Page 109 - JSOM Spring 2018

Mindfulness, meditation, and prayer are each related, but dis- deployments and obligations, results in less time with family.
tinct. Neurologic changes and effects of each suggest all three The inability to openly communicate any details with loved
can promote human flourishing and meaningful positive out- ones and share experiences can result in a sense of isolation.
comes. 16–21 Table 1 outlines these practices, examples of their
benefits, and how they align with spirituality for the purpose A SOF Operator whose deployments are near or in double dig-
of this example. Each of these three practices can be adapted its, but who also considers himself to be family oriented, holds
and modified to be more vertical or more horizontal in their two values deeply: military service and family. These values
application. The practice of mindfulness for optimizing per- are not always compatible. To enhance spiritual performance,
formance was discussed at length in the Spring 2015 issue of the SOF Operator may want to reach out to a SOF chaplain
JSOM, so it will not be discussed in detail here. However, to or someone else (e.g., a medic) to discuss the values conflict
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refresh, mindfulness is “intentionally being acutely aware of and express their frustration with being unable to spend more
what is going on internally as well as externally, without re- time with family. The process would likely move through three
acting” or nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. steps: (1) The person providing support, typically the SOF
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New evidence is continuously emerging on how mindfulness chaplain, talks with the Operator about beliefs they might
(i.e., being present and intentionally aware) affects military have and maintains a nonjudgmental and open presence.
performance. 23–25 Moreover, mindfulness practices are clearly The SOF chaplain learns which communities provide support
ways individuals who identity as neither religious nor spiri- and meaning. In this scenario, the Operator was raised in a
tual can improve their spiritual fitness, increase their cognitive specific faith tradition and now identifies as atheist, but les-
flexibility and agility, and enhance their ability to overcome sons about the importance of family from his childhood faith
negative events. tradition are still part of his meaning-making system. (2) The
SOF chaplain purposefully discusses how beliefs and values
Meditation is generally a guided practice and has the specific have changed over time and what influences them. The SOF
goals of focusing, relaxing, and reaching a state of transcen- chaplain identifies the Operator’s central personal values, be-
dence. Some forms of meditation include working through a liefs, and practices, and when these values might be in conflict.
specific peaceful script or passage, or may include walking Discussing identified values and possible discrepancies are one
through a labyrinth, which is a tool also used by chaplains part of spiritual performance. Specifically, the SOF chaplain
in various settings. This practice may benefit individuals who normalizes the Operator’s frustration and develops a plan to
identify as spiritual but do not have specific religious beliefs, use available resources to improve spiritual performance. (3)
as well as individuals with religious beliefs, if the meditative The SOF chaplain identifies what supporting resources are
practice is consistent with their specific traditions. Prayer is available, not only in the spiritual performance domain but
sometimes conceptualized as a form of meditation but can also across the holistic spectrum (e.g., connecting with a trainer
have the added component of strengthening an individual’s and using exercise to destress [human performance domain]
connection with a higher power through active communica- and setting aside Saturday afternoons for time with the family
tion. Prayer with a chaplain or others may have the addi- [social/family performance domain]).
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tional benefit of building connections with others as well as
with a higher power. Alone or in combination, these practices By working with the Operator through this one concern and
are ways to enhance spiritual fitness and performance. identifying the underlying value conflict as well as resources
to address it, the Operator is able to enhance spiritual perfor-
Putting Spirituality Into Action: A Fictional Example mance, which will likely improve performance in other areas.
A familiar element of SOF life is the constant balancing of
building and maintaining relationships with friends and family Impact on Performance
while simultaneously meeting the demands of operations se-
curity and high operations tempo. As work demands increase Healthy spirituality has been linked with better physical
and resources are depleted, SOF personnel must find ways to health, mental health, and general well-being. 27–30 Although
decompress and maintain optimal functioning without confid- the scientific rigor of the evidence connecting spirituality and
ing inappropriately to family, friends, and those outside the religion has varied, findings connecting it with positive out-
community. This strain on relationships, coupled with multiple comes haves been generally consistent. Measures of religion
TABLE 1 Three Spiritual Performance Enhancement Techniques That Can be Adapted or Modified to be More Vertical or More Horizontal in
their Application
Technique Description Sample Strategies Benefits Spiritual Domain
Mindfulness Nonjudgmental Deep breathing ↓ Stress response Predominantly horizontal spirituality
awareness of the Body scan Better cognitive functioning
present moment Mindful movement ↑ Awareness Connection with self and others,
Mindful eating Cardiovascular benefits world, nature
Meditation Guided practice Mantra Improvement in Both vertical and horizontal spirituality
with a specific Metta or loving kindness psychological outcomes
focus to relax and Labyrinth (depression/anxiety)
reach a state of Guided imagery ↑ Concentration
transcendence Transcendental ↓ Stress
Centering prayer Easily adaptable
Prayer Spiritual communion Formal liturgy ↑ Self-esteem Predominantly vertical spirituality
with God or an Informal communication Optimism
object of worship supplication, thanksgiving, Feel more in control under
or adoration adversity
Salat Improved health Connection with self and higher power

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