Advanced Neuroscience and Consciousness Study Group 2025
The Science of Religion/Spirituality and the Groups That Form Around Them
What draws people to religion/spirituality and the groups that form around them? What does this provide on a positive, helpful, life affirming level? And what happens when religious/spiritual groups are misused or go too far? In our 2025 Study Group we’ll explore this topic from all angles (honestly and respectfully, of course). More than just a philosophical conversation, as always, we’ll look at the current scientific research to help us better understand this very fascinating (and challenging) topic.
Structure: Each topic has a main session followed by a discussion the next month. You’ll receive readings and videos to go over in advance, and also Ann’s notes which condense the information. We do an additional discussion session because we’ve found over the years that the topics bring so much up for people that it works well to have a dedicated session for time in small groups to really chew on things and share personal experiences, knowledge and thoughts.
Prerequisite: We ask that all participants are currently enrolled in and/or have been through the basics of our Neuroscience, Consciousness and Transformational Coaching program (in-person or virtual) or our Neuroscience, Coaching and Relational Trauma program.
When:
- Main sessions are 90 minutes, discussions are one hour: all sessions will be held Mondays, 1 pm US EST
- detailed schedule below
Where: Zoom
your facilitator
A note from Ann:
This group started nine years ago because so many of you expressed an interest in traveling more deeply into pure neuroscience (and being connected to a group of people with similar yearning and background), always as it connects to human development and coaching. And while I love teaching all our programs, this is honestly one of my favorite things to do! It not only keeps me incredibly stimulated, it is also a fantastic structure for staying well-connected to what is out there on the cutting edge. Past years have brought real depth of understanding of new areas and even changes to our core program. We always have a blast and expand our awareness. I hope you can join us in 2025!
What and When
Program Overview
We’ll start February 3 and meet virtually via Zoom 10 times throughout the year (see below for specific dates and content.)
The main calls will have group interaction, sharing of your thoughts and Q and A, but will also have a more comprehensive presentation of the materials we’ve been studying. The discussion groups will focus on applying the learning to our own lives so that we can really appreciate the learning from the inside out!
Here’s what you can expect:
- Pre-reading/viewing assignments approximately 2-4 weeks ahead of each class;
- Study guides and my “Cliff Notes” on each section approximately 1-2 weeks ahead of each class;
- Discussions and/or Q and A with experts along the way;
- A Facebook group for connection and sharing resources; and
- A community of passionate learners who share a neuroscience, coaching and consciousness background and perspective!
Program content
The Sessions
Once a month on Mondays, 1:00 pm EST – February 3 through December 10, 2025 (no session in August).
Main sessions are 90 minutes, discussions and Q and A sessions are one hour (see below for details).
Live Program $495*, Recorded Program $195
*Special Early Bird price through December 31, 2024 – $445
Why are humans drawn to religious/spiritual groups?
Session #1
February 3, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:30 pm EST
In our first session, we’ll explore the research around religious/spiritual affiliation – why is this something we as humans seek? Is this learned or innate (or both)? What does the research say about belonging to a religious/spiritual group? What is the difference between religion and spirituality, and do they have different impacts on us?
Session #2
March 3, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST
A one-hour facilitated discussion of the readings for Session #1.
The benefits of spiritual practices
Session #3
April 7, 2024 – 1:00 to 2:30 pm EST
In this session, we’ll look at the research around prayer, ritual, spiritual meditation and other practices. What happens in the brain? What positive benefits do we receive? Is it different when done with a group than when practiced alone? And what is the scientific evidence that various spiritual practices work?
Session #4
May 5, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST
A one-hour facilitated discussion of the readings for Session #3.
The power of (and longing for) meaningful community
Session #5
June 2, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:30 pm EST
This session has us exploring the human desire for community with shared rituals, values, and purpose. What does the research say about the benefits? What happens when we are in alignment/harmony with others through shared beliefs, values, and practices? And is community necessary for a spiritual life?
Session #6
July 7, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST
A one-hour facilitated discussion of the readings for Session #5.
NO AUGUST SESSION
When groups are destructive
Session #7
September 8, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:30 pm EST
Building on June’s Session focusing on community, in this session we’ll look at the dark side of religious/spiritual groups. When does a group with shared rituals etc. become a cult (and what is the current thinking on the definition of a cult)? What happens when group membership requires shunning or devaluing non-members? What about groups that seem sort of “culty” without meeting the definition of a cult? What is the line where groups become destructive and what is the impact on members?
Session #8
October 6, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST
A one-hour facilitated discussion of the readings for Session #7.
Where are we headed?
Session #9
November 3, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:30 pm EST
How is our relationship to religion/spirituality changing in today’s world? Have we found other ways to get these needs met, or is a lack contributing to mental health issues? What is happening in different parts of the globe? What is the future of religion/spirituality in our ever-evolving world?
Session #10
December 1, 2025 – 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST
A one-hour facilitated discussion of the readings for Session #9.
Join Us
Register for $495*
* Special Early Bird price through December 31, 2024 – $445