Introducing Christian Mindfulness

She was happy to simply be at Jesus feet, listen to him, look up into his face and enjoy his captivating presence in that moment. (Location 108)

We miss out on experiencing moments of awe and wonder offered by the beauty of this world because we are too swamped with a tangle of thoughts, feelings and concerns. (Location 114)

Mindfulness helps us to cut through this mental time travel by helping us to come back to this present moment, right here, right now. (Location 136)

Kindness is one of the most under-rated qualities in that it creates an environment in which we can grow, move forward and flourish in life. (Location 142)

However, the intention and vision we hold when we approach and practice mindfulness is of fundamental importance as this will point our hearts in a particular direction as we move forward in our practice. (Location 179)

True self awareness is developed in a relationship with God.  We remain open to the Holy Spirit revealing to us aspects of our own thoughts and feelings that still need to change.  Christian Mindfulness could best be described as coming out of hiding.  In choosing awareness practices we allow the light of God to shine into every area of our hearts, knowing that he loves us and accepts us as we are.  We face up to our real selves in the context of grace and kindness. (Location 195)

Each moment we have is a gift from God.   Every breath we take is a gift from God and a sign of the gift of life that he has given each one of us. (Location 201)

“You can’t stop the birds from flying over your head, but you can stop them from making a nest in your hair” (Location 216)

some thoughts go through the mind that we don’t want to pursue or cultivate further.  According to Spurgeon it’s not possible to stop these thoughts. (Location 217)

Mindful awareness of our need for change can be seen as a positive step forward. (Location 238)

The invitation to metanoia is first of all an invitation to change your mind. (Location 245)

Worrying thoughts do not have to be perpetuated and grow arms and legs.  We can observe the first worrying thought and watch it come and go out of awareness. (Location 254)

Instead of going over and over past events, regrets and disappointments, we can observe the first thought and watch it come and go out of awareness. (Location 260)

prayer and meditation have been described as “means of grace” for generations. (Location 271)

he is present everywhere and knows all things.  Nothing can be hidden from him.  He is aware of all things.  This means that God is the most mindful being who exists. (Location 278)

The mindfulness of God travels through all of space, time and eternity and includes focus and attention on you, personally. He is mindful of you and cares for you, personally.  In fact, he never takes his eyes off you and knows everything about you. (Location 288)

Christ-likeness cannot be pushed, squeezed or cajoled out of us.  The gradual transformation takes place through remaining and abiding in the Vine.  From this place of dwelling, resting and beholding we are transformed from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18) (Location 301)

In Psalm 26:3 the psalmist says “I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.”(NIV). (Location 307)

Practicing mindfulness with our physical bodies can enrich and enliven the most mundane of activities.  When we breathe in the fresh air; look upon the trees, birds, animals, scenery; smell the freshly cut grass; feel the raindrops falling on our coat; touch and taste the freshly baked bread; hold a loved one in our arms; In simple moments like these we can be aware, through our bodies, of the simple pleasures of life, and give thanks to God for the many ways we can relate with this wonderful gift of life that he has given us. (Location 323)

With your human spirit you can commune with God, live in the wisdom of God and keep a clear conscience through confession, repentance and obedience. (Location 351)