Transpersonal psychology aims to ask the disciplined questions that lead to scholarly understanding of spiritual experiences. It is the path of the head. Another way to look at the difference between spirituality and transpersonal psychology is perhaps to use the being versus doing analogy. I would posit that spirituality is a way of being, a lifestyle of the heart resonating with Great Spirit. Transpersonal psychology is the application of methods and mental concepts that bring understanding of what that resonating experience is all about.
Prayer is a practice that is part of one s spiritual life.
It is also something that is attracting empirical study in relation to its effects on recovery from illness. Contemplative prayer, vipassana meditation and focused relaxation, for example, all produce alpha waves of brain activity, in contrast to the beta wave state of everyday consciousness. It is the alpha state that is associated with lowered heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn supports beneficial immune system responses. Some psychologists argue that the alpha state is a necessary pre-condition for experiencing the sensation of being in contact with, or resonating with Great Spirit. For those of us who have difficulty shielding ourselves from the distractions of daily life when it comes time for prayer, I offer the following suggestions.