DailyOM: How did you first discover the power of prayer, and why are you so passionate about educating and supporting others to embrace prayer
Angela: I suppose something in me must have always been drawn to prayer. When I was just 4 years old, I was in a tap-dancing recital and for one of the numbers, we danced in our pajamas. The performance ended with all of us on our knees with our hands placed together in the prayer position. All the other dancers rushed off to make a quick wardrobe change for the next number, but I never did. I stayed on my knees praying, and they all had to dance around me!
Throughout my childhood and teen years especially, I experimented with prayer quite a bit. A lot of my prayers were emotionally immature and manipulative. I tried bargaining with what I conceived to be an authority outside of my own being. I asked for things and told God I would do things for him if he agreed to grant my request. These prayers did not go so well.
A breakthrough came when I was 16 or 17, and I was suffering a devastating break up with a boy I loved. What I realized at that juncture was that prayer is only effective when there is some element of letting go involved. I prayed to truly release the relationship and give it to a higher power. I felt a higher power that was not a specific gender. It was everywhere and invisible but somehow personal and loving. I can't explain it, but I let the relationship go to that energy, which I realize now to be a kind of ever-present grace. It was amazing. I never imagined I would be praying for people professionally, but here I am! I have learned so much about prayer in these past 30 years through praying for clients from all walks of life. It is an utter thrill.
DailyOM: How can prayer transform your brain, and can it benefit every aspect of your life?
Angela: Prayer can transform your brain in dramatic ways, improving both mental and physical health. The regions of the brain that light up in a person who knows the state of consciousness I refer to as prayerfulness are associated with structural and functional changes in the brain — a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. Studies have shown that long-term practitioners of prayer and meditation may exhibit alterations in brain structure, including increased gray matter density in regions associated with empathy, compassion, and emotional regulation.
There also are benefits to our neurotransmitter levels and activity in the brain. Studies have found that prayer practices can modulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which are involved in mood regulation, bonding, and feelings of well-being. I do believe that the benefits of prayer can affect every aspect of our lives. I say this, because on the most basic level, prayer moves us out of fear-based thinking. That has a tremendous impact on our lives — no matter what has happened, is happening, and will happen.
DailyOM: How would you define prayer and/or your approach to praying?
Angela: My most basic definition of prayer is to reach beyond. We are reaching beyond our stressful thinking and the emotions associated with fear to a space of possibility. This actually feels good, really, really good. It is the most wonderful relief. I have so many approaches to prayer, and my course offers a number of them. To answer your question as simply as I can though, my approach always involves humility, honesty, vulnerability, and possibility.
DailyOM: How does prayer activate the brain? What are some important things to know about the neuroscience and science behind prayer?
Angela: Prayer has been found to have fascinating effects on the brain, influencing various neural processes and regions. First, praying increases activity in our frontal lobes, which are associated with focused attention, problem-solving, and planning. This area is heavily involved in executive functions and goal-directed behavior. Prayer also reduces activity in our parietal lobes, which help create a sense of self and spatial orientation. This reduction contributes to feelings of oneness and the loss of the sense of self, which are often reported during spiritual experiences.
In addition, research shows that we have enhanced dopamine release when we pray. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to feelings of reward and pleasure. Prayer can change brain wave patterns, increasing alpha waves, which are associated with relaxation, and theta waves, The limbic system, which is involved in emotional regulation, also is affected. Prayer can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of peace and emotional stability.
DailyOM: Can prayer benefit our mental and emotional well-being?
Angela: Absolutely. This is what I see on a daily basis with my students and clients. When you have someone praying for you who has a real connection in prayer, it is like getting an infusion of love right at the center of whatever condition, circumstance, or relationship that you are struggling with. A shift in perception is a miracle. Prayer and miracles are associated because when you let go into prayer, there is a support in your life that is beyond words.
DailyOM: What are some specific ways in which prayer can bolster our well-being?
Angela: Prayer offers both psychological and physiological benefits. Engaging in prayer can activate the relaxation response, which reduces the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, and promotes a sense of calm and peace. Prayer also provides a means to process emotions, express gratitude, and seek forgiveness, which can lead to improved emotional regulation. It can help individuals cope with difficult emotions, fostering resilience and emotional stability. Because prayer often involves expressions of gratitude and hope, it can boost positive emotions, leading to increased happiness and a more optimistic outlook on life. Specifically for today's disconnected world, prayer can create a sense of connection to a higher power or a larger community, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. This sense of belonging can enhance social support and improve overall mental health, which is so critical right now.
Regular prayer or meditation can enhance cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. The focused attention required during prayer can strengthen the brain's executive functions. It also can serve as a form of mindfulness, helping individuals stay present and focused. This can improve mental clarity and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. And perhaps one of the most important advantages is that regular prayer has been linked to better physical health, such as improved immune function and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
DailyOM: Thank you, Angela! There just doesn't seem to be any disadvantages to praying. And the beautiful thing is, Angela isn't promoting a particular religion, higher power, or God. She is simply advocating for us to let go and reach beyond to find the grace and possibility to transform our lives. We hope you can join us for this journey into prayer. Until next time, be well.
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