While praying, singing in a church choir or reciting a mantra, what is actually happening to us physically, mentally? Scientific studies suggest that such spiritual practices have a measurable effect on the human brain.
In How God Changes Your Brain, Dr. Andrew Newberg, a Pennsylvania State University neuroscientist, offers evidence of how praying and serving God has a positive effect on the brain. Church music, singing in Sikh Gurudwaras, chanting mantras in temples create the effect of uniting with each other, reconnecting with God and believing that the Divine power is amazing.
Just as Davil played music for Saul (Bible story), church hymns “erase” the darkness from our lives, making us more spiritual, open and grateful to the Higher Intelligence. Even modern medical science has taken this phenomenon into account. Newberg explains that faith in a God who loves us can prolong life, improve its quality, reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and grief, and give meaning to life.
Brain research shows that 15 minutes of prayer or meditation each day has a strengthening effect on the (PPC), which plays a role in autonomic functions such as regulating blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, she is involved in the performance of cognitive functions: . The healthier the ACC, the calmer the brain amygdala (center in the limbic system), the less fear and anxiety a person will experience.
Prayer, service to God is not only reverence and exaltation, but also the accumulation of strength. It enables us to cultivate a character that is consistent with the commandments. We become like those we admire and serve. We “renew” our mind, cleanse from sins and everything superfluous, open ourselves to happiness, love and light. We develop in ourselves such blissful qualities as.