The awakened brain : the new science of spirituality and our quest for an inspired life

Summary: "Spirituality is the birthright of every human on earth. Whether it's saying a prayer or doing a meditation, whether you walk in nature or read inspirational books, there are many ways to tap into a heightened awareness. No matter what age you're at or what walk of life, you can start your spiritual quest at any time, and in The Awakened Brain psychologist Dr. Lisa Miller shows you how. Based on groundbreaking findings and years of clinical study, The Awakened Brain reveals how humans are not only universally equipped with the capacity to tap into spiritual awareness, but that people with a positive, active relationship to spirituality are 40% less likely to use and abuse substances, 60% less likely to be depressed, and more likely to have a significantly increased sense of meaning and purpose, in addition to higher levels of academic success. Combining cutting-edge research with on the ground application by people from all walks of life from students and doctors to veterans, monks, and parents, Dr. Miller has discovered that: there's a biological clock on spiritual awakening that starts in adolescence genetic variability accounts for 25% of the difference in people's inclination toward spiritual seeking a woman who recovers from depression with spirituality gives off the same brain waves as if she had recovered by using Prozac"--