Best of The Aware Show with Dr. Daniel Amen: The Connection Between the Soul and the Brain

 If your brain controls everything in your body and mind, does it also somehow affect your relationship with God? Can brain function affect spirituality? Today’s guest, Dr. Daniel Amen, is a physician, child and adult psychiatrist, brain imaging specialist, bestselling author, and the CEO and medical director of Amen Clinics. Dr. Amen takes a holistic, practical approach in linking a dynamic feedback loop that exists between the brain and the events in our lives. Today he discusses the neurological connection we have to our souls as well as offers tips for a healthier brain, no matter what our age.   Dr. Daniel Amen has studied the brains of loving people, as well as evil people. His research has shown that racism and hatred often involve problems in the brain. People like this may hold grudges as they can’t let things go. They cannot change their opinion because of brain function.  Dr. Amen has compared the brains of inmates, including murderers, and tests have shown clear deficits in the activity in their brains. If they are medicated, they may become calmer and more understanding.   He further discusses the importance of examining our thoughts. He suggests writing out what you are thinking. Must you believe every thought you have? Try talking back to depressive thoughts and try to think in a more positive direction. This will start to balance the brain function. You can apply these methods to begin to gain a sense of relief.   He also discusses the importance of physical exercise, as well as learning something new. This is so imperative, especially as we age. It increases blood flow to the brain and can be used to help prevent memory loss. Dr. Amen also discusses supplements, including Ginkgo Biloba, St John’s Wort, and Vitamin E. If you would like to try supplementation, always be sure to consult with your healthcare practitioner first.   Dr. Amen has also studied how prayer and meditation improve brain function. He suggests teaching children this as a method of focus, rather than playing video games which has the opposite effect.