How an intense spiritual retreat might change your brain

How an intense spiritual retreat might change your brain. by Andrew Newberg, director of research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health and a physician at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

We have found that five elements seem to be common across many enlightenment experiences, whether they occur during spiritual retreats, daily meditation or prayer practices, psychedelic experiences, or even spontaneously. Enlightenment experiences are commonly considered to be the most intense experiences that a person has ever had. During the experience, the person feels a profound sense of connectedness with the rest of humanity, God or the Universe. The sense of clarity helps them to feel as if they have gained new insights into themselves and how they are to act within the world. Most people describe enlightenment experiences as happening to them rather than as something that they made happen. Various aspects of one’s life can feel changed by the experience, including mental health, physical health, sense of meaning and purpose in life, sense of spirituality and sense of religiousness. The data from our studies suggest that many spiritual practices and retreats can be beneficial for people by changing the brain and improving various psychological and spiritual measures.