A To Z Of Mindfulness For Christians

An A to Z of Mindfulness for Christians is geared to help Christians live in the now, the present -- the presence of God -- by encouraging them to explore mindfulness. Studies show that mindfulness benefits not only people with depression, anxiety and pain; it also benefits those who do not live with such conditions but who would like nonetheless to have greater well-being in their lives. Drawing from personal experience and the experience of others, David Harper shows how mindfulness can make a positive impact on well-being and therefore on faith and spirituality, while countering some of the myths about mindfulness. Divided into 52 themes and spanning the alphabet, An A to Z of Mindfulness for Christians explores aspects of mindfulness and how they relate to being a Christian. Each letter represents two relevant themes, from Awake and Attitude to Body and Breath to Zest and Zacchaeus, and each theme is informative, encouraging and overlaps with spirituality, faith and mindfulness.

Many Christian commentators have been taken aback by the seemingly unstoppable rise of the ‘mindfulness revolution’ that has occurred over the past decade. But there are many Christians who worry that mindfulness techniques constitute a covert import from Buddhism. How far are Christians adopting Buddhist techniques, ideas and ideologies? Do we risk squaring Buddhist ideology and approaches to fit the Christian circle? Beginning with an exploration of the practice of mindfulness in its Buddhist origins, Peter Tyler reflects on the practical use of mindfulness, its place within the Christian tradition of prayer, and its future within the Christian tradition. Tyler argues that far from a foreign import mindfulness is not only endemic but essential to the Christian understanding of how the human person relates to the divine. Each chapter concludes with practical exercises to help the reader in their understanding of mindfulness in the Christian context.

Christians have always practiced mindfulness. Yet, from the popular landscape of mindfulness movement, you’d never know that. Where is the Christian voice in this fast-growing movement? Many Christians practice mindfulness outside of church and believe it does not belong to our faith tradition. This book reveals the Christian roots of mindfulness and the actual practices that, when reclaimed, deepen the life of faith and the power of our mission of love in the world. When we understand how radical it is to live in God’s presence right here, right now, our lives are transformed toward mercy, justice and abundant life. Amy Oden shows how the practice of Christian mindfulness begins with the teachings of Jesus and continues throughout Christian history. It also includes step-by-step instructions for the practice of Christian mindfulness today. Pastors and leaders will find this book useful on the ground as they curate current culture and guide Christians in spiritual practices. " ... this is the best introduction to Christian mindfulness I have read." —Shaun Lambert, Senior Minister of Stanmore Baptist Church, United Kingdom “Amy Oden knows the history of Christian spirituality as well as anyone, and she helps us see what might seem surprising to many—that mindfulness has deep roots in the Christian tradition. The wisdom she shares in this clear, winsome book has already deepened my own life of prayer. I know this book will bear fruit in classrooms and congregations as readers heed its call to stop and pay prayerful attention to what God is doing, right here, right now.” —L. Roger Owens, Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality and Ministry, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA “Oden deftly lifts up a clear template for what lies at the core of all spiritual practice: mindfulness—a simple awareness within ordinary life of divine presence, here and now. Unlike many generic practices of mindfulness now popular in business, education, and the fitness industry, Oden underscores that Christian mindfulness is not an end in itself but an awareness that turns us toward God. Amy’s words become a litany of invitation into the posture of open-hearted presence to the Presence, right here, right now.” (from the foreword) —Marjorie J. Thompson, author of Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life, former Director of Pathways in Congregational Spirituality with Upper Room Ministries, and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian church (USA)

The spiritual practice of mindfulness has continued to gain popularity throughout the years. But what exactly does this practice offer to Christians? In Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality, Tim Stead explores how practicing mindfulness can help Christians better live out their faith. Stead explains what mindfulness is and what is beneficial about it. He also reflects on how it can impact what and how we believe and seeks to find how mindfulness enables our Christian faith to work for us. Mindfulness practices that are designed to help readers make space for God in their everyday lives are included.

This introduction to Christian mindfulness offers an explanation of contemporary mindfulness combined with a guide to mindfulness as a way of Christian living. Over forty days, examples of mindfulness in the Old and New Testaments are examined, followed by practical exercises for incorporating mindfulness into everyday life.

Most people go to their family doctor for stress and anxiety, hoping for medication. According to Relaxing the Brain through Mindfulness and Christian Meditation, there is a better and cheaper way-mindfulness and Christian meditation based on Scripture. We have to learn to let go of the anxieties of the past and future through meditation. It amounts to "letting go of selfish demands to be at peace in the presence of God."

What is mindfulness? And should we as Christians be mindful? Mindfulness programmes are increasingly being used for issues as wide-ranging as depression, pain, employee engagement, and character development, and many Christians are wondering what to make of all this. In this book, experienced psychologists explain what is meant by "being mindful", help readers to view mindfulness more broadly than the context of Buddhism in which it is often framed, and profile the rich Christian tradition of mindful-like practice. By bringing a Christ-centred approach to mindful awareness, the authors demonstrate how to apply this practice to discipleship and spiritual growth. Readers are equipped to decide the extent to which they wish to learn and practice mindfulness, to approach it without fear, and to draw on the good within it to develop their relationship with Jesus.

Mindfulness can help you live more joyfully and wholeheartedly in the world God created. The Mindful Christian provides readers with an overview of mindfulness practice through the lens of faith, showing how the ancient healing practice of mindfulness can help them live more joyfully and wholeheartedly. For Christians who are experiencing emotional pain, spiritual lethargy, or feelings of disconnection--or for Christians who are simply curious about how mindfulness can fit with their lives and their faith--this book will help them learn about and engage mindfulness practices in ways that leave them more compassionate, joyful, content, and at peace with themselves--and with God. The book offers easy-to-do mindfulness practices that will impact daily activities and relationships--empowering readers with the benefits of mindfulness for their emotional, spiritual, and relational health within the Christian life.