The Science of Spontaneous Spiritual Awakening with Jessica Corneille

What triggers a spontaneous spiritual awakening — and can science explain it?

In this episode, research psychologist Jessica Corneille, MSc shares her journey from an unexpected awakening to becoming a leading voice in the study of spiritually transformative experiences (STEs). Now a Ph.D. Candidate in Neurophenomenology at the University of Cambridge, Jessica’s mission is to bridge science and spirituality, helping psychology embrace awakening as a vital part of human potential.

We discuss:

• Jessica’s own awakening and its impact on her career path
• The catalysts for awakening — from trauma to deep meditation
• Differences between spontaneous, psychedelic, and practice-based awakenings
• How culture, religion, and psychology shape interpretation
• The importance of community and integration after awakening
• The challenges and breakthroughs in bringing awakening into scientific discourse

Jessica has presented her work at academic conferences including the British Psychological Society and published articles for the Psychedelic Society. Her research is changing the conversation about how we understand and support these transformative human experiences.

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