'I have personally adopted many of the practices Rupert Sheldrake describes in his book and experienced more love, joy, empathy, gratitude, and equanimity as a result.' --Deepak Chopra, MD The effects of spiritual practices are now being investigated scientifically as never before, and many studies have shown that religious and spiritual practices generally make people happier and healthier. In this pioneering book, Rupert Sheldrake shows how science helps validate seven practices on which many religions are built, and which are part of our common human heritage: meditation, gratitude, connecting with nature, relating to plants, rituals, singing and chanting, and pilgrimage and holy places. A book for anyone who suspects that in the drive toward radical secularism, something valuable has been left behind.