What Easter Taught Me About the Brain

Easter is often celebrated as a historical event—but what if it’s also a neurobiological blueprint?

The resurrection isn’t just about one man rising from the grave. It’s about all of us—our ability to rise, rebuild, and renew. Again and again.

That’s what fascinated me most.

You see, I didn’t just want to read scripture or follow tradition—I wanted to understand why prayer, fasting, forgiveness, and meditation had such profound effects on the human body and brain.

I wanted to know why surrender healed people.
Why gratitude rewired the brain.
Why silence and stillness brought peace that surpassed logic.

So I studied neuroscience. And what I discovered confirmed what the ancients already knew:

🧠 Spiritual practices aren’t just good for the soul—they rebuild the brain.

They quiet the amygdala.
Strengthen the anterior cingulate.
Open up the default mode network for self-reflection.
And they literally rewire our identity—through consistent, small acts of devotion.

And isn’t that the message of Easter?

That death is not the end?
That what looks like the darkest moment is often the doorway to something sacred?
That resurrection is not a one-time miracle—but a daily invitation?

This is why I wrote the book.
Not to preach, but to point to the mechanics of grace.
To show you how spirit and science aren’t enemies—they’re allies in your transformation.

Reflection Prompt:

✍️ What needs to “resurrect” in your life this season?
Is it your health? Your focus? A forgotten dream?
Where have you been in the tomb too long?

Let this Easter be a reminder: you can rise again.

With reverence and renewal,
David Gilks

📘 From Knowing Better to Doing Better explores how the patterns of faith are not only spiritual but biological.
👉 Start your journey here: https://www.theiamproject.com/david-book