What is the theory behind this Hope & spirituality worksheet for people with psychiatric disorders?

The concept of spirituality is gaining popularity in the western culture. A lot of individuals with psychiatric disorders report feeling calm and hopeful after performing spiritual tasks. According to Buddhist literature, the exercise of yoga has a deep association with spirituality.

The practice of focusing on one thing and deep breathing helps the individual connect with their supreme consciousness, which is the optimal level of one’s spiritual potential. 

How will the worksheet help?

This worksheet contains a research based Buddhist yoga practice known as ‘Hatha Yoga’ techniques. The purpose of this technique is to help the clients with psychiatric disorders in managing stress.

How to use this worksheet?

Follow the instructions given to perform ‘Hatha yoga’. Get clarity through the figures below. On the scale from 1 to 10, report your level of stress before and after the exercise. It is advisable to do this daily. 

Hope & spirituality worksheet for people with psychiatric disorders

Stress level before yoga ___________

Floor Posture (Sukhasana)

• Place a cushion or folded blanket on the floor. Sit upon the blanket or cushion using only the front edge.
• Prepare your legs to bend by stretching them straight.
• Bend your right leg under your left thigh and the left leg under the right thigh, Check that your kneecaps are roughly level with each other. If they are not, your trunk will lean slightly to the lower side, affecting balance.

• Keep your spine erect and your head nicely composed upon your shoulders. 
• Place your hands, palms down, upon your knees. Relax your elbows.
• Firmly close your eyes.
• Concentrate your mind upon the natural rhythm of your breath, control yourself from dreaming, reasoning, or otherwise becoming mentally active, and keep your body erect, motionless, and as relaxed as possible. Concentrate upon just “being.” 
• Since keeping my mind empty is impossible, try focusing on the rhythm of your breaths, observing the natural, spontaneous breath cycle. I.e. taking in breath, momentary pause, exhaling, and the pause in between. 
• Each time your mind wanders, return to focusing on the breath.

Stress level after yoga ___________

References

Csala, B., Springinsfeld, C. M., & Köteles, F. (2021). The relationship between yoga and spirituality: A systematic review of Empirical Research. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. 

Hofmann, S. G., Andreoli, G., Carpenter, J. K., & Curtiss, J. (2016). Effect of hatha yoga on anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 9(3), 116–124. 

Mumford, J. (2007). A chakra & kundalini workbook: Psycho-spiritual techniques for Health, rejuvenation, psychic powers, and spiritual realization. Pustak Mahal. 15-17 

Woman female girl – free vector graphic on Pixabay. pixabay. (n.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://pixabay.com/vectors/woman-female-girl-human-person-1837460/

You can download this worksheet here.