“Each of us is endowed with a natural capacity to perceive a greater reality and consciously connect to the life force that moves in, through, and around us,” writes Lisa Miller, PhD.
This natural capacity may be called religion or faith or spirituality or dharma or mindfulness, or something that is personal to you.
But it is a choice. We can choose our guiding perspective on life. We can choose to be open to spiritual moments.
And our choice to practice being spiritual beings is what can protect us against mental suffering, even across generations.
This is the promise of “The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life” (2021) – based on evidence-based research and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan findings. She shares research as well as her personal quest as a spiritual being.
What is the awakened brain? Miller declares that, “The awakened brain is the neural circuitry that allows us to see the world more fully and thus enhance our individual, social, and global well-being.”
Seeing the world more fully is a mindset and a practice. It is something we must choose continuously. It is about being aware of the interconnectedness between our mind, body, spirit, and community – and the connection between ourselves, community, nature, and the greater universe.
I feel that the connections between us and within us have been weakened, and this leaves us more vulnerable to outside stressors and adverse situations.
Here are two questions we can ask when we are facing challenging times:
What is life showing me now? Asking this question is more empowering than asking, “Why am I suffering now?” Miller explains, “Feeling better isn’t just a matter of creating new thoughts, of replacing unhappy ones with happier ones – it’s also about noticing an aligning ourselves with whatever life is showing us.”
What meaning can I find in suffering? Asking this question is more empowering than asking, “What have I done to deserve suffering?” Miller says, “Spiritual awareness doesn’t buffer against ever fully suffering so much as suffering pulls spiritual awareness forward, building the spiritual core that prepares us for the next time we face suffering.”
“The Awakened Brain” reminds me that we cannot control every situation, but we can choose to react with awareness and curiosity.
What have you learned from adversity? Are there spiritual practices that help you cope with hardships?
Better Hawaii 