If you have not yet come across the term 'mindfulness' you are probably part of a shrinking minority. An increasing number of organisations, including the NHS, schools and prisons are taking an interest in the benefits of 'mindfulness'. Even if you're browsing for magazines in a local shop you are likely to come across various mindfulness colouring books.
Wikipedia describes mindfulness as 'the psychological process of bringing one's attention to experiences occurring in the present moment, which can be developed through the practice of meditation and other training.' The practice requires a person to focus on their breathing as an aid to meditation.
In terms of origins, mindfulness has its roots in Zen Buddhism.
I confess that I don't know a lot about mindfulness, and am aware that, within the Christian community, opinion is split - just as opinion is split over yoga, for example.
There are those who would argue that mindfulness, as practised today in the west, has no connection to its Buddhist roots. That its meditation techniques can easily be reclaimed by the Christian community. That this is one of those outreach opportunities that provide overlap with what 'we' believe and what 'they' believe and that gives us the opportunity to talk about prayer and reflection on the Bible - similar to Paul's behaviour in Acts 17.
This week I was at the Christian Resources Exhibition and noticed the following book on one of the book stands. I didn't read it - I just took a photo - but my guess from the title is that the author takes a fairly positive view from a Christian perspective. I may be totally wrong - if you've read the book and want to correct me, please do!
Then, at the other end of the spectrum, there are those see mindfulness as thinly disguised Buddhism and something that Christians should have nothing to do with. That any involvement is opening ourselves up to ungodly spiritual forces. That at a time when Christianity is being excluded from the work place other religions are being embraced.
Those are two alternative views and I am sure that there are a whole range of views in between those two extremes. Even if you're part of a fairly small church community there is probably quite a spread of opinion on this subject from within that community.
As I say, I don't know a lot on this subject, so more by way of starting a conversation, here are a few thoughts.
At CBC we're currently working our way through the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, and personally, I've just finished reading Ezekiel and am now on Daniel. Samuela and Ezekiel are books which contain more than enough warnings of the dangers of mixing the worship of God with anything else. Daniel is an interesting mix of stories of no compromise (lions' dens and fiery furnaces) and seeking wisdom to work within a hostile spiritual climate. Maybe seeking wisdom and a willingness to stand alone are the way ahead. At least we should be careful on what we do and err on the side of caution.
The supporters of mindfulness list the health benefits that it brings - particularly those benefits to mental health. In the House of Commons this week the mindfulness exercise was partly aimed at improving the thinking and the behaviour of those involved in politics.
No doubt those Christians who are more positive towards mindfulness would see similar benefits through things like prayer and what has traditionally been called the 'quiet time' - a time (usually first thing in the morning) for Bible reading, mediating/reflecting on that reading and prayer.
For me, the issue here then becomes one of whether these spiritual disciplines 'work' for the Christian because of the psycological or physiological impact of the practice or because of the focus of the practice - i.e. God. Because, if we believe that it is the latter, then why would we settle for the former?
A focus that is on anything other than God is idolatry. Anything that suggests that the answers to our ultimate questions can be found anywhere else outside of God is idolatry. Anything that encourages me to focus inward rather than on God is idolatry.
I'm not sure where that gets us other than getting the conversation started...over to you.
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