“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.
- 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).
- 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).
- 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
- 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.
- 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- 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
- Deeper Relationship with Yehovah:
Mindfulness enhances your ability to remain aware of Yehovah’s presence
and His guidance in every moment.
- 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).
- Emotional
and Spiritual Growth: Mindfulness encourages emotional
resilience and spiritual growth, aligning your life more closely with
Biblical principles.
- Improved
Relationships: By practising mindfulness, you can
reflect Yeshua’s love and patience, improving your interactions with
others (Ephesians 4:2).
- 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.