The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality & Our Quest for an Inspired Life
with Researcher & Author Lisa Miller, PhD
Professor of Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University
Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program in Spirituality and Psychology
Monday, May 5, & Tuesday, May 6
at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, & Online
Can understanding spirituality promote a healthy brain?
Learn from Dr. Lisa Miller, one of the nation’s leading neuroscience researchers, at Prairiewoods’ Spirituality in the 21st Century event. Dr. Miller combines cutting-edge science with direct tools for application for people from all walks of life. Participate in one of three sessions, either in person or virtually.
What impact does spirituality have on the brain & wellbeing?
According to Dr. Miller’s research, those reporting a moderate or high level of spirituality are:
- 60% less likely to have significant depression
- 70% less likely to engage in risky behaviors
- 80% less likely to become addicted to alcohol and drugs
Why is this important?
Under the leadership of Dr. Lisa Miller, MRI studies have demonstrated that all humans are born with an innate spiritual capacity. Within the spiritual network of the brain, enhanced cortical thickness is present in those for whom spirituality and religion are essential. (Cortical thickness is structural protection against depression, addiction and other diseases of despair.) Highly spiritual people’s brains reflect a healthier neural structure than those for whom spirituality and religion hold medium, low or no importance. Dr. Miller’s work has shown that the brain is wired for a connection to something greater than ourselves.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the Department of Health and Human Services has identified spirituality as one of the eight key components of overall wellness.
According to National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) 2021 data, 473,000 adults in Iowa have a mental health condition. That’s more than three times the population of Cedar Rapids.
What if an enhanced focus on spiritual development provided another tool in the toolkit to support those struggling with depression, anxiety or addiction? What if cultivating the innate spiritual core could add another level of support for people? Why wouldn’t we work to raise awareness of this?
Join Dr. Lisa Miller as we delve deeply into spirituality and how it correlates with a healthy brain. Similar content will be available at all three sessions, with a focus on human services and youth on Tuesday morning and healthcare on Tuesday evening. You are invited to choose one session to attend.
Monday, May 5, 6–8:15 p.m. (in person or online)
Keynote & Daily Practices Workshop (open to all)
at First Lutheran Church (1000 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa) or online
Books will be available for purchase.
Cost: $25 (Students are welcome at the door with a student ID for just $10.)
This session will be offered both in person and online.
Tuesday, May 6, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Keynote & Daily Practices Workshop (9:30 a.m.–12 p.m., open to all with dedicated content for those who work in human services or with youth)
Lunch & Book Signing (12–1:30 p.m.)
at First Lutheran Church (1000 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
Books will be available for purchase, and Dr. Miller will be available for signing books.
Cost: $40 (includes lunch) (Students are welcome at the door with a student ID for just $10.)
Tuesday, May 6, 6–8:15 p.m.
Keynote & Daily Practices Workshop (open to all with dedicated content for those who work in healthcare; CME & CEU credits available)
at First Lutheran Church (1000 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
Books will be available for purchase.
Cost: $25 (Students are welcome at the door with a student ID for just $10.)
The Awakened Brain Pre-Event Book Study (March 27–April 24)
To prepare for The Awakened Brain event, you are invited to join us for a transformative journey through Dr. Lisa Miller’s groundbreaking book The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life. Over the course of five weeks (March 27–April 24), this online book study invites you to explore the profound connection between science, spirituality and mental health.
Spirituality in the 21st Century Speakers & Topics
Spirituality in the 21st Century has been our major annual event since 2001. If you’d like to read a history of the facilitators who have guided us through past events, please click here.