By Sara Martin
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
More than nine out of ten Americans believe in God, according to a survey conducted earlier this year by The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. Based on interviews with more than 35,000 American adults, the survey also revealed that more than 50% of the population prays on a daily basis.
By the numbers, we are a devout nation. But how does this play out in daily life?
“Religion gives people a sense of meaning,” says Harold G. Koenig, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Duke University. “Research shows that people who are involved in a faith community and participate in private religious practices such as prayer or meditation are emotionally and physically healthier than their nonreligious counterparts.”
Meditation nation
Patrick Gibbons, an Eagle’s Trace resident and former spiritual director of the Cenacle Retreat House in Houston, practices Christian meditation regularly and feels the positive effects. “Meditation does not change the outward circumstances; it changes my inner condition,” he says. “It helps me to have a better relationship with my spouse, it lowers my blood pressure, food tastes better, and I feel less anxious.”
Gibbons is one of a growing number of Eagle’s Trace residents enjoying the benefits of meditation. Two resident-run groups meet weekly for meditation on campus, and Wellness Coordinator Shirley Woods incorporates ten minutes of meditation into her yoga and tai chi classes. “After you do the physical work with the body, you can channel that energy by focusing on the creative or spiritual side of your being,” says Woods.
Sharing traditions
Other opportunities for spiritual growth abound on campus. From Tuesday’s prayer meeting to Friday’s Shabbat observance, there is something for everyone. “Our goal is for residents to stay active in their churches and remain connected to the broader community,” says Pastoral Ministries Manager Mary Kate Kell. “At the same time, we strive to supplement their religious experiences with the offerings on campus.”