Spiritual Awe: How Religious & Mystical Wonder Changes Us

A woman smiling and raising her hands during worship is experiencing spiritual awe

What happens in your brain during moments of spiritual transcendence? Is it possible to experience profound mystical states without following a traditional religious path? In his book Awe, Dacher Keltner explores well-being and self-awareness in connection with spiritual awe. From religious practices to psychedelic experiences, his work reveals various ways to access these transformative mental states that blur the line between inner and outer worlds. Keep reading to learn about Keltner’s findings on the kind of awe that comes from spirituality.

How to Experience Awe: 4 Sources of Wonder to Explore

A person with short hair, seen from behind, looking at the ocean illustrates how to experience awe

What makes your heart skip a beat with wonder? When was the last time you felt truly amazed by something magnificent? Psychology researcher and professor Dacher Keltner contends that experiencing awe can benefit your life in remarkable ways. From music and art to nature and spirituality, countless opportunities exist to feel wonder and connection to something greater than ourselves. Read more to get Keltner’s advice on how to experience awe from his book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down Quotes

A Korean Buddhist monk meditating in front of a waterfall in the forest.

Looking for the top The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down quotes? What can these quotes teach you about the value of mindfulness? In his book, Zen Buddhist teacher Haemin Sunim reminds us to pause, breathe, and engage with the world from a place of mindfulness, compassion, and openness. By adopting practices that encourage us to slow down, we’re able to enhance our well-being, forge deeper connections, and find happiness. Here are three quotes from the book with explanations.

How to Connect With Your True Self & Leave Shame Behind

A smiling woman with expressive hands wearing a denim shirt by a bedroom window depicts how to connect with your true self

What does it mean to connect with your authentic self? How can you experience genuine spiritual awakening and personal growth after healing from trauma? Connecting with your true self is a transformative journey that leads to fulfillment, deeper relationships, and a stronger sense of purpose. In Healing the Shame That Binds You, John Bradshaw offers his perspective on discovering your authentic self and achieving spiritual growth. Continue reading to learn how to connect with your true self and ultimately find fulfillment.

How to Slow Down in Life: Advice From a Zen Buddhist

A woman learning how to slow down in life by closing her mind and living in the moment while at the grocery store

Do you want to know how to slow down in life? How can you commit to a mindfulness practice? In his book The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, Zen Buddhist teacher Haemin Sunim says mindfulness is an essential tool for slowing down. You must acknowledge that you can’t change external circumstances but you can control your internal responses. Here’s how to slow down and start living in the moment.

The 4 Benefits of Slowing Down: What You’ll Begin to See

A man standing in a pond in the forest with his reflection in the water. He is reaping the benefits of slowing down

What are the benefits of slowing down in life? What do relationships have to do with mindfulness? In his book, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, Haemin Sunim explains how when you use mindfulness, you begin to see things that were invisible before. In slowing down, you start to fully appreciate what matters in life. Here’s a look at the things you’ll start to see once you slow down in life.

Altered Traits: Book Overview (Goleman & Davidson)

A young woman with blonde hair and a denim jacket looking through a book in a book shop

Is meditation just a passing fad, or can it truly change your brain? What benefits can you expect from a regular meditation practice? Meditation has gained popularity in recent years, but its effects are often misunderstood. Altered Traits, a book by Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson, explores the science behind meditation. The authors separate fact from fiction and reveal how different types of meditation can impact your mind and body. Read on to discover the surprising ways meditation can transform your life, backed by rigorous scientific research.

Focus & Insight Meditation: Traditional Paths to Enlightenment

A woman meditating near a small statue of the Buddha illustrates traditions of insight meditation and focus meditation

Is it possible to achieve a state of complete spiritual liberation? What does it mean to combine focus with insight in meditation? Insight meditation, a practice innovated by the Buddha, combines focused attention with open awareness. In Altered Traits, Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson explain that this approach aims to cultivate a state of mindfulness, allowing practitioners to observe their thoughts and experiences without judgment. Continue reading to learn how insight and focus meditation evolved and found their way into modern Western culture.

The Origin of Mindfulness Meditation (+ Modern Manifestations)

An Indian man practicing meditation and an American woman practicing mindfulness depicts the origin of mindfulness meditation

What’s mindfulness meditation rooted in? How did it come to the West and become so popular? The origin of mindfulness meditation is primarily in Theravada Buddhism, the oldest of the three major Buddhist schools. It evolved from traditional practices and was simplified for wider accessibility. Western travelers, including authors Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson, brought these techniques from India in the 1970s. Read on to discover the fascinating journey of mindfulness from ancient spiritual traditions to modern-day applications.

How Believing in Luck Impacts Your Life (The Luck Factor)

A hand holding a four-leaf clover, showing that they believe in luck

Do you believe in luck? Do you think you’re lucky or unlucky? How might your beliefs change your reality? Psychologist Richard Wiseman performed scientific studies around luck and determined that those who believe in luck tend to have better outcomes in life. Rather than there being a magical force behind luck, it can all be explained with psychology. Here’s a breakdown of why you should believe you’re lucky.