Spiritual Travel

How Spiritual Practices Can Bolster Mental Health

Published

6 months ago

February 7, 2025

Since my 2022 article “Spirituality and Its Contribution to Mental Health” was published, more evidence has emerged supporting the mental health benefits of spirituality-based interventions in clinical practice. This includes more experts’ recognition that religion and spirituality (R/S) have a place in psychotherapy following 50 years of evolution toward an empirically based applied field.

This explains the need for R/S competencies in psychology. When responsibly integrated into mental health, such practices are secular and firmly rooted in ethical values. As a result, psychologists can use them with their clients, even if they do not share the same religious or spiritual affiliations.

R/S interventions are commonly utilized in various fields, including psychiatric nursing, palliative care, and the treatment of individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer, substance use disorders, and addiction. More recently, psychologists have been encouraged to consider the assessment and potential inclusion of R/S for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or alcohol use disorder.

In this article, I provide an updated summary of the mental health benefits and corresponding mechanisms of action of the two most researched spiritual practices: mindfulness-based interventions and meditation, based on a paper I published this year in Spiritual Psychology and Counseling.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are therapeutic approaches that use mindfulness—a state of hyperawareness of one’s internal and external experiences (pleasant or unpleasant) in the present moment from a place of curiosity, acceptance, nonjudgment, and self-empathy.

Mindfulness practice provides “a state of psychological freedom that occurs when attention remains quiet and limber, without attachment to any particular point of view” (Martin, 1997: p. 291). Hence, mindfulness practices involve allowing thoughts, feelings, or sensations to arise while maintaining a specific attentional stance of a non-attached observer without analysis or judgment.

Benefits

MBIs enhance emotional regulation and reduce social anxiety, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, addiction, psychosis, pain, hypertension, weight control, and cancer (Zhang et al., 2021). MBIs also offer promising results for the treatment of suicidal ideation.

Meditation

Meditation is a self-induced state of consciousness in which wakefulness and deep relaxation coexist, influencing neural, psychological, and behavioral functions (Kiran et al., 2011).

Mindfulness-based meditation encourages a continual return to sensory and mental awareness (meta-awareness or self-observation). Similarly, concentrative meditation techniques focus on specific mental or sensory activities, such as a repeated sound or image (mantra), or specific body sensations, such as breathing (Cahn & Polich, 2013).

Benefits

Meditation positively affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which works mostly unconsciously and regulates bodily functions (e.g., heart rate, digestion, breathing, pupillary response, and fight-or-flight responses). Like mindfulness, meditation improves emotional regulation and decreases rumination, depression, anxiety, and negative emotions.

Mediation practice also improves interpersonal communication and conflict management. Therapists who practice meditation consistently, for example, tend to show more empathy and compassion to their clients (Davis & Hayes, 2011).

Mechanisms of Change of MBIs and Meditation

Mechanisms of change are the process or series of events that explain how positive changes occur in therapy. Neuroscientific studies of spiritual practices like MBIs and meditation use neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, single photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography, which can help uncover the physiological mechanisms underlying their benefits. Potential mechanisms of change include:

Spirituality Essential Reads

Psychobiological mechanisms: The biological effects of mindfulness and meditation can include decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, while psychological effects may include increased self-compassion—treating yourself with genuine kindness, empathy, and acceptance, just like you would treat your best friend.
Release of neurotransmitters: Another potential change mechanism during MBIs and meditation is the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Endorphins block the perception of pain, increase feelings of well-being, and increase sustained attention. Dopamine is referred to as the neurotransmitter of pleasure and can provide feelings of reward and potentially induce a change of consciousness. Serotonin is a natural mood booster, and GABA improves cognitive performance and emotional regulation.
Neuroplasticity: Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity or brain plasticity, is a process by which the brain changes itself. This involves structural and functional brain and nervous system changes to adapt to internal or external events or stimulations. More specifically, these mechanisms include a positive impact on the deep structures of the emotional brain or limbic system (e.g., amygdala, basal ganglia, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus), as well as changes in the cortical thickness and gray matter density in the brain stem (Lazar et al., 2005).

Conclusion

Spiritual practices can be used to improve mental health and assist in coping with trauma. When responsibly integrated into mental health, they are secular and grounded in ethical values.

Mindfulness-based interventions and meditation are currently the most researched spiritual practices. They can produce positive changes in the structure and function of the brain via neuroplasticity and the release of neurotransmitters, as well as aid clients in the development of self-compassion.

Source link

Spiritual Travel

Bilaspur Set to Transform into Himachal’s Ultimate Adventure and Spiritual Hub

Published

12 hours ago

August 4, 2025

admin

Move over, Manali and Shimla! Bilaspur is gearing up to become the state’s next big tourism hotspot, blending adrenaline-pumping adventures with serene spiritual experiences. The district administration has rolled out ambitious plans to develop water, land, and aerial tourism, promising something for thrill-seekers, pilgrims, and nature lovers alike.

A Sky-High Attraction: The Glass Bridge

Imagine walking on a transparent bridge, suspended high above breathtaking landscapes—Bilaspur’s upcoming Glass Bridge at Bharari will do just that! Designed to rival global attractions, this engineering marvel will offer daredevils an unforgettable experience while giving tourists a reason to extend their stay. Officials confirm the blueprint is ready, and construction will kick off soon after final approvals.

Sailing Through Scenic Routes: The Water Metro

Pilgrims visiting Maa Naina Devi will soon have a faster, more scenic journey thanks to the proposed Water Metro, connecting Bhakra Ghat to Kosariya Ghat. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about turning travel into an experience. Devotees and tourists can hop on boats, enjoy the tranquil waters, and even transport their vehicles via waterways.

Jet Skis, Kayaking & More: Water Sports at Nakrana

Bhakra Dam’s pristine waters are about to get a lot more exciting! The district is eyeing water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and boating to attract adventure junkies. The best part? Pilgrims heading to Naina Devi can now add a splash of adventure to their spiritual trip.

Bharari – The New Stopover Destination

Strategically located near Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, Bharari will soon feature modern tourist hubs with food plazas, parking, rest areas, and info centers. No more cramped pit stops—just smooth, comfortable breaks for travelers.

Listening to Locals: Boaters Get a Voice

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar made sure local boat operators were heard during inspections, promising quick fixes to their concerns. This people-first approach ensures tourism growth benefits everyone.

Bilaspur’s transformation isn’t just about flashy infrastructure—it’s about jobs for youth, better travel experiences, and putting this hidden gem on India’s tourism radar. With projects set to launch soon, the district is poised to become a must-visit for those seeking adventure, spirituality, and untouched natural beauty.

Source link

Spiritual Travel

Shiva Tribe Debuts in Gurgaon’s Tikli-Raiseena: IMPC’s Bold Step to Merge Spirituality, Rural Tourism, and Modern Family Wellness

Published

13 hours ago

August 4, 2025

ANI

VMPL

New Delhi [India], August 4: In the lush rural landscape of Tikli-Raiseena near Gurgaon, a new chapter in India’s spiritual and rural tourism ecosystem quietly unfolded. The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC) launched its ambitious spiritual wellness initiative–Shiva Tribe–an experience-driven, immersive space designed to reconnect Gen Z and modern families with India’s timeless spiritual roots.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of Haryana’s Aravalli fringes, Shiva Tribe is more than a mandir–it is a curated journey of self-discovery, holistic wellness, and cultural revival, seamlessly merging ancient wisdom with modern aspirations. The inaugural three-day Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav was held in July, graced by spiritual luminaries including Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Dayanand Ji Maharaj, and dignitaries such as Haryana’s former Minister Shri Om Prakash Dhankar. Business leaders, rural development advocates, and spiritual patrons attended in significant numbers–signaling a rising interest in faith-based tourism models.

Spiritual Tourism: India’s Growing Wellness Sector

India’s spiritual tourism market is undergoing a silent revolution. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the wellness and spiritual tourism segment is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. With over 330 million domestic religious tourists recorded annually and rising international interest in authentic Indian experiences, initiatives like Shiva Tribe have the potential to create high-value, low-impact tourism models in rural belts–generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing local economies.

“In today’s fragmented lifestyle, families are searching for meaningful escapes–not just vacations. Shiva Tribe is that sacred pause–a place to reconnect, reflect, and realign, together,” said Dr. Preet Sandhuu, mentor of the project and a key voice in India’s contemporary spiritual movement.

A New Blueprint: Spirituality Meets Community Living

Unlike traditional spiritual centers, Shiva Tribe offers a complete spiritual-eco retreat–including weekend live devotional music by its in-house ‘Shiva Tribe Band’, yoga sessions, mantra-infused meditations, Vedic rituals, and stay facilities for families. It’s a full-circle experience designed to inspire urban youth and families alike to step into a more conscious, value-driven lifestyle.

“Here, spirituality is not a sermon–it’s an experience,” said Shri MP Singh, project visionary and founder of ShivaTribe. “We want to build a network of such community-driven centers across rural India, using temple heritage as a catalyst for rural rejuvenation and youth engagement.”

Rural Regeneration Through Faith

The Tikli model aligns with India’s rural tourism policy goals by transforming underexplored rural regions into mindful tourism destinations. With over 60% of India’s population residing in villages, initiatives like this leverage India’s spiritual capital to promote rural entrepreneurship, handicrafts, organic farming, and ecotourism–creating a sustainable rural economy rooted in culture and community.

IMPC’s Broader Mission

The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC), known for initiatives like the Mahasangam Yatra, Trisul Yatra and Shiv-Shakti Kendras, is rapidly becoming a bridge between India’s ancient temple traditions and its digital future. Its work focuses on temple modernization, spiritual leadership development, and community revival–backed by collaborations with scholars, saints, and civic leaders.

By anchoring the Shiva Tribe initiative in Tikli, IMPC demonstrates how faith-based community models can attract tourism, foster economic inclusion, and support national goals like ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Digital Bharat’.

Shared by

www.impc.co.in

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Source link