Humankind is unique in its practice of religion and sense of spirituality, but from a psychological standpoint, its impact on behavior and overall well-being of the individual is especially intriguing. A cause for conflict and prejudice throughout history, religious beliefs can dictate lives, and while taking a position on such controversial, subjective values is a job for the self, an examination of mindfulness from a scientific perspective allows us to consider the effects of our spirituality on our psyche.
Religious devotion often entails the practice of routine worship toward a higher being or entity, but why do we as humans feel empowered to do so? Well for one, it can satisfy the human need to belong. By this I mean that in a society, where religious affiliations surround us, conformity to a certain one instantly gives someone a group of friends with shared beliefs, interests and a social support network. Obviously, there are numerous reasons someone might be religious, and to call it plain conformity would be naïve since for as long as human history's existence, there have been insights into the afterlife and beyond, and religious beliefs can offer closure, comfort and inspiration. But where we look to conventional religion for explanations of purpose, we might benefit from stooping to smell the roses instead of letting life pass us by in a flurry of worry.
What is mindfulness? First off, it is not meditating yourself into a natural high or rainbows and waterfalls, but rather a way of perceiving our environment. According to Dr. Shauna Shapiro, a clinical psychologist, mindfulness can be defined by an underlying mechanism on balancing attention (paying attention in a particular way), intention (to be on purpose; in the present moment) and attitude (being non-judgmental; unbiased). Now, this might seem a tad bit abstract, but think of it as a state of living in the moment, observing your thoughts and feelings from a third-person perspective without judgment and giving your focus to the present awakening experiences at hand. Not so different from what your pastor might be advocating for on Sunday morning, is it? With Buddhist origins, the concept of mindfulness is by no means a modern product, but its role in psychology has intriguing implications for the future.
When a state of mindfulness is achieved, the immune response is heightened and cortisol (the stress-causing hormone) levels are decreased. Alongside this, as positive psychology can illustrate, there is a positive correlation between physical health and mental health, meaning that as our stress is reduced and our physiological changes promote our well-being, positive emotions and attitudes increase.
I am not proposing that you should abandon your religious faith or become an atheist. Instead, my purpose in this is to suggest that rather than centering on prayer, Sunday mass or individual meditation, look to grasp mindfulness as a state of attention, intention and attitude. Focus on the moment, open yourself to tolerance, the senses and take control of your own thoughts and biases.
While religion pushes us into categories and duties, this psychological approach to spirituality can better your well-being through decreased stress, improved physical health and increased self-esteem with new found notions of purpose.
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