Prior to the 17th century, most of the world viewed mental health as being controlled by supernatural forces. At that time, the brain was not viewed as being connected to human behavior, and the mind was considered to be located in the heart or in the belly. This is why we have such expressions as “What does your heart tell you?” and “gut feeling”.

An understanding of brain functions did not arise until the1800s. Some of science’s first clues that the brain determines our perceptions, emotions, thinking, and behaviors came from studying people who, after receiving a traumatic blow to the head, underwent personality changes. Later, post-mortem autopsies helped confirm that variations in particular areas of the brain were associated with certain changes in a person’s behavior. It was only after this point that- what science currently categorizes as- mental disorders were viewed as likely being due to variations in the brain’s functioning

At that time, the cranial origins of spirituality, and its relationship to mental health, were greatly ignored. It has only been recently that researchers have been probing the brain to locate the various structures, chemistries, and connections involved with Spiritual experiences. They are finding that such brain structures as the posterior superior parietal lobe may be the abode of our connection to the Divine.

Although the utilization of current technologies is increasing our understanding of Spirituality, the view that mental health and illness are controlled by supernatural forces still exists. Of course, few people would argue today that a person who has been shot in the head, and now acts differently, is doing so due to demonic possession. Yet when it comes to depression or anxiety, people tend to believe in some type of supernatural explanation. The prescription for these conditions then becomes such things as increasing one’s faith, giving problems and concerns over to the Divine, trusting in holy will, purifying the spirit, or asking for strength through prayer.

However, just because researchers have found spiritual centers in the brain, does not mean that spirituality is all in our head, no more than having eyes suggests that we create the light. On the other hand, it may be that spirituality is nothing more than one of many brain functions. Both views are intriguing considerations indeed.

In either case, at this point, we may submit that our brains contain spiritual antennas which allow us to tune into the Divine. Researchers have found that being connected to a spiritual frequency promotes mental vitality, resiliency, peace, and happiness. Hence, spiritual practice is a matter of learning to use the spiritual antennas which In turn allow us to live healthy lives.

Such an understanding is nothing new. Empirical research into the mind has been taking place for some 2,500 years. Since about that time, myriad numbers of meditating Buddhist have spent incalculable hours observing the ebb and flow of their streams of consciousness and monitoring how their perceptions of reality correspondingly shifts. It is only due to today’s technology that researchers can physically identify what these Buddhist have experienced long ago: certain spiritual practices actually change the structure and function of the brain. In other words, the brain’s spiritual antenna can be built up and refined to receive universal spiritual truths by engaging in particular practices.

Because there is a strong connection between mental health and the brain, and because certain spiritual practices change the brain’s structure and function, we now have a basis for understanding how spirituality can be a vital part of good mental hygiene and health. But, not all spiritual practices produce the same results. Some practices are antithetical to peace and happiness. Others may work for one person and not for another. This is because spiritual practices are culturally based, personality oriented, and cognitively impacted. Not having this information can cause one’s spiritual development to be unnecessarily difficult, frustrating, and result in spiritual recidivism.

One of the most rewarding parts of my practice is helping people connect to those techniques that work best for them. Once a person is tuned into the Divine, such things as sadness, loneliness, fear, and anxiety tend to be tuned out.



Contact Bierdz

Thomas Bierdz is located in Chicago, IL. USA
His services are available in person, by phone, and through secure E-mail.
He is also available for presentations.

Get a printable 1 page version of this article

Read Next Article

Return to home page