Published Nov 15, 2021

How to Benefit From Religion, Even as a Nonbeliever | David DeSteno

David DeSteno reveals how nonbelievers can harness the benefits of religious rituals to enhance ethical behavior, foster resilience, and experience transcendental states, through exploring rites of passage, gratitude, mourning rituals, and meditation, offering profound psychological advantages beyond traditional beliefs.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Dan Harris

How to Benefit From Religion, Even as a Nonbeliever | David DeSteno

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Benefits of Belief

Cherishing Children

Cultural Adaptation and Respect

Strengthening Bonds

Coping with Grief

Family Drama

Exclusive App Discount

Cultivating Gratitude's Impact

Connection Through Synchronization

Belief and Anxiety

Ancient Wisdom Today

Affection and Rituals

Rites of Passage

Rituals of Mourning

Episode Highlights

Rites of Passage

Gratitude Practices

Coping and Connection

Transcendental Experiences

Related Episodes

Why Buddhism Is Inherently Hopeful (Despite All the Talk of Suffering) | Oren Jay Sofer

How To Get Ahead At Work, Buddhist-Style | David Nichtern

Buddhism Without Beliefs | Stephen Batchelor

Do You Want to Be Happier or Not? | Mushim Patricia Ikeda

How To Get The Physiological And Psychological Benefits Of Nature If You Don’t Live Near Nature | Dacher Keltner

The Science of Joy: Why You Need It and How to Get It | Ingrid Fetell Lee

What's Your Motivation? Thubten Chodron

How to Become a Regular Meditator (and More) | Alexis Santos

Twenty Percent Happier | Matthew Hepburn

How to Get the Wisdom of Old Age Now | Dilip Jeste

How to See Hope in the Everyday | Bonus Meditation with Sebene Selassie

The Good News About Your Inevitable Decline | Arthur Brooks

The Surprising Upsides of Self-Deception | Shankar Vedantam

Is Enlightenment Possible for Regular People, Daniel M. Ingram

Hinduism 101 | Swami Tyagananda

How to Benefit From Religion, Even as a Nonbeliever | David DeSteno

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Rites of PassageDavid DeSteno explores the significance of rites of passage in marking the transition to adulthood. He examines traditional ceremonies like the Apache sunrise ceremony and proposes modern adaptations to better define adult responsibilities.

Rites of Passage

Gratitude PracticesDavid DeSteno explores how gratitude, a key component of many religious traditions, can enhance ethical behavior and personal well-being. He discusses the benefits of integrating gratitude into daily life, whether through religious rituals or secular practices.

Gratitude Practices

Coping and ConnectionDavid DeSteno explores the psychological benefits of mourning rituals and synchronized activities. He reveals how these practices foster resilience, compassion, and connection, even for nonbelievers.

Coping and Connection

Transcendental ExperiencesDavid DeSteno examines how meditation and religious rituals can lead to profound psychological benefits, even for nonbelievers. He compares these practices to psychedelics, highlighting the importance of rituals in ensuring safe and enriching experiences.

Transcendental Experiences

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