use fMRI and more to give a clear picture of how these different approaches are influencing the brain.
To an extent, I'm giving this book four stars despite its flaws. Although I found Miller's description of her work with patients really useful, I felt there was too much about her and her family. The book can feel quite repetitive and I did find myself skip-reading quite a few pages to get to a point where it had something new to say. Also it did play the dreaded quantum-out-of-place card (mangling some quantum physics along the way), which would usually totally put me off, but I was prepared to forgive the book because the topic was so interesting.
Just to clarify that quantum physics moan, Miller uses a common ploy along the lines of 'quantum physics includes spooky action at a distance, so the importance of connections between people and such could be a kind of quantum thingy.' Using quantum theory this way is just about acceptable as a metaphor, but not to provide a mechanism. Unfortunately, though, the quantum physics itself is not well-handled. So, for example, the uncertainty principle is totally misunderstood, using Heisenberg's original incorrect assertion that the uncertainty (to quote Miller) 'is because you can't make an observation without perturbing the system you are measuring.' Bohr tore a strip off Heisenberg over this, resulting in a rapid change of heart - the uncertainty principle is nothing to do with the observer effect, it is a fundamental of quantum nature.
Although the quantum bit is brought back a couple of times in passing, thankfully it isn't necessary for any of the real science here, so I can (grumblingly) forgive it. Not a perfect book by any means, then, but a brain book I was happy to read because it was so different, and because the premise is genuinely engaging and one that needs far greater consideration in what remains a largely personal identity-focussed society.
February 6, 2023
When I read psychology non-fiction, I am mainly looking for useful takeaways. Not so much self-help (I am lucky to not need that much help), but to apply to areas where I used to work. I have witnessed the rise in mental health issues with students in my twenty years of working with them and whilst part of that I think is awareness and availability of help seeing people who otherwise were not seen, there are trends I have noticed to which concerned me. The Awakened Brain is a difficult one therefore for me as, as well researched pop psychology, its findings are both seductive and telling. But there parallel personal journey in the book distracted from the science for me and left me more than a little confused about the audience for the book. Because the personal journey (one of coincidence spawning a spiritual awareness of oneness with the universe) is primed for people who want to read that.
The basic thesis of The Awakened Brain is that people who self describe as spiritual/religious are significantly less likely to suffer from depression and other mental health issues. Miller has a journey around this discovery, which starts anecdotally with patients (which could easily boil down to treating them with respect), but with a number of significant surveys (not designed by her), which threw these results out even when balanced for socialisation, community and other things you might expect with religion. Miller theorises in a number of ways, whilst being equivocal about what she means by "spiritual" - to most definitely not just include religion but more the idea that you are part of a greater whole whether that be in god, in a church, via meditation or some form of communing with nature. As the study grows she also jumps into the MRI machine to look at what brains are doing and finds significant physical differences between brains of spiritual people and not, which also coincide with tell tale markers of resilience against mental health issues. Its all good stuff but as she interweaves this with her personal journey I kept having problems because her personal story of being unable to conceive, adopting and conceiving is dressed up with feelings and semi-visions and - well makes the reputable scientist look a little crazy.
This, I think, is for the other audience. There is a Depak Chopra blurb on the cover, and in reality its the mysticism people who are the big market for this book (because it tells them that being spiritual makes them better people). And the elephant in the room is clear, you can't make yourself spiritual. Perhaps you can be more open to experience, perhaps you can get out to nature, be more altruistic, but going back to the brain, some of these pathways are hardwired. She does, very near the end, consider this - there is a checklist of habits of spiritual people (Altruism and loving others are replicable, but summoning up a sense of oneness and spiritual transcendence are beyond me). Certainly don't close people down in their search for these things, particularly kids, but how to gain it (comments online have been all over this with their psychobilins and mushrooms).
The Awakened Mind is an interesting but frustrating read for me. I think the science is interesting and important but incomplete (what about spirituality has this effect, how can that be synthesised on taught to people). I also think its a text that can be misused and used to justify some poor practice (keeping people in religion against their wishes). And I am not sure if the statistical and medical research sits comfortably with the authors' own personal journey.
The basic thesis of The Awakened Brain is that people who self describe as spiritual/religious are significantly less likely to suffer from depression and other mental health issues. Miller has a journey around this discovery, which starts anecdotally with patients (which could easily boil down to treating them with respect), but with a number of significant surveys (not designed by her), which threw these results out even when balanced for socialisation, community and other things you might expect with religion. Miller theorises in a number of ways, whilst being equivocal about what she means by "spiritual" - to most definitely not just include religion but more the idea that you are part of a greater whole whether that be in god, in a church, via meditation or some form of communing with nature. As the study grows she also jumps into the MRI machine to look at what brains are doing and finds significant physical differences between brains of spiritual people and not, which also coincide with tell tale markers of resilience against mental health issues. Its all good stuff but as she interweaves this with her personal journey I kept having problems because her personal story of being unable to conceive, adopting and conceiving is dressed up with feelings and semi-visions and - well makes the reputable scientist look a little crazy.
This, I think, is for the other audience. There is a Depak Chopra blurb on the cover, and in reality its the mysticism people who are the big market for this book (because it tells them that being spiritual makes them better people). And the elephant in the room is clear, you can't make yourself spiritual. Perhaps you can be more open to experience, perhaps you can get out to nature, be more altruistic, but going back to the brain, some of these pathways are hardwired. She does, very near the end, consider this - there is a checklist of habits of spiritual people (Altruism and loving others are replicable, but summoning up a sense of oneness and spiritual transcendence are beyond me). Certainly don't close people down in their search for these things, particularly kids, but how to gain it (comments online have been all over this with their psychobilins and mushrooms).
The Awakened Mind is an interesting but frustrating read for me. I think the science is interesting and important but incomplete (what about spirituality has this effect, how can that be synthesised on taught to people). I also think its a text that can be misused and used to justify some poor practice (keeping people in religion against their wishes). And I am not sure if the statistical and medical research sits comfortably with the authors' own personal journey.
August 31, 2021
The book started out super strong for me, it was a page turner that was literally exciting as an unfolding mystery. Lisa Miller was a 15 year old girl who snuck into the Boston Marathon and went the distance, how could you not love a person like that? She took her zest for life into her academics, even beyond a brief bout of depression in her sophomore year at (there is no meaning to life) Yale. The book began as a somewhat academic biography, detailing the things she saw after attaining her PhD, things she saw in clinical rotations at psych wards, where her tenderness and openness led her to see things that did help people, especially in the spiritual realm, though it appeared her academic peers and overseers didn't thing much of her hypotheses. Still she stuck with it and followed her instincts, which eventually led to hard science, e.g. measurements of brain function through MRIs, showing that spiritual cognizance in people acted as a shield against the ravages of depression. At some points the book ventured more into the weeds on medical and scientific detail, which to my unenlightened mind dragged but she wanted to show to a good degree that what she was doing was science and verifiable and not pie in the sky feel good stuff. She got a bit personal sometimes as well which ventured off her scientific approach a bit, going to a sweat lodge in South Dakota, talking to deer and ducks and geese, and praising the philanthropic efforts of Kennedys and Rockefellers. I don't want to be uncharitable in saying that, the main thesis of her book, which was superb, was that we are spiritual creatures, and it's not just a feeling but can be measured, when you have the right tools. There was also a quote from another doctor in the book that said something like, 'sometimes we know something works before we understand exactly why it works'. For her Ivy League colleagues who were very skeptical of all things spiritual, she had to work extra hard with her research, but it has apparently paid off. While she could have been harder on them, she was not, but seemed more of a delightful, exuberant, vulnerable yet very tough and smart researcher who has devoted her life to prove what her instincts told her was so.
One other small note, her definition of 'spiritual' was very broad and did not espouse any creed or religion, or even require religion, which I found simultaneously intriguing, challenging and humbling as to our human spirit. Truly we don't know what we don't know.
One other small note, her definition of 'spiritual' was very broad and did not espouse any creed or religion, or even require religion, which I found simultaneously intriguing, challenging and humbling as to our human spirit. Truly we don't know what we don't know.
June 25, 2024
Just heard this book became a required reading in order to be alive on the planet so everyone should hurry up and get it
December 19, 2021
There may be some good information in this book, but it's hard to know what to trust when the author claims that we can telepathically alleviate depression in other people who aren't even present in the room, or that she can telepathically communicate with deer. I already lean towards the idea that spirituality, religious or not, may be important to our psychological health, but this book does not hold up to the skeptical perspective one would hope for if they really wanted learn the science of spirituality.
August 24, 2022
Instead of writing a review of how good this book is, I am going to share (in brief) my experience - The only reason I came across this book is that It was a gift from a friend. The topic of spirituality and religion in today's society can be very controversial, especially within my circle. I was raised catholic in Latin America but as I grew older and science (.. and common sense) took over my faith, I left my religious being aside and became an "I believe in science" person. The Awakened Brain explains how by just being a spiritual being (no matter your religion or spiritual practice, such as yoga and meditation for example) you can reduce your chances of depression, and anxiety and increase your overall happiness. I decided to give it a try and start meditating more, praying every night, and wearing my "san Benito" medal again, and just like that I now feel more grateful, peaceful, aware, and happy. Worth it!
April 30, 2025
This was a slow read, not because I didn’t enjoy it, but it was not very easily digestible. The second to last chapter was definitely my favourite, The Awakened Heart, it made me sob.
This book encapsulates exactly how I feel when I describe myself as religious. It doesn’t matter how much scripture you can quote, or how many times a week you go to church imo. Life is love, and love is life.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I don’t think it was written thaaaaat well. I think I would benefit from a second read, but I feel like the overarching themes of the importance of being religious, and being able to see past yourself in the big wide world should have come first, and then the quantitative and scientific research about how being religious can protect someone from depression. It was great when I finished it, but I don’t think it was as enjoyable knowing the science before the greater cultural impact, just personally. Maybe others would disagree. Thats okay.
Also. Joe bought me this book. Just because. He is so good to me. How very special it is to be seen.
My favourite passage is:
What's more, we found that for people at high risk for depression, altruis and love of neighbor are prospectively protective against depressive symptoms. In other words, people high in altruism and love are less depressed years in the future than those who are less altruistic, with an even bigger effect if they have been depressed in the past. If you take Prozac to treat depression, and then stop taking the medication, you could potentially be depressed again within a matter of weeks. But our study suggested that daily, lived altruism may be curative.
Why does altruism-lived, actionable service to fellow humans— prevent against the downward spiral of recurrent depression among people with a lifelong tendency to suffer? Maybe because it draws people out of isolation and into reconnection, benefiting both the helper and the helped. Maybe because it fulfills a sense of purpose and gives expression to deep calling and contribution. Maybe because it restores us to ourselves-to our own optimum functioning, and also to an accurate perception of the nature of life. We rise from the narrows of splintered self-interest, isolation, and competition, and awaken our hearts to the world as it is.
And the world flourishes with us.
Our own optimum functioning is good for others and the earth. The very same way of being that creates a healthy, interconnected brain generates the most interconnected state of humanity and all life. The awakened brain enables us to see our connection to others and to Earth-and it guides us, even requires us, to live in a way that supports that connection. Altruism is essentially an embodied form of our awareness of unity and love. Our awareness and our way of being become integrated and mutually enforcing, altru-in both the conduit and destination of our awakening, a lived expression of who we are to one another
This book encapsulates exactly how I feel when I describe myself as religious. It doesn’t matter how much scripture you can quote, or how many times a week you go to church imo. Life is love, and love is life.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I don’t think it was written thaaaaat well. I think I would benefit from a second read, but I feel like the overarching themes of the importance of being religious, and being able to see past yourself in the big wide world should have come first, and then the quantitative and scientific research about how being religious can protect someone from depression. It was great when I finished it, but I don’t think it was as enjoyable knowing the science before the greater cultural impact, just personally. Maybe others would disagree. Thats okay.
Also. Joe bought me this book. Just because. He is so good to me. How very special it is to be seen.
My favourite passage is:
What's more, we found that for people at high risk for depression, altruis and love of neighbor are prospectively protective against depressive symptoms. In other words, people high in altruism and love are less depressed years in the future than those who are less altruistic, with an even bigger effect if they have been depressed in the past. If you take Prozac to treat depression, and then stop taking the medication, you could potentially be depressed again within a matter of weeks. But our study suggested that daily, lived altruism may be curative.
Why does altruism-lived, actionable service to fellow humans— prevent against the downward spiral of recurrent depression among people with a lifelong tendency to suffer? Maybe because it draws people out of isolation and into reconnection, benefiting both the helper and the helped. Maybe because it fulfills a sense of purpose and gives expression to deep calling and contribution. Maybe because it restores us to ourselves-to our own optimum functioning, and also to an accurate perception of the nature of life. We rise from the narrows of splintered self-interest, isolation, and competition, and awaken our hearts to the world as it is.
And the world flourishes with us.
Our own optimum functioning is good for others and the earth. The very same way of being that creates a healthy, interconnected brain generates the most interconnected state of humanity and all life. The awakened brain enables us to see our connection to others and to Earth-and it guides us, even requires us, to live in a way that supports that connection. Altruism is essentially an embodied form of our awareness of unity and love. Our awareness and our way of being become integrated and mutually enforcing, altru-in both the conduit and destination of our awakening, a lived expression of who we are to one another
Read
July 16, 2022I'm struggling with what spirituality should look like in my life (and my kids' lives) right now, but I'm even more convinced that I want to figure it out.
April 6, 2025
Inspiring! Two major things I took from this book are that spirituality can be a defense for depression and anxiety and that once we become open to our spiritual sides, we open to the connectedness of the universe and we become aware of certain synchronicities. Some of the stories in the book were things I needed to hear, so there were synchronicities for myself here, too. I'm glad I read this book. Very timely and hopeful.
October 31, 2022
The juxtaposition of spirituality and depression are two sides of the same coin. It was a simple read that led me to look into them deeply. A must read if you’re interested in these topics.
October 1, 2023
This book has me kicking my feet and asking people on second dates if they believe in God.
August 24, 2023
I have seen many people who faced traumatic circumstances and then used spirituality to turn thier life around. In Christianity, it is called the born again experience. I always wondered if science could explain this experience and this book does a decent job to satisfy my curiosity. The book first defines spirituality and then uses modern scientific methods like brain imaging and twin studies to understand the impact of spirituality on a person.
Some key take aways:
- Majority of humans are genetically predisposed to spirituality
- Depression and spirituality affect similar brain networks indicating strong correlation.
- Spiritual people have "thicker brain" which is an antidote to depression
- Brains have two modes, awakened and focus. The latter is used for goal achievement and solving task and the former for getting a sense of meaning and synchronicity in life. Both are important to have a balanced life.
- Religion is a major source of spirituality for masses but there are other ways like spending time in nature, meditation and altruism.
Some key take aways:
- Majority of humans are genetically predisposed to spirituality
- Depression and spirituality affect similar brain networks indicating strong correlation.
- Spiritual people have "thicker brain" which is an antidote to depression
- Brains have two modes, awakened and focus. The latter is used for goal achievement and solving task and the former for getting a sense of meaning and synchronicity in life. Both are important to have a balanced life.
- Religion is a major source of spirituality for masses but there are other ways like spending time in nature, meditation and altruism.
September 26, 2021
It’s such a beautiful fusion between story telling and science. Like a blend of fiction and non fiction rolled into one with how the author relays her experiences and writes, sometimes as if you’re there yourself, accompanying them in their research, findings and experiences.
It’s so lyrically and beautifully written and the author is expert at setting a scene and easing you into the chapters. Nothing feels too heavy or overwhelming when reading and the author does such a great job with dealing with distressing and difficult topics and stories with such love, care and respect.
It’s brutally honest, raw and open and I commend Lisa for including her own struggles too, with her battles and fertility which she shares with the reader throughout various chapters.
Included is her stories and experiences of working on wards, with patients and her research and finding out more into the relationship between the brain and spirituality. As well as her own personal accounts of things she has faced in relation to spirituality too.
I loved the neurobiology and psychological science in this. My only slight reservation was her link to Quantum Mechanics and spirituality and the brain. There’s still so much to learn about quantum physics and I think bringing it into this topic was a controversial one. It’s always raised red flags when I’ve read it in a book on say, consciousness or human thought as it can be used by quacks to peddle their insane schemes to ‘scientifically back’ things like ESP, telepathy and the like. She didn’t do this I was glad for, but it’s still something that should be read with caution.
Neurobiology, psychology and the topic of the link between health and well-being and mental health is so so interesting though and this book will only boost you’re curiosity and feed it too.
It included some lovely stories of people she’s met along the way and how having ‘an awakened brain’ has helped them throughout their lives. It was certainly an interesting read!
It’s so lyrically and beautifully written and the author is expert at setting a scene and easing you into the chapters. Nothing feels too heavy or overwhelming when reading and the author does such a great job with dealing with distressing and difficult topics and stories with such love, care and respect.
It’s brutally honest, raw and open and I commend Lisa for including her own struggles too, with her battles and fertility which she shares with the reader throughout various chapters.
Included is her stories and experiences of working on wards, with patients and her research and finding out more into the relationship between the brain and spirituality. As well as her own personal accounts of things she has faced in relation to spirituality too.
I loved the neurobiology and psychological science in this. My only slight reservation was her link to Quantum Mechanics and spirituality and the brain. There’s still so much to learn about quantum physics and I think bringing it into this topic was a controversial one. It’s always raised red flags when I’ve read it in a book on say, consciousness or human thought as it can be used by quacks to peddle their insane schemes to ‘scientifically back’ things like ESP, telepathy and the like. She didn’t do this I was glad for, but it’s still something that should be read with caution.
Neurobiology, psychology and the topic of the link between health and well-being and mental health is so so interesting though and this book will only boost you’re curiosity and feed it too.
It included some lovely stories of people she’s met along the way and how having ‘an awakened brain’ has helped them throughout their lives. It was certainly an interesting read!
February 2, 2022
Tough times during life can be a “spiritual invitation to live more fully, love more deeply, and open into dialogue with the sacred universe.”
This book puts into words how I have been feeling over the past two tumultuous years. There is a difference between the achieving brain (what do I need? how can I get it? how can I control and keep it?) and the awakened brain (yeah I want stuff, but I’m also staying open and receptive to whatever the universe wants to show me). When you really start feeling how connected you are to, uh, like, everything, it changes you. Even a wish not granted can be turned into an obstacle to help you grow.
I was amazed by the MRIs and scientific studies showing how the same areas of the brain are responsible for depression and spirituality—and that even if a person is “weak” in this area, it’s absolutely possible to strengthen the brain through activities that increase the person’s feelings of connection, like mindfulness and visualization. Such fascinating stuff.
While I ended up really enjoying the book overall, just an fyi, it takes about 100 pages to really get going. And the more revealing science appears about 50 pages after that. So a bit of a slow start, but what an exciting book.
This book puts into words how I have been feeling over the past two tumultuous years. There is a difference between the achieving brain (what do I need? how can I get it? how can I control and keep it?) and the awakened brain (yeah I want stuff, but I’m also staying open and receptive to whatever the universe wants to show me). When you really start feeling how connected you are to, uh, like, everything, it changes you. Even a wish not granted can be turned into an obstacle to help you grow.
I was amazed by the MRIs and scientific studies showing how the same areas of the brain are responsible for depression and spirituality—and that even if a person is “weak” in this area, it’s absolutely possible to strengthen the brain through activities that increase the person’s feelings of connection, like mindfulness and visualization. Such fascinating stuff.
While I ended up really enjoying the book overall, just an fyi, it takes about 100 pages to really get going. And the more revealing science appears about 50 pages after that. So a bit of a slow start, but what an exciting book.
September 20, 2021
I was disappointed. The book started off strong, talking about the research and connection between spirituality, depression, and the brain. At the end it turned into another philosophy book espousing the importance of awakened attention, awakened connection, and awakened heart, stuff that's available in plenty of other books.
I was hoping that as part of her research she had identified ways to develop that awakened attention, connection, and heart that go beyond the trope of opening your heart and sending love to others but the closest she came was a discussion of the importance of synchronicities. I guess I'll have to wait for someone else to write that book.
I was hoping that as part of her research she had identified ways to develop that awakened attention, connection, and heart that go beyond the trope of opening your heart and sending love to others but the closest she came was a discussion of the importance of synchronicities. I guess I'll have to wait for someone else to write that book.
April 1, 2022
The author focused a lot on her own journey with foreign adoption - for reasons that were unclear to me it was a thread running throughout the book.
As someone who is educated about adoption, it was far too icky for me to hear about how it was basically fate that as impoverished Russian lady gave up her son as she spiritually felt a rich American lady was really hurting over her infertility crisis and needed a baby. I can't trust anyone who would tell their kid this so it makes me doubt the whole book.
As someone who is educated about adoption, it was far too icky for me to hear about how it was basically fate that as impoverished Russian lady gave up her son as she spiritually felt a rich American lady was really hurting over her infertility crisis and needed a baby. I can't trust anyone who would tell their kid this so it makes me doubt the whole book.
March 4, 2024
I saw Dr. Miller speak at a conference last year. I enjoyed hearing from her so much that I wanted to read her latest book. My sister convinced me to move it up the list.
This feels like a mix of non-fiction with stats and lots of interesting research, but it also has the element of a memoir where the author throws in some moving spiritual experiences and stories. This is one I will want to revisit.
This feels like a mix of non-fiction with stats and lots of interesting research, but it also has the element of a memoir where the author throws in some moving spiritual experiences and stories. This is one I will want to revisit.
March 21, 2024
I literally would not shut up about this book to my friends and family. Perfect balance of anecdotes and research. Changed my perspective on spirituality and made me reflect a lot
August 11, 2025
★★★☆☆ (3.7/5 stars) if being real. Still enjoyed!
There's so much to unpack about this book. On one hand, I genuinely enjoyed its core message and found myself inspired by Miller's vision of living with an "awakened brain." The exploration of synchronicities was fascinating, and I was particularly struck by the neurochemical connections between spirituality and depression—how they can represent two sides of the same coin. Miller's personal story added depth to the narrative, and I appreciated how she differentiated between awakened awareness, connection, and heart as distinct and converging pathways to transformation.
However, some aspects of the book left me annoyed. First, the scientific presentation felt a bit shallow; very much pop science without the rigor I was hoping for. I found myself wanting more detailed explanations of the studies: sample sizes, statistical significance, methodology. How can we confidently apply this research to diverse populations? The lack of scientific depth (as included in book) undermined the credibility of some compelling claims.
More problematically, a couple of the book's examples felt tone-deaf and privileged. The "awakened heart" chapter particularly grated on me with its focus on wealthy heirs who found their zen—why should I be taking life advice from a Kennedy or a Rockefeller? The suggestion that profit and awakened consciousness can seamlessly coexist feels naive and cheapens the spiritual argument. There's an undeniable privilege in being able to drop everything and pursue enlightenment, which the book touches on but more so glosses over.
Perhaps most concerning was Miller's historically inaccurate claim that South Africa's transition from apartheid occurred without bloodshed. This completely ignores the violence of Soweto, systemic police brutality, and countless other sacrifices. It represents a troubling lack of historical context and slides into dangerous "kumbaya" territory that erases real suffering. (It was just like a passing sentence but the lack of historical accuracy really annoyed me! And cheapened her claims! How am I supposed to believe you girl if you’re telling me apartheid wasn’t bloody??? huh??)
We can absolutely embrace interconnectedness and awakened consciousness while acknowledging historical trauma and ongoing injustice; In fact, they are oftentimes intertwined. Books like Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass demonstrate how to do this beautifully—combining indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and historical awareness without romanticizing struggle or oversimplifying complex realities.
Despite these flaws, I'm glad I read The Awakened Brain. Miller's mission is admirable, and there are genuine insights worth considering that I will certainly apply to my life and the lives of others. With that said, the book reads more like pop psychology that prioritizes broad appeal over the methodological rigor and nuanced analysis such profound claims require. A more historically grounded, scientifically rigorous, and socially aware approach would have made this a truly transformative read!
There's so much to unpack about this book. On one hand, I genuinely enjoyed its core message and found myself inspired by Miller's vision of living with an "awakened brain." The exploration of synchronicities was fascinating, and I was particularly struck by the neurochemical connections between spirituality and depression—how they can represent two sides of the same coin. Miller's personal story added depth to the narrative, and I appreciated how she differentiated between awakened awareness, connection, and heart as distinct and converging pathways to transformation.
However, some aspects of the book left me annoyed. First, the scientific presentation felt a bit shallow; very much pop science without the rigor I was hoping for. I found myself wanting more detailed explanations of the studies: sample sizes, statistical significance, methodology. How can we confidently apply this research to diverse populations? The lack of scientific depth (as included in book) undermined the credibility of some compelling claims.
More problematically, a couple of the book's examples felt tone-deaf and privileged. The "awakened heart" chapter particularly grated on me with its focus on wealthy heirs who found their zen—why should I be taking life advice from a Kennedy or a Rockefeller? The suggestion that profit and awakened consciousness can seamlessly coexist feels naive and cheapens the spiritual argument. There's an undeniable privilege in being able to drop everything and pursue enlightenment, which the book touches on but more so glosses over.
Perhaps most concerning was Miller's historically inaccurate claim that South Africa's transition from apartheid occurred without bloodshed. This completely ignores the violence of Soweto, systemic police brutality, and countless other sacrifices. It represents a troubling lack of historical context and slides into dangerous "kumbaya" territory that erases real suffering. (It was just like a passing sentence but the lack of historical accuracy really annoyed me! And cheapened her claims! How am I supposed to believe you girl if you’re telling me apartheid wasn’t bloody??? huh??)
We can absolutely embrace interconnectedness and awakened consciousness while acknowledging historical trauma and ongoing injustice; In fact, they are oftentimes intertwined. Books like Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass demonstrate how to do this beautifully—combining indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and historical awareness without romanticizing struggle or oversimplifying complex realities.
Despite these flaws, I'm glad I read The Awakened Brain. Miller's mission is admirable, and there are genuine insights worth considering that I will certainly apply to my life and the lives of others. With that said, the book reads more like pop psychology that prioritizes broad appeal over the methodological rigor and nuanced analysis such profound claims require. A more historically grounded, scientifically rigorous, and socially aware approach would have made this a truly transformative read!
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May 13, 2022I found this book riveting, and honestly I read it in one day.
The ideas were not really new exactly, but I was propelled by her sense of synchronicity as a guide into choice and wayfinding.
Also I was encouraged by her stance that wellbeing practices like mind body work is a resilience factor in general for health overall.
The ideas were not really new exactly, but I was propelled by her sense of synchronicity as a guide into choice and wayfinding.
Also I was encouraged by her stance that wellbeing practices like mind body work is a resilience factor in general for health overall.
May 25, 2025
I loved this book! I was afraid it would be too complex for regular readers - that are not psychologists - and it turns out it wasn’t. Lisa Miller writes about her own experience but also shows her research on how important it is to connect with others, with nature, with good vibes and the world in order to be more connected to ourselves and have a better mental health. With scientific proof she addresses very empowering and hopeful notions on how we can live a more awaken life.
October 31, 2024
I really loved the science behind spirituality in this book. Fascinating insights that I'll be mulling over for quite some time.
October 3, 2021
It is an interesting concept, that spirituality can help with depression and anxiety..
It is a well written book with a lot of examples on how you can help your own mental help, however I find that methods are mostly taken from CBT. If you are having certain problems related to mental health, this book can actually help to untangle certain thoughts and things, but then again through CBT.
There's a lot about how spirituality helps you to interpret things differently, however that is what CBT teaches us to do as well.
I personally think that you either are spiritual or not, same as many beliefs including religion it's either what you do believe or don't. I would pretty much agree that spirituality can help with anxiety and depression, however only if you have it in you.
I myself would largely choose to use CBT as it makes sense to me, it's logical and it's something that helps you to change the way you "react" whether you are spiritual or not.
There are a lot of examples where something happens and it's a "sign" and it helps, but you can read or not read as signs and attach different meanings to it, so it all depends on so many things..
Once again, I can see how this can help some people, but it didn't make me a "believer" and I don;t think it would work on the ones who, just like me, are looking for logic everywhere..
Nevertheless, thank you to Penguin Books and Allen Lane for my free beautiful copy of this book
It is a well written book with a lot of examples on how you can help your own mental help, however I find that methods are mostly taken from CBT. If you are having certain problems related to mental health, this book can actually help to untangle certain thoughts and things, but then again through CBT.
There's a lot about how spirituality helps you to interpret things differently, however that is what CBT teaches us to do as well.
I personally think that you either are spiritual or not, same as many beliefs including religion it's either what you do believe or don't. I would pretty much agree that spirituality can help with anxiety and depression, however only if you have it in you.
I myself would largely choose to use CBT as it makes sense to me, it's logical and it's something that helps you to change the way you "react" whether you are spiritual or not.
There are a lot of examples where something happens and it's a "sign" and it helps, but you can read or not read as signs and attach different meanings to it, so it all depends on so many things..
Once again, I can see how this can help some people, but it didn't make me a "believer" and I don;t think it would work on the ones who, just like me, are looking for logic everywhere..
Nevertheless, thank you to Penguin Books and Allen Lane for my free beautiful copy of this book
January 31, 2022
I came to this after having heard Lisa on the Rich Roll podcast. I knew from that episode that I was going to enjoy the book, but not quite how much.
Lisa describes the loving and connected human that I wish I were and inspires me to get closer to being that person. I turned 50 a few months ago and have been doing a lot of self reflection around that. It's clear that my disconnection is harming me and my relationships, but I didn't know how to do anything about it.
Depression has featured in my life a few times, and medication has both helped and hindered my recovery. This book outlines not a method for recovery, but a explanation of what can bring about recovery. The big book of Alcoholics Anonymous says that the point is "that we were willing to grow along spiritual lines." This book explains just how life-changing that willingness can be if one makes changes to allow that growth to happen. And I intend to do just that!
Lisa describes the loving and connected human that I wish I were and inspires me to get closer to being that person. I turned 50 a few months ago and have been doing a lot of self reflection around that. It's clear that my disconnection is harming me and my relationships, but I didn't know how to do anything about it.
Depression has featured in my life a few times, and medication has both helped and hindered my recovery. This book outlines not a method for recovery, but a explanation of what can bring about recovery. The big book of Alcoholics Anonymous says that the point is "that we were willing to grow along spiritual lines." This book explains just how life-changing that willingness can be if one makes changes to allow that growth to happen. And I intend to do just that!
November 2, 2021
What an incredible book! Dr. Miller uses science to show that spirituality (broadly defined and different from religious belief), is one of the strongest protective factors against depression. Through her many years of research, she demonstrates how depression and spirituality operate within the brain, and that they may be two sides of the same coin. Our physiological development presents us with occasional moments of crisis at certain times in life. When we meet those crises spiritually, we are more protected against depression in later life stages. In fact, our brains are hardwired for spirituality - the ability to see our fundamental connectedness to other humans and living beings through a greater consciousness/source. Healing from trauma requires bringing greater awareness to the signs and lessons that the universe has for us, to bring new information to bear on trauma.
September 9, 2021
Both the research and storytelling in this book are great. She is hitting on a fascinating subject. One that explains the neurological biology behind the psychology of Jung and the philosophy of Joseph Campbell. I would love to know how the research at John’s Hopkins on mystical experiences through psilocybin also plays into this subject. But the bottom line here is that our brains are definitely wired to experience the mystical, and when we do it serves as a great healer of depression anxiety. I will read this book again sometime.
May 13, 2022
Skimmed this, as I found it disappointing. The point: People who are spiritual are less depressed. This is stated in the introduction and then following this are pages and pages of a memoir about being a doctor and devising studies. I hoped for more information on what to do if you’re one of the non-spiritual depressed people, how to cultivate a spiritual practice from nothing, but that’s not what this book is.
December 12, 2022
We are finally able to explain spirituality through academia and scientific models. Hopefully this will influence the mindset of scholars everywhere that "believing" is not correlated with lower levels of education.... in fact, it may indicate higher levels of mental health, maturity, and intelligence! A must read, no matter your level of faith.
January 2, 2022
STUDIES SHOW that if you believe an omnipotent being is interested in your personal well-being and running the universe accordingly, you might be less prone to depression!
April 7, 2022
A couple of good insights, but other than that it’s more of a memoir as opposed to solid research.
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