Metta and Praying as Daily Practice for a Healthy Mind and Soul
Every morning, I begin my day with metta, a form of meditation centered on compassion similar to praying. Those familiar with me might be surprised by this practice, especially since I don’t subscribe to any religious doctrine. Yet, this practice is an essential part of my morning routine. As a pediatric surgeon deeply immersed in science and actively engaged in both clinical and basic science research, I’ve found that this daily practice softens my mind, turning my mind from a raging flood into a stream of water. It empowers me to approach my family, friends, patients, and everyone I meet with compassion and effectiveness.
Although I haven’t witnessed signs affirming a divine creator, I’ve experienced the transformative power of metta, which can heal individuals and our world. Some may find this perspective contradictory. However, I believe that through the power of metta and prayer, we can help heal our bodies, minds, and relationships .
Meditation and science are some of the tools I use to refine my worldview, elucidating the interplay between the material and spiritual realms. Let’s delve a little into the heart of the spiritual realm: the mind and the soul. Their distinction is often nebulous, based on different cultures and interpretations.
To lay the groundwork for our discussion, the mind, a multi-dimensional concept, spans disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and sociology. It’s generally regarded as the nexus of human self-awareness, consciousness, perceptions, emotions, memories, thoughts, and the intricate biochemical and electrical processes underpinning these phenomena. We discern the consciousness, of which we’re aware, and the subconsciousness, analogous to the unseen depths of an iceberg.
Conversely, as articulated in religious, philosophical, and cultural narratives, the soul embodies an ethereal essence, often postulated as the core of our identity and consciousness. Views on its origin, essence, and post-mortem trajectory diverge among belief systems. The soul’s interpretation is as diverse as its contemplators. Within Christianity, for example, Roman Catholics regard the soul as immortal, divinely conferred at conception, and fated for divine adjudication post-demise. In contrast, Jehovah’s Witnesses think that the soul lacks inherent perpetuity, with resurrection reserved solely for the virtuous. Mormonism, meanwhile, envisions the soul as a fusion of spirit and body.
Why such varied interpretations of the mind and soul? Are science and religion fundamentally at odds in their perspectives, or do the mind and soul manifest differently across disciplines?
Imagine humanity nestled in a vast dome, each person afforded a window offering a distinct view of the world beyond. Every window, shaped by its clarity and the observer’s vantage, presents a unique scene. One gazing eastward at sunset might behold a silhouette of trees against a pristine sky, while another, facing west, sees an expanse dotted by an orange, cloud-adorned horizon. Their immediate perceptions might conflict, especially in that fleeting moment. Yet, observing across a day, they’d both chart the sun’s arc, the sky’s changing palette, and cloud migrations. Extended over a year, their observations would find more commonality, converging on the cyclical nature of seasons, even if their vantage points remain unchanged. Cultural and religious tenets tint our windows, influencing our interpretations of reality. However, a broader, extended observation reveals a convergence of insights, unearthing a collective, grander narrative.
Applying this “window” analogy to our spiritual perceptions, our immediate views might vary, yet a lengthened, holistic perspective unveils profound commonalities. The perceived differences are merely tiles in an expansive mosaic. With a clear vision, the essence of the soul and mind becomes apparent, suggesting a sublime force fueling our existence. Consequently, I perceive the mind and soul like the Eastern and Western horizons — diverse facets of a singular expanse.
Every morning, upon waking, I dedicate time to meditation, a discipline that fortifies the mind much in the way physical activity strengthens the body. Exercise, with its many forms and disciplines, has been shown to provide many benefits; meditation’s complexities and potential benefits run even more profound. However, for many, the understanding of meditation remains superficial.
During my meditation sessions, a portion is reserved for metta or prayer. I begin by wishing for my own wellness, happiness, peace, and freedom from impediments such as anger, envy, greed, fear, desire, and frustration. Gradually, my mind expands its scope, encompassing not only loved ones but acquaintances, strangers, those suffering hardships like abuse, war, or unjust imprisonment, and even those who cause suffering to other people. I ardently hope all beings shed their hatred, anger, and resentment. I pray for universal happiness, wellness, and tranquility.
But how does metta or prayer work? Imagine a garden parched and withering from drought, where my solitary plant stands among others. To revitalize the entire garden, I’d start by watering my plant. As it thrives, the nutrients and water from my plant will nourish those adjacent. Similarly, as I wish for my own happiness and well-being, the resulting positivity will touch those in my orbit. As my inner serenity deepens, my prayers radiate stronger outward, affecting more beings, from animals to divine entities.
Different perspectives explain the potency of prayer. The devout attribute it to the intervention of a higher power, be it God, a divine force, or a universal energy that heeds our pleas. In contrast, science perceives prayer as a psychological tool that can reduce stress, enhance one’s sense of agency, and provide solace in adversity. Neuroscience also shows that prayer can stimulate brain regions linked to empathy and moral judgment.
My view on metta prayer blends introspective revelations with observations of its impact on myself and those around me. We know that the material part of the universe adheres to immutable principles manifest in laws directing physical interactions. These laws — like gravity, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics — steer tangible matter. The immaterial part of the universe, where minds and souls are from, likely follows such sets of laws.
Following physics’ principles, any generated force may alter or propagate but never dissipate entirely. This concept explains the butterfly effect, where small perturbations can instigate profound ripple effects. Similarly, when we pray with authenticity and awareness, we generate energy, affecting our immediate environment and even remote spaces. Foreseeing the precise results might be difficult, but just as consistent exercises enhance our physical health, consistent metta or praying will strengthen our mind/soul.
Thus, I practice metta daily, channeling positive thoughts and energy for myself, those around me, and all in this universe. I don’t anticipate a specific result. I recognize that the benefits emerge in the very act. In that moment, devoid of hatred, anger, resentment, frustration, envy, jealousy, pride, greed, desire, fear, anxiety, or inertia, the world brightens, setting the wheel of progress in motion.
