9/06/2024

Mindful Life in Yeshua

 

“Mindfulness” Grounded in Scripture

A Journey into the Concept of “Mindfulness”

I first encountered the term "mindfulness" when it began to gain popularity as a therapeutic and psychological practice in modern times. The word itself piqued my interest, leading me to ask a series of questions: Where did this concept originate? Who was its originator? Where was it originally practised, and in what context? How does its current application differ from its origins? And, most importantly, what does Yehovah's eternal Word say about it?

These questions set me on a path of exploration, diving into both secular and religious texts. As I began to study mindfulness, I couldn't help but notice its seemingly "borrowed" elements. This led me to reflect on the idea of plagiarism, which is widely condemned in our modern world. Today, we see a vast array of scholarly works meticulously citing other authors, providing references, and crediting original sources. However, this was not always the case in antiquity, where the origins of wisdom and practice often remained uncredited. This brings us to the core of this exploration: the discovery that many principles of modern mindfulness, though widely attributed to Eastern philosophies or recent psychological movements, are deeply rooted in the Scriptures of Yehovah, which predate these philosophies by thousands of years.

Yehovah’s principles, as revealed in the Tanakh (Old Testament) and Apostolic Scriptures (New Testament), are eternal. While some outside the faith community may have experienced or recognized these truths, often they are unaware of their Scriptural roots. When we see modern psychology affirming the efficacy of these practices, we are confronted with a fundamental question: which came first—the chicken or the egg? The answer, as we will see, is clear: the eternal Word of Yehovah came first.

1. The Eternal Word of Yehovah: A Foundation for Mindfulness

Scripture, written over centuries by various authors under divine inspiration, presents timeless principles that have guided generations of believers. Yehovah’s Word is described as eternal and unchanging: “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). This is not a mere philosophical idea but a reality that has been experienced by Yehovah’s people for millennia. The practices now known as mindfulness are, in essence, applications of Yehovah’s principles, adapted by those outside the community of faith, sometimes without acknowledgment of their Scriptural origin.

  • Meditation on Yehovah’s Word: Long before the emergence of Eastern or secular mindfulness practices, the Tanakh emphasised meditation as a central spiritual discipline. Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in Yehovah’s law; on His law he meditates day and night”. The Biblical concept of meditation is not emptying the mind, as found in some other traditions, but rather filling the mind with the truth and wisdom of Yehovah. This is mindfulness grounded in eternal truth.
  • Awareness of Yehovah’s Presence: Scripture calls believers to an ongoing awareness of Yehovah’s presence. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, “Trust in Yehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight”. Mindfulness, from a Biblical perspective, is about recognizing Yehovah in every moment and aligning one's thoughts and actions with His eternal Word.

2. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Biblical Principles

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness, encouraging an awareness and acceptance of one’s thoughts. This aligns with Scriptural teachings that direct believers to manage their thoughts according to Yehovah’s Word:

  • Taking Thoughts Captive: The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “...bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Messiah”. Long before modern psychological theories, Scripture called for a mindful awareness of thoughts and the intentional choice to align them with the truth of Yehovah. MBCT echoes this principle, albeit in secular terms, focusing on recognizing and reframing unhelpful thoughts.
  • Casting All Anxieties on Yehovah: 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your worries on Him, because He cares for you”. The practice of identifying anxious thoughts and casting them on Yehovah is a form of Scriptural mindfulness, which aligns with MBCT’s approach of observing thoughts without letting them dominate one's peace.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Biblical Alignment

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages acceptance of thoughts and feelings without resistance and focuses on committing to actions aligned with personal values. The parallels with Scripture are evident:

  • Enduring Trials with Faith: James 1:2-4 teaches, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance”. The Biblical call to accept trials as part of the faith journey is a reflection of ACT’s emphasis on accepting difficult emotions and circumstances while remaining committed to living out one's faith in Yehovah.
  • Walking by Faith, Not by Sight: 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds believers, “for we walk by faith, not by sight”. This principle mirrors ACT’s focus on living according to one’s values (for believers, these are faith-based values rooted in Scripture), regardless of fluctuating emotions or external situations.

4. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Scriptural Truths

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) integrates mindfulness with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These elements are already present in Scriptural teachings:

  • Controlling Emotions and Anger: James 1:19-20 advises, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God”. This aligns with DBT’s emphasis on emotional regulation, encouraging mindfulness in controlling reactions and maintaining a heart aligned with Yehovah’s righteousness.
  • Promoting Peace and Reconciliation: Yeshua teaches in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”. DBT’s focus on effective communication and conflict resolution resonates with the Scriptural mandate to seek peace and understanding in relationships.

5. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Trust in Yehovah

MBSR focuses on reducing stress through mindful awareness and presence in the moment. Scripture calls believers to trust Yehovah fully and to live in the present, relying on His provision and guidance:

  • Casting Cares on Yehovah: Psalm 55:22 encourages, “Cast your burden on Yehovah, and He will sustain you”. MBSR’s principle of releasing stress and focusing on the present moment mirrors the Biblical exhortation to trust in Yehovah’s sustaining power.
  • Yeshua’s Teaching on Worry: Yeshua teaches in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient”. MBSR’s focus on the present moment aligns with Yeshua’s teaching to concentrate on today and to leave the future in Yehovah’s hands.

6. Which Came First: The Eternal Word or Modern Philosophy?

The practices of MBCT, ACT, DBT, and MBSR may appear to be recent innovations in psychological therapy, but they are, in fact, expressions of eternal principles found in Scripture. As these modern methodologies show efficacy, it is tempting to ask: which came first, the chicken or the egg? The reality is that Yehovah's Word and principles are eternal. What many outside the faith community have "discovered" are truths long established by Yehovah. When these principles prove effective, they reaffirm the timeless nature of Scripture.

  • The Eternity of Yehovah’s Word: Psalm 119:89 declares, “Forever, O Yehovah, Your word is settled in heaven”. The unchanging nature of Yehovah’s Word predates any human philosophy or psychological approach. Mindfulness practices are not new discoveries but reflections of Scriptural truths that Yehovah, in His wisdom, has revealed to His people from the beginning.

In Summary

Mindfulness practices such as MBCT, ACT, DBT, and MBSR align with Scriptural principles that have been revealed by Yehovah since ancient times. The eternal Word of Yehovah encompasses all truth, and the effectiveness of these modern practices merely reflects the wisdom that has been present in Scripture for thousands of years. For believers, mindfulness is not a secular technique but a call to live in constant awareness of Yehovah, His presence, and His eternal Word, proving that the truth of Yehovah's principles stands unchanged, regardless of how or when they are discovered by those outside the faith.

 

Mindfulness in Yeshua

Mindfulness in Yeshua is a practice rooted in focusing attention and awareness on the presence of Yeshua in every moment. Approached from the perspective that aligns with the teachings of Yeshua, it is a spiritual discipline that enhances one's walk with Yehovah, deepens one’s relationship with Yeshua, and enriches one's understanding of the Scriptures.

What is “Mindfulness” in Yeshua?

From a disciple’s perspective, mindfulness involves a conscious effort to live fully in the moment while seeking Yehovah's presence in every aspect of life. This practice aligns with the Biblical call to be aware of and responsive to Yehovah's guidance in our daily experiences.

  1. Presence with Yehovah: Mindfulness for a disciple of Yeshua means being attentive to Yehovah’s presence at every moment. It is about living out the command to love Yehovah with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
  2. Awareness of God’s Guidance: It involves recognising and reflecting on Yehovah’s hand in the present, seeing His work in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life (Psalm 46:10).
  3. Acceptance and Trust: This practice entails accepting our current state with trust in Yehovah’s plan, knowing that He works all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

How to Practise Mindfulness as a Disciple of Yeshua

  1. Prayerful Breathing:
    • Technique: Use your breathing as a way to centre yourself and invite Yehovah’s presence into your awareness.
    • Practice: Find a quiet place to pray. Close your eyes, take slow, deep breaths, and focus on inviting Yeshua into each breath, acknowledging His presence and seeking His guidance.
  2. Scripture Meditation:
    • Technique: Reflect deeply on passages from the Tanakh and Apostolic Scriptures, allowing their truths to shape your understanding and actions.
    • Practice: Select a Bible verse or passage. Spend time meditating on its meaning, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate its application in your life (Joshua 1:8).
  3. Mindful Eating with Thanksgiving:
    • Technique: As you eat, recognise Yehovah’s provision and express gratitude for His blessings.
    • Practice: During meals, focus on the nourishment and give thanks for the food, reflecting on Yehovah’s provision and grace (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
  4. Mindful Walking in Creation:
    • Technique: Take walks while appreciating the beauty of Yehovah’s creation, reflecting on His handiwork and His promises.
    • Practice: As you walk, observe the natural world and contemplate the majesty of Yehovah’s creation, recognising His handiwork in the world around you (Psalm 19:1).
  5. Contemplative Prayer:
    • Technique: Engage in quiet prayer, focusing on being present with Yehovah and listening for His voice.
    • Practice: Set aside dedicated time for prayer. Sit quietly, invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, and listen for Yehovah’s voice and direction (1 Kings 19:12).
  6. Listening with Compassion:
    • Technique: Listen to others with empathy and understanding, reflecting Yeshua’s love and compassion.
    • Practice: In conversations, practise active listening, showing kindness and patience, and responding with love and understanding (James 1:19).
  7. Mindfulness in Daily Tasks:
    • Technique: Integrate mindfulness into your everyday activities, performing them as acts of worship and service to Yehovah.
    • Practice: Whether cleaning, working, or driving, approach each task with a heart of gratitude and mindfulness, recognising it as an opportunity to serve Yehovah (Colossians 3:23).

Benefits of Mindfulness for a Disciple of Yeshua

  1. Deeper Relationship with Yehovah: Mindfulness enhances your ability to remain aware of Yehovah’s presence and His guidance in every moment.
  2. Inner Peace and Comfort: It fosters a sense of peace and trust in Yehovah’s plan, helping to manage stress and anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7).
  3. Emotional and Spiritual Growth: Mindfulness encourages emotional resilience and spiritual growth, aligning your life more closely with Biblical principles.
  4. Improved Relationships: By practising mindfulness, you can reflect Yeshua’s love and patience, improving your interactions with others (Ephesians 4:2).
  5. Increased Awareness of Yehovah’s Work: It helps you recognise and appreciate Yehovah’s ongoing work in your life and the world around you (Psalm 46:10).

Tips for Practising Christian Mindfulness

  • Start Small: Begin with brief periods of mindfulness and prayer, gradually extending as you grow more comfortable with the practice.
  • Consistency: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to deepen your spiritual life.
  • Be Patient: Allow time for growth in mindfulness, trusting that Yehovah will guide and support you in your journey.

In Summary

Mindfulness from a disciple of Yeshua’s perspective is a practice of being fully present with Yehovah, recognising His guidance, and living with an attitude of gratitude and awareness. It aligns with Biblical teachings and enhances one's spiritual journey, fostering a deeper connection with God and a more mindful approach to everyday life.

‘eBed Doulos n.d.p.