The Psychological and Physical Benefits of （心理和身体的好处）.pdf

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2008 The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Spiritual/Religious Practices By Ellen Idler Through a discussion of current research and related observations, Idler highlights many of the positive benefits that religious and spiritual practices can have on one’s health and well-being. Starting at an early age, the choices one makes based on spiritual beliefs and values directly relate to the creation of certain lifestyle habits, such as diet, alcohol use, and sexual practices. Moreover, the benefit of a religious community made up of a variety of individuals from many generations also provides a strong sense of support and connection. The overall effect of such practices on one’s health and well-being is found to be positive throughout one’s lifetime. Meditating, yoga, fasting, walking a prayer circle, making a pilgrimage, taking the sacraments, singing with a choir, going on a weekend retreat, listening to the words of inspired speakers like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., dancing in a group at a wedding, lighting Advent or Hanukkah candles, saying daily prayers, or contemplating a sunset or a mountaintop view are all spiritual and religious practices undertaken by many of us in our daily lives, at special seasons of the year, or maybe just once in a lifetime. Some practices begin early in life and stretch back to our childhoods, while others may be sought out in adolescence and young adulthood, representing new paths. What all of these practices have in common, however, is the way in which they integrate different aspects of our human experience – our emotions with our intellect or our minds with our bodies – while also connecting us with others who share similar beliefs. We seek out these experiences, which are