Christian Mindfulness

Are you feeling disconnected from others and the world around you? Is the weight of anxiety and stress stealing your ability to be present in your day-to-day life? If so, mindfulness practice will be a benefit to you. In this post, I will discuss Christian mindfulness. You will learn how to use mindfulness while staying rooted in Biblical truth.

Is Mindfulness and Christianity Compatible?

Many Christians are concerned with mindful practice and wonder if it is compatible with Biblical teaching. Therefore, Christians are not sure if they should engage in mindfulness. The answer is yes and no. It depends on how you are using mindfulness.

Secular and Christian mindfulness share similarities, such as being present. However, they have different approaches.

The secular approach to mindfulness is about emptying your mind and relying on yourself for comfort and peace.

A Christian approach to mindfulness is about filling your mind and focusing on who God is, His word, and His promises. It is about leaning on Christ, knowing He is the only one who can give you peace.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubles, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27.

Christian Mindfulness- also known as -Holy Noticing

I recently read the book “Holy Noticing” by Charles Stone. This book inspired me to write this post. Therefore, I will share how to engage in Christian mindfulness from what I learned in the book.

What is holy noticing? Stone states, “holy noticing is a way to bring intentional awareness in the present moment to what and who is around us and what we’re doing, thinking, and feeling- all from God’s perspective.”

Holy noticing is being present moment by moment while actively seeking God’s presence, reflecting on His work in your life, relationships, and those around you. It is the process of becoming like Christ.

How Christian Mindfulness Helps

Below I will discuss a couple ways Christian mindfulness helps with overall well-being.

Christian Mindfulness uses your Brain to Change your Brain

Neuroplasticity is the ability to rewire your brain by creating new neural pathways. Mindfulness uses that part of the brain that thinks- you think about your thinking. Therefore, you strengthen the thinking brain and reduce the reactive emotional brain that triggers anxiety.

Christian Mindfulness strengthens your Spiritual Health

We live in an age of constant distraction and stimulation. Therefore, many Christians are not taking the time to read the Bible, pray, and be with God.

God created us to praise and worship Him. Jesus is the only one who is able to provide us with peace, joy, and comfort no matter life’s circumstances. Therefore, we must read the Bible and pray daily.

Christian mindfulness helps us to keep Jesus at the center, store scripture in our hearts, and be in prayer.

How to engage in Christian Mindfulness

In this section, I will share steps to practice mindfulness. These steps are from the BREATHe model. I learned the model from the book “Holy Noticing.”

I will discuss these steps briefly and concisely. If you want full access to the guided script of each step, I highly recommend you buy the book “Holy Noticing” by Charles Stone.

You can engage in each step separately or together. You will begin each step with mindful breathing utilizing a breathing prayer. For example, God ( the in-breath) is good ( the out-breathe).

Also, each step will have an anchor verse to meditate on before the exercise. Lastly, you will incorporate praise, prayer, and thankfulness to God.

When practicing mindfulness, you will observe and describe your experience without judgment. For example, you will not label something ugly or beautiful; use facts to describe the object.

Christian Mindfulness- Body

You will mindfully ponder and yield your body- engaging in a body scan from head to toe. Just notice each part of your body and sit with that feeling.

Anchor verse: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well”. Psalm 139:14

Christian Mindfulness-Relationships

Mindfully bring your relationships to mind reflecting on the health of those relationships. You can focus on one person or many- it is up to you.

Anchor verse: ” A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” John 12:34-35

Christian Mindfulness-Environment

Mindfully bring your attention to the environment. Take notice of the sounds, smells, temperature, etc.

Anchor verse: “In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:4-5.

Christian Mindfulness-Afflictive Emotions

Notice your emotions without judgment. Be present with them rather than push them away. Once you have labeled difficult emotions such as anxiety, release them to the Lord.

Anchor verse: “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Christian Mindfulness-Thoughts

Notice your thoughts. Submit unhealthy and sinful thoughts to the Lord. Shift those thoughts to be more healthy and helpful.

Anchor verse: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2.

Christian Mindfulness-Heart

Search and Surrender your heart to God. Meditate on your identity in Christ. Thank God for his mercy, love, and grace over your life.

Anchor verse: “Search me, O God, and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Master Christian Mindfulness by Practicing Daily

Master Christian Mindfulness by Practicing Daily

Do not fret if mindfulness is challenging and your mind constantly wanders. Every time your mind wanders, notice, and bring it back to the present. Over time, your mind will wander less.

Practice will get you results. If you are stuck in unhealthy thoughts, your brain has created neural pathways to default to negative thinking. Therefore, consistency in mindful practice will develop new neural pathways for healthier thought patterns.

In conclusion, make it a habit to practice holy noticing daily. Practice being mindful in everyday tasks, such as brushing your teeth or changing a diaper.