The Power of Meditation and Prayer Chaplain David Carl Executive Director CHS Spiritual Care and Education AVP CHS Patient Experience

Mind, Body, and Spirit One thought can instantly change the chemistry of the body. The challenge is to be more intentional with our thoughts. Our thoughts inform feelings and they combine to create emotions which effect our bodies.

Meditation and Prayer: Definitions Prayer…an active spiritual practice that allows space for an intimate conversation between a human and the Divine (Vocal Prayer and Contemplative Prayer). Meditation…gaining a state of mindfulness when we can listen to the Divine.

Meditation Practiced in antiquity…too often forgotten in the now. It calls us to be centered in the moment rather than caught up in fears of the past and/or future. It can remind us that the Kingdom of God is within in addition to all around us and beyond us. The intention is to retrain our attention through mindfulness and/or concentration.

Active Meditation Guided Meditation Music Meditation Mindfulness Religious or Secular Labyrinth

When We Meditate Blood flow increase while heart rate slows down Become physically relaxed Muscle tension decreases Immune system is enhanced High blood pressure is treated Nervous system is relaxed Brain chemistry changes beneficially Anxiety is reduced Energy is enhanced

Applications Chapel Service Meditation Room Meditation Circles Self-Compassion Practice Differing timeframes Attain enlightenment Multicultural Interfaith

Prayer Types of Prayer (Praise, Petition, Pardon, Solitary, Communal) Local Prayers/Non-local Prayers Favorite Prayers (Lord’s Prayer, Serenity Prayer, etc.) Prayers for Healing Prayers for Harm (6% of Americans)

Sacraments and Rituals Inclusion of prayer in sacraments and rituals is powerful. Rituals and sacraments are formal and agreed upon actions. These actions are re-enacted regularly in similar circumstances. Very purposeful in their intention. Give notice that a transition has taken place. More than healing is involved…Holiness is inherent in the tradition and enhanced because of spiritual/religious values. When family is present then the entire family is going through the passage. Attitude of compassion is essential.

Prayer Prayer Books Prayer Wheels (Tibetan) Prayer Rugs (Islam) Prayer Shawl (Judaism)

Breath Prayer Breath work is a cleansing practice. Increased levels of oxygen travel to our cells. Combined with prayer all the more powerful.

Effective Prayer for Another Attentive Listening Skills Ask the other what they would like to pray for. Incorporate the religious tradition when possible. From Spiritual Assessment completed include words of favorite hymns, holy writings, and prayers. Listen for negative and harmful thoughts