Prayer and contemplation

Articles, Films and practical Guides on prayer and contemplation, part of Psyche’s coverage of spirituality and transcendence.
Photo of a meditating monk with closed eyes in a yellow and black robe, another monk blurred in the background.
SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION

How an intense spiritual retreat might change your brain

Whether through daily meditation or on a week-long retreat, the experience of spiritual enlightenment transforms the brain

by Andrew Newberg

Colourful pointillistic painting of four figures in patterned clothing on a landscape with trees, likely representing rural life.
TRADITIONAL ARTS

A joyously animated myth retells why painting is prayer to India’s Bhil people

A film by Nina Sabnani and Sher Singh Bhil

Photo of a classroom with students meditating at their desks, surrounded by posters and bright natural light.
PRAYER AND CONTEMPLATION
7

What if we learned contemplation like we do arts or sports?

As with football or violin practice, young people could gain versatile life skills through routine contemplative training

by Michael R Sheehy

Black-and-white photo of people watching two musicians on stage in a small, wallpapered room with a single light bulb hanging.
MUSIC

Faith, struggle and song intertwine in this classic film on Appalachian music

Directed by John Cohen

Black and white photo of two elderly women sitting on a wooden bench in a chapel with heads bowed, one has a handbag beside her.
MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION
5

Find meditation really boring? You’re not the only one

Other practices like sermons, yoga and retreats can also trigger ‘spiritual boredom’. Here’s why it’s normal and even useful

by Thomas Goetz

Photo of two people standing in a purple haze between large columns in a vast, ethereal space.
ARCHITECTURE

In the bustle of the city, we need more pockets of serenity

Stillness shouldn’t be something you only find in nature. Well-designed urban spaces can be good for the nervous system, too

by Zsanett Ritli