A Christian friend working in mental health asked about a Christian view on mindfulness techniques which are used to help with anxiety and depression. Here is the response ....
Dear ….,
Thanks for
your query re mindfulness in which you asked for a Christian view. I'm
encouraged that you are trying to think as a Christian about this as I guess
its use is widespread in your field of mental health.
As
mentioned in our earlier chat, mindfulness has its roots in eastern religion
(Buddhism) and is a form of traditional meditation. Meditation overlaps with
thinking - although thinking tends to move forward whereas meditation more
typically stands still and goes deeper.
'Mindfulness' is the term used for meditation in its secular form. As you know, its means a focus on this moment and inner state, typically using breath-awareness as the entry point. Mindfulness techniques typically look to hold and deepen that state in which one becomes unmindful of the world and thus able to declutter anxieties etc.
'Mindfulness' is the term used for meditation in its secular form. As you know, its means a focus on this moment and inner state, typically using breath-awareness as the entry point. Mindfulness techniques typically look to hold and deepen that state in which one becomes unmindful of the world and thus able to declutter anxieties etc.
What can we say as Christians?
Something
that pushes us to stop being anxiously busy and preoccupied with the present
noisy world has value.
Something
that pushes us to 'be' rather than to 'do' is also good (in balance).
Mindfulness
represents a momentary escape from reality. That's fine up to a point, but it
can only ever be temporary as our calling is to live in the world and engage
with it, not escape from it (whether in a monastery or through meditation). Jn
17:15-18 is relevant.
Mindfulness
takes us to an inward gaze. That can lead to self-idolatry (where we make gods
of ourselves) or to despair (as we face our creaturely limitations and
sinfulness).
The Scriptures urge God's people to meditate (eg Ps 4:4). Meditation is different to thinking (see above) and to prayer (although it overlaps with both and we may find ourselves slipping between these modes of relating to God). I have included a form of Christian mediation below. You will notice similarities and differences to mindfulness techniques.
Biblical meditation typically takes our gaze to God himself (eg Ps 46:10), to Jesus (eg Heb 12:2), to God's word (eg Ps 119:15) and God's works (eg Ps 145:5). Below, there is a list of passages where the Bible mentions meditation.
The Scriptures urge God's people to meditate (eg Ps 4:4). Meditation is different to thinking (see above) and to prayer (although it overlaps with both and we may find ourselves slipping between these modes of relating to God). I have included a form of Christian mediation below. You will notice similarities and differences to mindfulness techniques.
Biblical meditation typically takes our gaze to God himself (eg Ps 46:10), to Jesus (eg Heb 12:2), to God's word (eg Ps 119:15) and God's works (eg Ps 145:5). Below, there is a list of passages where the Bible mentions meditation.
When
Christian meditation is focussed on God, it has power for extended usefulness
as it takes us from our limitations to God in whom we live and move and have
our being (Rom 11:33-36) and whose willingness and ability to help is unlimited
(Ps 121:1-2).
All this being said, a form of
secular mindfulness involving breathing exercises can be of some usefulness in
helping a person calm down and gain perspective to re-engage with life.
A form of Christian meditation
Find a
place to be still and quiet. It can be helpful to set an electronic timer, more
to push you to stay in a meditative mode for the chosen period, rather than
limit your time.
Sit in a comfortable pose, close
your eyes and be still. Pray for God to meet you here, such that you are in the
Spirit (Rev 1:10).
Notice
your breath. Observe it go in and out. Ponder that it is God who gives the
first breath (Gen 2:7), along with every breath, every beat of your heart,
every proper functioning of your body. Ponder the wonder of him as your creator
and sustainer and be aware that in everything you are dependent on him.
Keep
noticing your breath. As you exhale, bring to God the things you want him to
remove from you (eg anxieties, sadness, fruit of the fallen nature in sinful
attitudes, thoughts and habits). As you inhale, bring to God the things you
want him to bring into your life (eg fruit of the Spirit, Christ-likeness).
Slowly
recite a short Bible passage, chosen to put your focus on some aspect of God's
being and works. Look especially for passages that focus you on Jesus as the
redeemer and the one whose coming again is your hope.
Dwell on
this text. Ponder the words and phrases. Let them take you where word and
Spirit lead.
As your time draws to an end, notice
your breathing again. Thank God for that physical breath which is his gift and
for the breath of his Spirit which calls you to Christ, enables you to pray and
which illumines your reading of his word.
Bible passages mentioning 'meditate' and related words
to meditate in the field toward evening; Gn 24:63
you shall meditate on it day and night, Jos 1:8
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and Ps 4:4
the LORD And to meditate in His temple. Ps 27:4
I meditate on You in the night watches, Ps 63:6
I will meditate with my heart, Ps 77:6
I will meditate on all Your work And muse Ps 77:12
I will meditate on Your precepts And Ps 119:15
So I will meditate on Your wonders. Ps 119:27
And I will meditate on Your statutes. Ps 119:48
But I shall meditate on Your precepts. Ps 119:78
watches, That I may meditate on Your word. Ps 119:148
I meditate on all Your doings; Ps 143:5
on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. Ps 145:5
Your heart will meditate on terror: Is 33:18
And in His law he meditates day and night. Ps 1:2 1897
me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Ps 119:23
And hinder meditation before God. Jb 15:4
and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable Ps 19:14
And the meditation of my heart will be Ps 49:3
Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; Ps 104:34
It is my meditation all the day. Ps 119:97
For Your testimonies are my meditation. Ps 119:99
Some material to read
·
For a somewhat positive view:
http://www.mindandsoul.info/Articles/339737/Mind_and_Soul/Resources/Articles/Mindfulness/A_Christian_perspective.aspx
·
This article gives a more
cautious view: http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/doinglifetogether/2011/07/the-christian-practice-of-mindfulness.html
·
This article links
mindfulness to Christian mysticism (a movement with its own problematic side):
http://www.emptybell.org/articles/christian-mindfulness.html
Note: there is a lot of Christian
material discussing the problems in eastern meditation. I am confining myself
here to mindfulness, which is not quite the same as this, although derived from
it.
