You Are Not Broken

365. The Awakened Brain

Apr 5, 2026
Dr. Lisa Miller, psychologist and Columbia professor who studies the science of spirituality, joins to discuss measurable spiritual life as a protective force. She covers research linking spirituality to lower depression and addiction risk. They explore spiritual awakening after crisis, the “high counsel” practice, women’s unique spiritual intelligence, and practical ways to reclaim inner knowing.
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INSIGHT

Spiritual Life Strongly Protects Mental Health

  • Strengthening a personal spiritual life strongly protects mental health and addiction risk.
  • Lisa Miller cites data: ~80% less likely to be addicted, ~82% less likely to die by suicide, ~75% less likely to have recurrent major depression when spiritually engaged.
INSIGHT

Suffering Can Trigger Neurobiological Awakening

  • Struggle often precedes spiritual awakening and builds measurable brain changes.
  • MRI studies show greater cortical thickness in regions tied to spiritual perception among those who awakened through hardship.
ADVICE

Invite Your Feelings To Counsel Instead Of Arguing

  • Stay with painful feelings instead of arguing them away and invite them into awareness.
  • Miller guides a practice: breathe, give the feeling a persona and a name, then bring it to your inner high counsel for dialogue.
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