07-07-2014, 12:50 PM
I'm not 100% sure I believe in psychology. I use the term colloquially, but not so much in reference to any science. As soon as I hear a system for doing some such thing (whether trading stocks or sales or an RPG) incorporates psychology, I know it's going to be wonky.
As to prayer, I believe it has physiological affects. When I practiced yoga, I noticed the poses and transitions were designed to induce some very busy physiological responses from the body. Although not quite as exacting as yoga, Western prayer does have elements in common with yoga--clearing the mind, focus, and breathing--that do consistently produce some physiological affects.
Focused breathing alone has some pretty profound affects on the body. I recently read an article wherein it is theorized that yawning serves a function of regulating brain temperature. I know when I was going through vocal training, we used yawns as the very best form of stretching all the muscles that need loosening for singing.
As to prayer, I believe it has physiological affects. When I practiced yoga, I noticed the poses and transitions were designed to induce some very busy physiological responses from the body. Although not quite as exacting as yoga, Western prayer does have elements in common with yoga--clearing the mind, focus, and breathing--that do consistently produce some physiological affects.
Focused breathing alone has some pretty profound affects on the body. I recently read an article wherein it is theorized that yawning serves a function of regulating brain temperature. I know when I was going through vocal training, we used yawns as the very best form of stretching all the muscles that need loosening for singing.