So, Is mindfulness Biblical?
Some Christians may even wince just at the word! Especially as it’s known as a secular practice and because of its known roots of new age practices. But, if thats you, I don’t blame you! I used to as well and sometimes still do!
But, if you’re not familiar with the phrase ‘being ‘mindful’’ or ‘mindfulness’ then, it can be about taking time to be in and to recognise the present moment. It can also be about the senses; what you can see, hear, smell, feel and taste.
It’s being aware of these senses in addition to your own thoughts and feelings, noticing what your mind is doing and also paying attention to your body and breathing.
These aspects are to help individuals focus on the present moment, as opposed to what is going on around them. For instance, looking at what is in front of you and how you are feeling as opposed to the circumstances and situations around you. It is a form or relaxation.
But what does the Holy Bible say about it?
Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Matthew 22:37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
You can already see that the Bible talks about the mind and our focus of attention. Which is the point of mindfulness. The Collins Dictionary says:
Benefits of Practising Biblical Mindfulness
The benefits of Biblical Mindfulness aren’t limited to but include;
- Growth in your relationship with God
- Improved mental wellbeing & physical health
- Strengthened resilience
- Reduced stress levels & anxiety
How to practice Biblical Mindfulness
- We are to spend time in prayer, talking to Him, listening to Him, asking God to help us and to give Him thanks.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Biblical Meditation: Being in His presence and experiencing His peace, comfort and restoration. Psalm 23 is a fantastic image of this. The more we practice meditating on scripture the more resilient we can become too!
Psalm 23:1-6 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
- Search for the will of God, listen to Him. Refer to How do I hear from God? if needed.
Romans 12:2 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.
Intentional Steps:
Being Mindful of the Trinity:
1) Take time, in the current moment, to stop, connect and listen to the Holy Spirit.
2) Recognise how you are feeling and what your body and breathing are doing.
3) Offer all of these to God, through Jesus.
4) Submit to Him, this means to give Him ALL of you.
5) Prayerfully ask for His comfort, peace, joy and strength and anything else He wants to offer you freely, according to His plan.
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Being Mindful of His Earth:
1) Look at what’s in front of you. What can you see, hear, smell, feel and taste that God has provided?
2) Offer Him thanks for these things and for anything else that comes to mind.
3) Be still. Spend some time thinking and praying about these things.
Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Above exerpts taken from Christian Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
I hope this has answered your questions and given you some clarity and practical steps to get you started with biblical Mindfulness. Any questions, ideas comments please use the comment form below.
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Great reminder that the Bible does encourage us to be mindful. I love and appreciate Romans 12:2. Thanks for sharing!
Welcome! Thank you Tinashe! Blessing x