Mindfulness in Christian view

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 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.

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.

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.