Timely articles on mental health issues and spirituality
A popular buzzword in mental health, and throughout many aspects of our society these days is mindfulness. Mindfulness is an umbrella term for different practices and techniques of deliberately focusing your attention on the present, and not letting yourself be distracted by overwhelming thoughts, sensations, or emotions. In other words, mindfulness helps clear the “noise” from your mind so that you can be intentional about thoughtfully responding to feelings or events that you are experiencing versus simply reacting to them. Mindfulness is characterized by the use of different techniques in which you pay attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations in that moment — without judging yourself on whether they’re good or bad. Mindfulness is increasingly being used in different approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. It’s also showing up more often in schools and with employers as a tool to assist with stress reduction. When I first heard about mindfulness though, I really didn’t understand what it was all about, and felt pretty confused by it.
One of the things that I have heard quite a bit over the years from Christians about mindfulness is concern about its roots in Eastern traditions. People also tend to think that mindfulness is restricted to practices such as meditation or yoga. Folks have often wondered if and how these practices align with a Christian faith? These are important questions! Like many things, mindfulness can be approached in a completely self-serving way (Ex-“I just want to feel good, escape reality, etc”). More and more though, many Christians and faith-based counselors are using mindfulness in a Christ-integrated way. After all, Jesus himself modeled the importance of regularly spending time in solitude (“And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed.” -Mark 1:35).
Mindfulness through a Christian lens is the awareness that God is always present. It’s up to us to be intentional to tune in and seek connection with Him though. We can do this in a number of ways: slowing down to notice the wonder of creation, the sounds of laughter or beautiful music; savoring the taste and smell of good food; noticing and appreciating how your body feels when it is well rested and relaxed; centering your thoughts through prayer; practicing gratitude throughout the day by acknowledging that all that we are given in each moment is from God.
When it comes to holy self-care and mental health, mindfulness practices can be another tool that God has provided for our healing and growth. It is up to you, of course, to decide if and how mindfulness fits with your faith. No matter what we name it, the important thing is to seek ways to create space in our lives to care for ourselves as God would have us to, which will allow us to hear Him speaking to us more clearly.
“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
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” -Philippians 4:8
Laura Dempsey is a licensed social worker and therapist with nearly 20 years of experience counseling children and families.