The Non Religious Guide to Prayer

I read something the other day that really resonated with me. A sentence within an article basically said that we should make healthy decisions not only for our body, but for our mind. That's kind of thought provoking, don't you think? We don't talk a lot about the taboo of mental health, but that's exactly what I perceived the author to be saying. We always think of our dietary intake and our exercise as being the healthy habits to concentrate on, but what about our mind? Yes, there are things like meditation (which I do) and affirmations (which I also do), but what about something a bit more mainstream? How about not making yourself feel like shit for not being over-the-rainbow-happy every day, and feeling there's something wrong with you because of that? How about not comparing your body, which is perfectly beautiful, to the supermodel in that magazine? How about just staying in bed because you feel you need to that day? How about just being kind to yourself a few times a day when those ugly thoughts pop into your head. Yeah, those thoughts. The ones that feel like they've always been with you, and they have been there so long that you aren't sure where or how they originated. Just give yourself the freedom to not berate yourself for feeling less than stellar every single day in this age of "if you're not happy, you're obviously not grateful". Some days I feel like shit, but that doesn't mean I don't love my family and it doesn't mean I am not grateful to have a home to shelter me and food to fill me.

Another thing that has been shown to be good for mental health is praying. The thing is you won't find me in any church pew pouring my heart out. That's just not me, and if I was to do that I would be so uncomfortable that it wouldn't do me any good anyway. I think that praying is really about giving yourself a break, unshouldering your burdens, and searching for answers, and if that is the case, there are other ways to pray. Always pray with an attitude of self love and self care. That does not mean getting plastered! Treat yourself with love, like you would treat the five-year-old you. Look at a five-year-old. They are innocent and curious, wanting nothing more than to laugh and be loved. Pray in ways that that still your mind. Take a nap. Have a bath when your body needs one. Go for a run. Write in your journal. Talk with a friend. Go hiking. For hours. Be in nature. Forgive yourself. Forgive others.

What ways do you pray?