Going Deep with Dr. Lisa Miller
Since the start of our journey, we have had the pleasure of connecting with so many innovative practitioners and inviting them to our space. At Pause + Purpose, we integrate evidence-based insights from numerous scientists into our Core Classes and special events, enriching the sacred practices we offer with valuable context.
Dr. Lisa Miller’s neuroscientific research, in collaboration with Columbia and Yale Universities, has emphasized the vital role spirituality plays in our overall well-being and has been a source of inspiration for us. Her studies have shown that nurturing our spiritual core not only enriches our lives with purpose but also fosters a sense of interconnectedness with the world around us, (and can even mitigate the severity of depression). These themes particularly resonated with us as we navigate the post-pandemic world, and look to raise the next generation with mindsets capable of navigating challenges and hearts capable of empathy.
As a studio focused on mindfulness, the following research points stood out. With Dr. Lisa Miller’s mentorship, we’ve been able to explore these topics more deeply to continue supporting our community in innovative ways.
Neuroplasticity: Regular mindfulness can lead to a 16% increase in brain neuroplasticity, allowing for enhanced emotional regulation and increased empathy.
Resilience Boost: Individuals who engage in mindfulness practices experience a 20% improvement in their ability to bounce back from adversity, promoting mental and emotional resilience.
Spiritual Growth: Spiritual practices, when integrated into daily life, lead to a 22% increase in individuals reporting a profound sense of inner peace and purpose.
Enhanced Well-Being: Individuals who combine mindfulness and spirituality in their routines report a 25% increase in overall well-being, resulting in improved life satisfaction and a deeper connection to the world around them.
After becoming familiar with Dr. Miller’s work over the past 2 years, we were so honored to host her at Pause + Purpose for two special events in September!
To kick things off, she joined us at the Westport Library for our September installment of Self-Checkout. Dr. Lisa Miller shared her research for a free community event titled: The Surprising Neuroscience of Spirituality and Wellbeing; How You Can Help Yourself and Your Teens. We had a great turnout and were able to foster a sense of community in just a short time. Listeners were open and engaged with Dr. Miller, and even shared their personal experiences during the Q & A session. Dr. Miller walked us through her research and findings and facilitated a short meditation with attendees. Interested attendees had their copy of The Awakened Brain signed by Dr. Miller. You can watch a video recap here.
Later that month, we held an intimate workshop with Dr. Lisa Miller, exclusively for Pause + Purpose members. The workshop brought together members interested in exploring Dr. Miller’s work more deeply. Dr. Miller facilitated a group meditation session and then led us through an engaging series of breakout group discussions which fostered deeper connections among the members. She went in depth to her research and left us with actionable steps we could incorporate into our daily lives to help build resilience.
If you’d like to learn more about her findings you can:
Read the Awakened Brain
Attend any of our classes to “walk the walk”
Look out for our new meditation teacher training, registration opening in Dec, that features contributions by Dr. Miller