Blasphemy! Embracing Stillness and Mindfulness in Christianity
“Hey look!,” I said to myself. “A comment on yesterday’s video post on YouTube! (I bet they think I’m super-special).”
....focusing on your body & surroundings.....
Blasphemy.
Mindful photography & mindset coaching. More of the same. "New age" practices & Christianity mixing is a strict no-no. UN-Biblical !
That was the moment my heart started thumping. My breath quickened. I started to feel those little prickly sensations all over my body. To my surprise, my reactivity only lasted a minute or so. A little flashback cured that right quick.
Honest to goodness, I seek to understand the mindset and belief system of some Christians who are reactive to concepts like mindfulness, meditation, and body-focus. People who dismiss practices they know nearly nothing about. People who want to stay in their cocoon of safety, unwilling to “go there” and challenge orthodoxy. Who the heck are these people? Huh?
Doh! They are me. Yep, that’s right. Driven by fear, I used to cling to the black and white. I trusted experts and magnetic personalities rather than cultivating an inner environment that is receptive to the still, small, game-changing voice of the Holy Spirit.
My YouTube commenter’s strong reaction made me reflect on the wide spectrum of responses within the Christian community towards a message of Christian mindfulness.
On the same morning, I received a heartfelt message from an old friend asking if I had gone "all in on Jesus" after watching my video on sowing seeds. “Because I’m going down that path now,” he shared. He didn’t even flinch at my message about Christians embracing stillness and mindfulness.
Go figure.
My Personal Journey
I reached a point in my Christian journey where traditional practices and teachings weren’t enough to heal the horrific depression and anxiety I was experiencing. Despite following the teachings of the church, I struggled to feel the peace and presence that I longed for.
It was through mindfulness and contemplative practices that I discovered a deeper relationship with Jesus and a keener ability to hear the Holy Spirit's guidance. These practices brought me a peace and contentment that transformed my spiritual life.
From my book, I share: “In the quiet of the mountains and the rustle of the leaves, I found a peace that eluded me in the busyness of daily life. Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray, and in these moments of solitude, I began to truly listen to God.”
Biblical Foundations of Mindfulness
Mindfulness and stillness are deeply rooted in Christian tradition. Early Christian monks, like the Desert Fathers and Mothers, practiced extreme forms of meditation and contemplation, withdrawing from society to focus solely on God. Some contemplative Christians view that practices are not about emptying the mind but about centering our thoughts on God's presence, as instructed in Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God."
In meditation, some Christian meditators focus on the sacred breath. Some focus on a sacred word, like “Yahweh” or “Jesus.”
Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:8 to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy aligns with mindfulness principles. By focusing our minds on these things, we practice a form of Christian mindfulness that brings us closer to God.
Want to Experience Some Serious, Hard-Core Solitude?
Oh the memories! About 20 years ago I went on couple of solo retreats at a place in deep South Texas called Lebh Shomea. People visit here for a respite from the world. Others, like some of the resident hermits, go to Lebh Somea to die.
The Irony of “Blasphemy”
Ironically, the comment accusing my focus on the body and surroundings as blasphemy misses the profound connection between body, mind, and spirit in Christian theology. The whole purpose of mindfulness is to drop down into our bodies, getting out of our intellectual minds, and entering a true Christ mind, where we come to God as children. This practice is about being fully present in our bodies and not confined to our intellect.
In Christian tradition, the Logos, or the Word, was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). This embodiment of the divine Logos highlights the sanctity of the body as a vessel of God's presence. When asked to point to where their soul is, most people intuitively point to their body, not their head. This physical grounding is essential in experiencing the fullness of God's presence.
Therapeutic and Spiritual Benefits
Mindfulness helps manage stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to a greater sense of peace and belonging. For Christians, these practices can enhance their spiritual lives by allowing them to experience God's presence more fully. By being mindful, we cultivate healthy soil in our hearts, ready to receive God’s word, just as the Parable of the Sower teaches.
From my book, I noted: "Being fully present in the moment allowed me to connect deeply with those around me. Just as Jesus gave his full attention to individuals, I learned that true presence is a gift that enriches both our lives and the lives of others."
Embracing Stillness and Presence
Despite some resistance, many Christians find that mindfulness and stillness lead to deeper peace and a stronger connection with God. I invite you to explore these practices and discover how they can enrich your spiritual journey. Remember, these practices have a long-standing tradition within Christianity and can help us embody the peace and contentment that Jesus promises.
From my book: "Prayer is more than speaking; it's about listening and being still before God. In moments of deep contemplation, I found clarity and direction. This practice of mindfulness in prayer opened my heart to the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit."
My Role as a Crusader for Stillness
This journey has not been easy, and I have faced resistance and misunderstanding along the way. However, I am committed to being a crusader for stillness and mindfulness within the Christian faith. These practices are not about self-centeredness but about opening ourselves to God's presence and guidance.
Encouragement to Explore
So, to those who see mindfulness as just yoga pants and lame Instagram posts, I encourage you to look deeper into our rich Christian tradition. To those who are curious and supportive, thank you for your encouragement. Let's continue this journey together, embracing the stillness that allows us to truly hear and follow God's guidance.
Mindfulness and stillness are not new age or unbiblical. They are profound practices that can deepen our relationship with God and help us live out the fruits of the Spirit. As we navigate the wide spectrum of Christian beliefs and practices, let's remember that the essence of our faith is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Embracing mindfulness helps us do just that.
And when all else fails, just ask Jesus to teach you how to be with him, right here, right now. You’ll come alive in your body as he shows up.
Download a free practice from the book at MindfulPhotography.org and learn more about my mindset coaching at JoeVanWyk.com.
Shine Your Light,
Joe
PS:
If you found this post helpful, you'll love my book, The Mindful Photography Field Guide: 15 Smartphone Photography Practices for Inner Peace. It’s packed with practical tips and inspiring stories. Ready to dive deeper? I also offer one-on-one mindful photography training to help you master skills that lead to inner peace. Reach out to me via my contact form and let’s connect.
