Pause + Purpose Virtual Book Club: 'The Awakened Brain' by Dr. Lisa Miller
When I first heard about "The Awakened Brain,” I was immediately intrigued. As someone who has struggled with anxiety, and is constantly looking for new ways to build resilience in myself, I dove right in! The book explored so many fascinating topics including neuroscience, psychology, spirituality, and how all these connect and impact the brain and our overall well-being.
“The Awakened Brain” follows Dr. Lisa Miller through her career as a clinical psychologist. As she takes on new cases, we get an inside look into her thought process and what led her to question how we approach mental health treatment. As her journey from patient to patient unfolds, we get an in-depth look at what led to her innovative research on spirituality and building resilience. “I didn’t know that in treating Mr. Danner I’d taken my first step towards defining a new model for treatment. But I was growing to understand that there were limitations in the care we offered, and I was looking and listening for other possibilities.” As I kept reading, Dr. Miller’s insights and curiosity provided a sense of comfort that we were moving in the right direction when it comes to approaching our mental health.
Through her research, Dr. Miller found that we have two modes of awareness; achieving awareness and awakened awareness. Achieving awareness is the idea that our purpose is to organize and control our lives. This is helpful because it allows you to focus your attention and achieve your goals. Meanwhile, the awakened brain allows us to see past just our goals. It gives us the opportunity to think beyond, to weigh our options, and to find the path that is for us; allowing us to express our creativity and let the mind wander. “The awakened brain is a healthier brain. An engaged spiritual life enhances grit, optimism, and resilience while providing insulation against addiction, trauma, and depression.”
After presenting her research, Dr. Miller goes on to share ways we can help cultivate spirituality to lead a stronger life. After completing this book, I felt inspired (and equipped) to start implementing practices into my life to open and strengthen my mind.
This book was a thought-provoking exploration of the connection between spirituality, psychology, and neuroscience, giving us a comprehensive look at how spiritual experiences can shape the brain and giving the reader tools to access their inner spirituality and build a meaningful life.
Ready to dig deeper? Stop by the studio at 21 Jesup Rd Westport CT Tuesday, 8/22 from 1-3pm or Wednesday 8/23 from 5-7pm to grab a copy of The Awakened Brain. Come inside and up the stairs and a member of the P+P staff will be there to say hello. We have 15 to giveaway and can’t wait to see you! (Pause + Purpose members can borrow a copy from the library. Remember to check it out!)
Here are some questions to explore once you finish the book.
Can you relate any personal experiences or stories that align with the idea of spirituality positively influencing mental and emotional well-being?
Which, if any, of the individuals or case studies presented in the book, resonated with your own beliefs or experiences?
The book discusses various spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and mindfulness. Have you personally experienced any of these practices leading to changes in your own emotional state or mental clarity?
What were your main takeaways from reading "The Awakened Brain"?
How might you apply the insights from the book to your own life, whether through adopting new practices or reconsidering your perspective on spirituality and well-being?
Interested in more? Join us atv Pause + Purpose for Going Deep with Dr. Lisa Miller. Click here for more details!