Episode 45: Ivy League scientist Dr. Lisa Miller on consciousness, the brain & the nature of reality

Dr. Lisa Miller is a psychologist and scientist from Columbia University, widely regarded as the leading authority on the science of spirituality. While science and spirituality are often seen as opposites, Dr. Miller’s groundbreaking research reveals that the two are deeply interconnected. 

 

Her work has shown that we are actually biologically hardwired for spirituality. So it’s no surprise her contributions have earned critical acclaim amongst fellow scientists and the media. In 2014, Dr. Miller’s TED Talk went viral, racking up 2.6 million views, where she demonstrated how spirituality can act as a protective shield against depression. Since then, her work has been featured by Big Think, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, and NBC. 

 

She’s also authored two bestselling books – The Spiritual Child and The Awakened Brain. 

 

In this episode, we dive deep into the research, exploring how science has proven our spiritual nature. Dr. Miller unpacks some really fascinating findings, including the role of synchronicity, the connection between spirituality and a sense of purpose, and why having something greater than yourself in life is essential. 

 

We also discuss practical ways to cultivate spiritual awareness—both individually and then with other people. The beauty is that whether you consider yourself spiritual or not, this episode will open your eyes and unlock an entirely new way of looking at life.

 

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
1:59 - Silencing spirituality in public square
5:14 - Breakthroughs in science
12:20 - Spirituality is prescribed in our genetic code
15:05 - Spirituality vs. religion
18:00 - Addressing skeptics
21:18 - Synchronicities
25:36 - Trail angels
32:22 - The spiritual brain, explained
41:33 - The link between mental health & spirituality
49:55 - Spirituality makes sense of suffering
54:38 - Spirituality makes your brain healthier
1:00:07 - Dr. Miller’s own mystical experience
1:14:16 - Synchronicity studies & quantum mechanics
1:18:12 - “Consciousness doesn’t come from the brain”
1:22:46 - The two modes of awareness
1:32:00 - Practices to cultivate a spiritual life
1:37:21 - This study will blow your mind
1:40:10 - Dr. Andrew Newberg’s breakthrough study
1:42:05 - Addressing conflicts in faith traditions

 

Related Episodes:
https://youtu.be/m-9o5aFAqrI?si=QwM0Vo6diwzLi_qt

 

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Dr. Lisa Miller Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lisamiller/
YouTube: https://amzn.to/4dhiTIZ

 

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