Mindfulness.

Have you heard of it? Do you practice it? My husband would call this “hippy stuff” but it’s seems to be all the rage lately. I have found this topic so intriguing so I decided to educate myself. Here’s what I discovered.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being in the moment and aware of our current state, whatever that may be. It’s a self-examination of our current thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and overall state, without judgment. Through this awareness, the goal is to achieve stillness of the mind and accept oneself.

Full disclosure –

I struggle being in the moment. I am typically thinking about what has already happened, what might happen, or what I need to do next. While I do a decent job of being aware of my emotions and current state (most of the time) it is not without judgement. If i’m tense, I try to loosen up. If I’m holding my breath, I take a deep breath. If my mind is wandering to a “what if” scenario, I try to reel it back in. I guess you could say I am partially mindful with judgement. Wonder if there’s a name for that?!

History of mindfulness

In my study of mindfulness, I quickly learned this idea is rooted in Buddhism, although there are some new age techniques and some secular adaptations. Either way, mindfulness is meant to lead us to self acceptance and peace. Now I’m all for a little self acceptance but can we get true peace by being mindful?

Jesus peeps- where does our peace come from?

You got it. Not us. God.

So, I struggled with this. I recognized parts of mindfulness that could benefit me, but I also don’t want to attempt to fill God’s role in my life.

How to practice Mindfulness

Since we are all unique, I don’t think there is a cut and dry or right or wrong answer to this idea. I have taken what I’ve learned and what I know about God, and came up with a good combo for me. Being mindful is so important. If we weren’t attentive and aware of our thoughts and actions, that would be sinful in itself. Know any jerks? They are always rude and negative? Sure we do. Some people act this way without even realizing it!

Our minds are powerful and our thoughts help shape who we are and what we become.

To get started, check in with yourself to become more self-aware. What is happening right now? How are you feeling? How is your physical state? Consider your thoughts.

This is the part where I blaze my own trail and stray from the “no judgement zone” of mindfulness. The bible has A LOT to say about our thoughts. So if i’m going to be aware of them (step 1) then I’m going to fix them (step 2)

That’s easy enough by turning to scripture.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Timothy 1:7 God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

Proverbs 23:7 As someone thinks within himself, so he is.

If you have negative thoughts in your mind, make them obey, handcuff them, and take them to Christ. I love, love, love this image! It’s great advice. Somedays I play cop ALL. DAY. LONG. But, practice makes perfect. The more you drive out those negative thoughts, the easier it is to make room for the positive thoughts.

Remove roadblocks

There are many things that get in the way of being mindful.

One thing that hinders me the most from being mindful is thinking about my response. I turn off my listening ears and start thinking about what I am going to say in response to the other person. Sometimes I’m impatient-other times I am just really excited to respond!

Outside distractions can also get in the way. Ringing cell phones, text messages, noisy surroundings. I’m sure everyone can relate! These things can make it hard to concentrate on the current moment.

You may be a factual person who searchs the facts and details of what someone is saying instead of listening to the message. Our personal views and judgment often interferes with our listening.

So the take away – being mindful is not a bad thing. It’s actually a very good thing! Use it in conjunction with other good habits to be more self-aware. Recognize behaviors and patterns. Do what you can to fix the detrimental stuff and rely on God to help. All things are possible with God.

“In today’s rush, we all think too much – seek too much- want too much – and forget about the joy of just being.” -Eckhart Tolle