|
More and more Americans are taking their health into their own hands and turning to alternative therapies, from acupuncture to folk medicine to massage. Among these so-called “unconventional” approaches is a therapy that's been around for quite some time—meditation and prayer. |
The medical case for an active spiritual life is quite impressive. Dr. Dale Matthews, Associate Professor of Medicine at Georgetown, wrote a book called The Faith Factor. In it he shares moving anecdotes of patients whose faith brought about healing and health, as well as a more balanced and contented life. He documents the relationship between faith and longevity, recovery from illness, immunologic defense, stress reduction, resistance to addiction, healthier relationships, and a greater sense of purpose. Matthews is just one of a growing number of physicians who are recognizing the vital connection between physical and emotional health and an active spiritual life.
A 1996 poll commissioned by Newsweek found that 54% of Americans pray daily, and 29% pray more than once a day. A very high percentage of those who pray believe that prayer can help them with medical conditions or health concerns. (1)
Getting a spiritual workout
Many of us move through our lives without any sense of our own souls. We go to the gym every day and monitor our cholesterol levels, we rush about meeting all of our social and professional obligations, but we spend very little time thinking about our spiritual wellbeing and our obligation to God. Spiritual fitness is every bit as important as physical and mental fitness, and we need to give it more than a passing nod in our lives.
Meditation and prayer was designed by God for our fellowship with Him and are practiced all over the world by people of all faiths and walks of life. Christianity, Judaism, and many other religions have extolled the virtues and benefits of sitting quietly and nurturing an attitude of stillness, concentration, and mindfulness. Meditation and prayer can be an excellent starting point for cultivating greater spiritual awareness . . . and they're not complicated or expensive activities. They don't require a building or a methodology or a set of rules. All that's required is an open and attentive spirit, and a willingness to learn and grow in your practice.
Below are a few tips to help get you started with your own meditation practice:
Meditation and Prayer Tips—Creating the Right Atmosphere
- Quiet space. Find a quiet, solitary place that is free from distraction.
- Relax. Sit quietly, relax your muscles, and breathe slowly and naturally.
- Inner and outer cleanliness. Come to meditation or prayer in a spirit of reverence and respect. Many people bathe before meditation as a symbol of a clean heart and mind.
- Make yourself comfortable. Wear loose clothing, sit in a comfortable position and open in a position of receptiveness.
- Set the mood. Lighting a candle, playing gentle background music or nature sounds, or natural scents are all good ways to quiet the spirit and prepare yourself for prayer.
- Don't fret over distractions. Mental chatter is natural, especially when you first begin to meditate. Let intrusive thoughts come and go. Eventually they will become easier to manage.
- Be consistent and regular in your practice. Humans naturally gravitate towards rituals. A set time of the day will allow you to move into meditation much more seamlessly. Early morning is a good time for many people, as it lays the foundation for the rest of the day.
1 Woodward, Kenneth L. “Is God Listening,” Newsweek, March 31, 1997, pp. 56-57. 2 Barnes P, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin R. CDC Advance Data Report #343. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults: United States, 2002. May 27, 2004.
|
