Review of Mindfulness and Centering Prayer: A Comparison of Effects on Stress Reduction

Paper Type:  Essay
Pages:  3
Wordcount:  814 Words
Date:  2023-05-23

Mindfulness is an act of accepting and being aware of the current situation. The mindful practice has been used in mental health patients and psychotherapy. It has majorly aided in helping patients suffering from chronic pain and disorders that are associated with stress. On the other hand, centering Prayer is an expression used to refer to the tradition of contemplation. Therefore, this is an article review paper that provides a summary of he article, gives insights if my understanding of the article and explains how I will apply the information I have learnt on a real situation. Mindfulness training consists of various meditation techniques that aid in the development of mindfulness. These meditation techniques are practiced in weekly group sessions with a session that is set aside for retreat. Homework is usually issued in which the participants complete with the guidance of audiocassettes. Although mindfulness in Mindfulness-based programs is generally independent, current studies have been focusing on combining mindfulness and psychotherapy (Baer, 2003). However, the primary focus has been on cognitive-behavioral traditions. The approaches on cognitive-behavioral tradition include; Dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

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The first approach of acceptance and commitment teaches an individual to experience thoughts and emotions without being judgmental or trying to avoid or change them. Therefore, this approach teaches people to accept their thoughts and feelings without being judgmental. At the same time, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy helps in alleviating chronic depression, and Dialectical behavioral therapy aid in developing mindfulness skills, which is observing, describing, and anticipating.

Centering Prayer is a contemporary expression that refers to the ancient practice of contemplation. The desert mothers and fathers first practiced it during the third and fourth centuries. Currently, Centering Prayer has the following guidelines; firstly, a person must choose a sacred word that he or she will use as a symbol of their intention to consent to the action within and the presence of God. Secondly, sitting comfortably with the eyes shut, then introducing the sacred word as a symbol of the individuals' consent to the presence of God as a way of acknowledging the divine nature of God when offering a prayer. Thirdly, when the individual has finished praying, he or she remains with his or her eyes closed for several minutes. The action is to help the person transition from God to daily life.

Centering Prayer and mindfulness show various similarities. Firstly, they both seek a distinctive connection. In mindfulness, the link is with the present, while in centering Prayer, it is with God. Secondly both practices aids in helping people to wake up who they are. In mindfulness, it is in touch with a person's profound nature, while in Centering Prayer, it is understanding who they are spiritually. Thirdly both have similar ideas on what issues prevent somebody from waking up and connecting with the present moment.

A case study was presented involving Don and Sarah, who had been married for ten years, a couple with marital issues. Sarah often left her husband when the situation was unbearable; however, after joining Centering Prayer and for six weeks of training and learning, they both had changed. Sarah had become less judgmental and more respectful towards Don while Don had become less critical and kinder, making their relationship stronger.

The insights I have gained from reading this article include, firstly, through reading on Centering Prayer, I have learned why people need counseling. It is because human beings suffer mentally because of internal stress and misunderstanding one's self. Thus, centering Prayer enables a person to notice inner dialogues that they had previously were unaware of and also, knowing a difference of a narrative of who they are and the complete selfhood. The main reason why I was interested in this article was to have a better understanding of how Centering Prayer works, especially in treating the mentally challenged patients.

Conclusion

In summary, mindfulness and centering prayer are two approaches that are beneficial to human beings. I would use the method of Centering Prayer to help people with problems n a relationship. It is because, for example, if the husband is not faithful and the wife is thinking of giving up on the marriage, I would first make them join a support group so that they hear the stories of others and realize they are not alone. Then, make the couple meditate this, gives them time to think what is the problem in the relationship, and if they are willing to change and save the relationship. Through meditation, and the husband will think about what he is doing and realize his mistakes, and because the two want to keep their marriage, they will wife will try and be a better partner while the man will try and be faithful.

Reference

Baer, R. A. (2003). Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: a conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10, 125-143.

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Review of Mindfulness and Centering Prayer: A Comparison of Effects on Stress Reduction. (2023, May 23). Retrieved from https://proessays.net/essays/review-of-mindfulness-and-centering-prayer-a-comparison-of-effects-on-stress-reduction

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