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The Science Of Spiritual Experiences: How To Rewire Your Brain For More Happiness & Purpose

2024-11-07 People & Blogs
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Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins
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Description

Order your copy of The Let Them Theory 👉 https://melrob.co/let-them-theory 👈 The #1 Best Selling Book of 2025 🔥 Discover how much power you truly have. It all begins with two simple words. Let Them. — In today’s episode, you’re going to learn about the powerful connection between neuroscience and religious experiences. Renowned medical doctor and neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Newberg, MD is here on the podcast today, and you’re going to be amazed at what he shares. Dr. Newberg is a pioneering researcher of “neurotheology,” which is a field of research that studies the relationship between neuroscience and spirituality. He has spent decades scanning the brains of people during prayer, meditation, and spiritual experiences, and he’s here to share the findings of his huge body of research – and how you can apply it in your life. Whether you consider yourself religious, spiritual, or an atheist, this episode is for you. You’ll discover practical tools to create daily rituals that cultivate a sense of unity, connectedness, and calm in your daily life — starting right now. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page: https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-231 Follow The Mel Robbins Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelrobbinspodcast I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode. In this episode: 0:00 Introduction 2:15 What is spirituality, really? 4:20 Dr. Newberg says that everything you think about religion may be wrong 9:49 How Newberg’s personal journey led him deep into the science of spirituality 14:11 Can brain scans reveal what actually happens in your brain during spiritual experiences? 19:50 Why your limbic system is key to unlocking powerful spiritual experiences 22:24 You probably have had a spiritual experience recently 24:52 People’s most common spiritual experiences (and why they matter) 27:47 Spiritual experiences might be the secret key to your next level of growth 33:05 How embracing the little things could change everything 49:30 A quick-start guide to bringing spirituality into your daily life 42:00 What exactly is an enlightened human-being? 43:36 How to use spirituality to break free and stop feeling stuck 55:50 The 4 core aspects of being human, according to Dr. Newberg 58:44 Breaking down your psychological vs spiritual self: what you need to know 1:01:50: Science is a powerful spiritual tool that anyone can tap into — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah

Top Comments (10)

@TheEncounterspirit 2024-11-07

American Indians believed in Nature as being their gods. Because nature gives you life and energy in so many ways. That is why they took care of it 💙 That's why you feel good in nature on your walks. Love you too👍

40 5 replies
@yordanilazo8149 2024-11-08

Mel, your podcast has changed my life. I am incredible thankful for your work.. And I love you too ❤

18 1 replies
@bonniek7228 2024-11-07

It was so nice to hear a positive discussion about the spiritual aspect of life - which is so important to a meaningful life (at least to me😊). And not calling these wonderful experiences “woo woo”.

12
@ronyrony4669 2024-11-07

I love you, Mel, and your curiousness❤ to dive deep in every conversation.

11
@DominionAnako-bb7ry 2024-11-08

Happiness really comes from those strong, supportive relationships based on love and loyalty.

8
@gabrielaneuwirth7457 2024-11-15

It's amazing to see all the commonality of spiritual experiences, no matter what background or religion. And it looks like this is what we all are looking for to experience in our own way.

5
@barbaradieckmann9020 2024-11-07

When I pray or meditate my body relaxes….

4
@whatlifeisabout 2024-11-26

Meditation is like vacation for me. If I don't do it for a day, I already start feeling stressed or anxious. When I finish meditating I feel powerful and ready to embrace my day. Now I understand it has to do with the release of dopamine and serotonin, the hormones of motivation and happiness. Everyone should meditate. In the beginning it will not be perfect, but if you are consistent, and start to feel the benefits from it, you will love it so much. We are spiritual beings living an earthly experience. Learn everything that you can from this life while having your ego checked. Very good conversation.

4
@NinaEliseh 2024-11-14

Incredible episode. I believe we are all having similar experiences, just using different words to try and explain them. After a while, I've personally stopped talking about them so much - they are very beautiful, intimate experiences with source, and sometimes takes years to fully understand the meaning of it.

3
@The_Mandarin-1 2026-04-18

I would love to have a spiritual experience. After 60 years I don't expect to.

1

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