Prayer- relationship with your health- how significant it is?

Prayer and meditation for mental health

Prayer is how we communicate with God, the Unseen yet the Truth. It involves pouring out our hearts to Him, revealing things we may hesitate to share with others.

Faith and prayer have been traditional methods of healing in various religions. People commonly embrace the practice of prayer in yoga. In our culture, we start our day with prayer, seek guidance through prayer when embarking on new endeavors, and turn to prayer in both favorable and challenging circumstances. The medical community, including doctors, acknowledges the beneficial effects of prayer as a powerful healing tool. It is widely accepted that when all else fails, prayer can be remarkably effective.

Prayer is effective only when we possess unwavering faith in God. Our prayers are genuine when we offer our mind and heart completely and unconditionally to the Divine, allowing His force to act upon them.

Prayer and Health

1. Induces a feeling of relief and relaxation-

We all experience a sense of relief and relaxation after engaging in a heartfelt prayer. Prayer aids in soothing our minds, allowing us to return to work with a revitalized sense of energy.

2. Belief in Higher Reality-

Many of us have faith in the presence of a Higher Power, believing that there is none greater than Him. When we pray to the Almighty, we often experience a sense of assurance that only positive outcomes await us. We entrust ourselves entirely to His guidance, a sentiment that contributes to healing and eases stress.

3. Positive feelings

Prayer evokes feelings of hope, a sense of universal brotherhood (as we originate from the same source), empathy, compassion, and gratitude. These qualities contribute to inner peace and foster a positive outlook on life.

4. Strengthens Para sympathetic nervous system

When prayer has a calming or uplifting effect, it also has a similar calming impact on our nervous system and other bodily systems, especially the endocrine system. This overall calming effect causes the secretion of hormones in accordance with the body's needs - neither too little nor too much. Prayer specifically triggers the release of happy hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin. Thus, it serves to integrate the entire personality and all its components - body, mind, and spirit - harmoniously.

Prayer and meditation are beneficial to mental health, too.

1) Stress reduction.

Both meditation and prayer are effective in decreasing stress levels. Engaging in these practices can assist you in escaping the anxieties of daily life and attaining a calmer mental state. Dedicate just 15 minutes daily to experience significant improvements in bringing peace and relaxation to both your body and mind. Despite the short duration, the benefits can last for hours.

2. Improved health.

Several studies have showed that prayer and meditation contribute to robust health. Typically, the health advantages, like reduced blood pressure and lower risk of heart disease, result from decreased stress levels. Physical issues frequently stem from inner turmoil, and prayer and meditation can aid in resolving this turmoil.

3. Better control over your thoughts.

Experiencing negative thoughts occasionally is a normal part of the human experience. A lot of individuals under stress feel incapable of managing their thoughts. This stress builds up, leading to outbursts and eventual arguments. Yet, by incorporating prayer and meditation into your daily routine, you can gain control over your thoughts and prevent negative thinking as it arises. This practice contributes to maintaining a peaceful state of mind.

4. Happiness.

Meditation and prayer offer genuine advantages as peace of mind and happiness. As individuals strive for happiness, discovering peace of mind through these practices also invites happiness into their lives. Engaging in personal reflection allows for a deeper understanding of one's purpose in life and fosters gratitude for all experiences, whether positive or negative. Through meditation and prayer, one can effectively dispel negative thoughts that jeopardize inner peace.

5. Better concentration.

By engaging in prayer and meditation, you invite peace and tranquility into your mind, influencing the way you lead your life. As you reduce the burdens in your life, you enhance your ability to focus on significant aspects, like family and work. Consistent prayer and meditation will enable you to broaden your attention to various areas of your life.

Prayer and Mantras in text

You can choose any prayer you feel like. It makes no difference whether you say this prayer or that. The importance is of your faith, your trust, your surrender, your sincerity.

We give below some prayers that are being said for time immemorial.

त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव

त्वमेव बन्धुश्च सखा त्वमेव

त्वमेव विद्या द्रविणम् त्वमेव

त्वमेव सर्वम् मम देव देव

गायत्री मन्त्र

ॐ भूर् भुवः स्वः।

तत् सवितुर्वरेण्यं।

भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि।

धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥

दूसरे मन्त्र

श्री राम जय राम जय जय राम

हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे। हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे।।

ॐनम: शिवाए

श्री मन नारायण नारायण नारायण, भज मन नारायण नारायण नारायण ।।

Practise Point

Although prayer and meditation can provide peace in your life, it can be hard to spare time at first, but it’s easier than you think. Find a quiet place in your home and allow yourself to relax and feel at peace for 5-7 minutes. You deserve this little time for you to pray and observe peace each day. While there are plenty of positive benefits of prayer and meditation, it may take practice and perseverance to achieve them. Over time, you’ll experience this wonderful gift in your own life and you’ll be thankful that you did.