What all of these practices have in common, however, is the way in which they integrate
different aspects of our human experience – our emotions with our intellect or our minds
with our bodies – while also connecting us with others who share similar beliefs. We
seek out these experiences, which are special and set us distinctly apart from our
mundane and ordinary daily lives. These experiences lift us up out of our narrow selves
and give us a glimpse – if only temporary – of another way to view things as a part,
however small, of a larger picture. Spiritual and religious practices that help us integrate
the body, mind, and spirit, also provide psychological and physical benefits, as research
from the past two decades has shown.