Hold the Light

How We Can Find Meaning, Purpose, and Joy Through Our Awakened Brain

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Episode notes

In this episode, I delve into the work by Dr. Lisa Miller, author of “The Awakened Brain,” and her discovery that spirituality is not external but intrinsic to all individuals. As she says, spirituality is hardwired into our neural circuitry, with genetics accounting for 29% of our capacity for spirituality. (!) I talk about how Dr. Miller discovered that cultivating a robust spiritual life and engaging our awakened brain can lead to various benefits, such as mental well-being, connection, compassion, and personal growth.  


And I suggest five practices that I feel can reinforce our awakened brain: meditation, cultivating meaningful relationships, self-reflection, spending time in nature, and practicing gratitude. ~ Laurie


Episode Highlights:

  • Understanding dysthymia as explained by Dr. Lisa Miller in her book "The Awakened Brain,” and the feelings of emptiness, disillusionment, and unfulfillment that many people experience in life.
  • Dr. Miller's groundbreaking idea that spirituality is inherent within us and not external.
  • We explore Dr. Miller's research on spirituality and mental health through her MRI studies, genetic research, and epidemiology.
  • The discovery that 29% of our capacity for spirituality is heritable, while 71% is influenced by our environment.
  • The MRI findings that show the “high-spiritual brain was healthier and more robust than the low-spiritual brain. And the high-spiritual brain was thicker and stronger in exactly the same regions that weaken and wither in depressed brains.”
  • How an awakened brain can protect against mental suffering, enhance well-being, and foster connection.
  • The positive psychological benefits, such as resilience, optimism, and creativity.
  • Five actionable steps we can all do to reinforce an awakened brain.


Learn more about Dr. Miller and "The Awakened Brain"


Hold the Light podcast aims to support and guide lifelong learners and light holders in deepening their connection to personal and spiritual growth. By providing a mix of information, application, and transformation, this show equips people with the tools and inspiration that can help expand and evolve their lives.



THE HTL PODCAST CREW

  • Creator, producer, and host: Laurie Gunning Grossman
  • Co-producer and audio mixer/sound guru: Jonathan Grossman
  • Original music: Jonathan Grossman
  • Hold the Light podcast is recorded and mixed at Night Shift Audio in Los Angeles, CA


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