Helping you navigate the tension between faith & mental health by looking at a tension point, a talking point and a truth to ponder.

Tension Point

“I hear about the benefits of mindfulness to my mental health but as a Christian, I don’t want practices of good mental health to replace practices of my faith, such as prayer. How can I be sure mindfulness is okay for me and won’t lead me down the wrong path?”

Talking Point

The practice of mindfulness has gained considerable attention as a technique for managing stress and enhancing mental wellbeing. But what exactly is mindfulness, and how does it align with our Christian faith?

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness, in its essence, involves deliberately focusing one's attention on the present moment, free from the distractions of incessant thoughts that often clutter the mind. Mindfulness entails quietening the mental "noise" to become more self-aware and attuned to the present moment's thoughts, feelings, and sensations. It can be part of our everyday activities or a discipline of intentionally setting time and space aside, like meditation or contemplative prayer.

Horizontal vs Vertical

Mindfulness, without Jesus at the centre, inevitably puts the self at the centre. When this happens, mindfulness becomes a self-centred, horizontal practice; connecting to our needs or emotions in the context of our immediate environment or circumstance.

As Christians, we may be sceptical about mindfulness because of this, but when integrated with biblical principles, mindfulness can become a transformative practice that deepens our awareness of God and our relationship with Him. When we are mindful of God in the present moment and we acknowledge and welcome His presence, His peace and His voice, our mindfulness becomes vertical - connecting to our needs and emotions in the context of our relationship with God.

Truth to Ponder

So, how can we practise Christian mindfulness in a way that aligns with our faith? Here are some practical tips:

Start with prayer: Begin each mindfulness practice with prayer, inviting God's presence into the moment. Ask for His guidance in focusing your thoughts and opening your heart to His Presence.
Ground yourself in Scripture: Incorporate passages of Scripture into your mindfulness practice. Choose verses that resonate with you and reflect on their meaning.
Focus on gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by reflecting on God's blessings in your life. Take time to acknowledge and give thanks for the gifts, both big and small, that God has provided.
Practice breath awareness: Use your breath as an anchor to the present moment. Take slow, deep breaths.
Embrace silence: In a world filled with noise and distractions, make space for silence in your life. Set aside time each day to retreat into solitude and silence, allowing yourself to quiet your mind and listen for God's voice.
Stay present in daily activities: Practise mindfulness in everyday tasks by bringing your full attention to each moment. Whether you're eating, walking, or spending time with loved ones, be fully present and engaged in the experience.