5 Spiritual Energy Exercises to Help Stop Depression in its Tracks

Letting Go

Exercise is great for the body. Many of us know that we need exercise to help maintain our physical health and benefit in many ways when we’re regularly active. But did you know exercise is also great for the mind and for our own spiritual health? You can beat depression through a number of physical and mental spiritual energy exercises. These regular exercises can help ease depression in a number of ways. This isn’t just a theory. It’s scientifically proven. If you’re ready to conquer depression and get your spiritual health on track, here are five spiritual exercises to help stop depression in its tracks.

Calling Forward Into the Light

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This spiritual energy exercise requires you to find a quiet place with relatively low lighting and a comfortable chair to sit in. It’s important that you begin in silence. Sit upright, close your eyes and become present and aware of your surroundings. During this spiritual exercise, call yourself forward into the light of God’s goodness. Begin to hum, repeatedly. Focus on the area near the center of your head directly to the back of your forehead. This is where your soul energy gathers. When you have done this for five or so minutes, stop and listen within. Daily practice will help you center and eliminate ongoing stress.

Contemplation Prayer

This too is a part of St. Ignatius Loyala’s spiritual exercises. Ignatian contemplative prayer means praying with our imaginations. During this spiritual energy exercise, we “enter the scene” of Scripture and let it reveal the Lord to us. You will feel a sense of calm as you walk through this scene. When you do this, it not only allows you to grow in intimacy with the Lord, it also brings you a sense of inner calm, a place where you can eliminate all the things that are causing you to feel depressed and stressed. The one rule through this process is not to worry. By doing this you will beat depression as the Lord appears to you and the Holy Spirit works through you.

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