We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with wellness terminologies and practices. But are they pleasing to God? Will they draw us closer to Him or lead us away?
The Bible says, “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Therefore, it is only through Christ and in Christ that we find true healing and restoration.
You’ve probably heard about mindfulness, but maybe you’re not entirely sure what it is. Mindfulness is the practice of deliberately focusing your attention on the present moment, being fully present and aware of your thoughts, emotions, body, and surroundings, without judgment.
In summary, mindfulness is:
- Paying attention on purpose
- Being in the present moment
- Accepting what you notice without judging it as good or bad
Many people practice mindfulness through activities like deep breathing, meditation, body awareness, or mindful walking, with the goal of simply observing without reacting.
But here’s a question many Christians wonder about: Can a Christian practice mindfulness? Is there such a thing as Christian mindfulness, or is it incompatible with our faith?
Where Did Mindfulness Come From?
Buddhist Origins
Mindfulness has its roots in ancient Eastern spiritual traditions, particularly Buddhism. The term most closely associated with mindfulness is the Pali word sati, meaning awareness or attention. It’s a core aspect of Buddhist meditation, practiced as part of the Eightfold Path—a guide toward ethical living and mental discipline.
In Buddhism, mindfulness is a tool to overcome suffering and attain enlightenment (nirvana), involving a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment.
Hindu Origins
Hindu traditions also include mindfulness-like practices, often found in yoga or spiritual disciplines. These practices are sometimes linked to devotion (bhakti) or union with the divine (Brahman, the universal spirit). Although not tied to one specific deity, they often appear in the context of worshiping gods like Shiva, Vishnu, or Krishna.
In the 20th century, mindfulness entered Western culture largely through psychology and medicine. One of the most influential figures in this transition was Jon Kabat-Zinn, who developed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in the 1970s. Drawing from Buddhist practices, he presented mindfulness in a secular, therapeutic format to help people manage stress, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Today, mindfulness is widely accepted in health, education, and workplace settings. It’s often stripped of its religious roots and marketed as a mental wellness tool.
Is Mindfulness a Christian Practice?
Based on its origins and practice, mindfulness is not a biblical principle. Therefore, I would not encourage any believer to practice mindfulness in its original sense. While it may appear harmless, it can open the door to other New Age practices. This can lead you down a slippery slope of exploring spiritual systems that promise healing and peace apart from Christ.
Yes, some New Age practices do produce results. They offer benefits like reduced stress and increased awareness—but all of this is achieved through self-effort. As a result, you will never experience the full, lasting peace that only Jesus can provide.
Here are a few reasons why traditional mindfulness is not appropriate for Christians:
- It places a heavy focus on the self—your breath, your feelings, your thoughts. While self-awareness isn’t bad, it can easily shift your attention away from God.
- Concepts like “being one with the universe” conflict with the biblical truth that God is distinct from His creation.
- Some mindfulness practices encourage you to empty your mind completely. Scripture, on the other hand, tells us to fill our minds with God’s Word, not leave them empty.
- It can also become a means of escaping reality instead of facing life with faith, hope, and the help of the Holy Spirit.
What Does the Bible Say About Mindfulness?
As with many other New Age practices, mindfulness borrows principles from Scripture—because biblical truth works. But instead of adopting a secular or Eastern version of mindfulness, we should turn to biblical mindfulness.
Here’s how to practice Christian mindfulness:
1. Be Aware That God Is Always With You
When I feel anxious or afraid, I pause and remind myself that God is here with me. I close my eyes and reflect on His presence. The Bible says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
By constantly picturing Christ with me, I overcame my fear of the night. There’s a hymn that beautifully captures this idea:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”
King David also said, “I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8).
2. Meditate on God’s Word
Instead of emptying your mind, fill it with Scripture. Meditate on what God has done for you. This will bring lasting peace and transformation.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it” (Joshua 1:8, NIV).
Dr. Mark Virkler shares seven steps of Biblical Meditation that I often use:
- Write It Down
Copy the verse onto a card or into your journal so you can carry it with you, reflect on it, and memorize it throughout the day. - Quiet Your Heart
Take time to become still before God—listen to soft worship music, pray in tongues, or simply smile and picture Jesus with you. - Reason with the Lord
Ask God what He wants to show you through the verse. Let the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts as revelation begins to flow. - Speak and Visualize
Repeat the Scripture out loud softly until it sinks in. Let the words paint a picture in your heart and mind. - Feel God’s Heart
Ask the Lord what this verse reveals about His heart toward you, and pay attention to what you sense emotionally or spiritually. - Listen for His Voice
Put yourself into the scene of the Scripture and ask Jesus what He’s saying to you. Record what you hear or see in a journal. - Respond and Act
Embrace the truth God reveals, turn away from anything contrary to it, speak it boldly, and take practical steps to live it out.
3. Be Still
Stillness in God’s presence helps you focus on Him and hear His voice more clearly.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7, ESV).
I practice stillness by finding a quiet place and bringing my Bible, a notebook, and a pen. I listen to soaking worship music—usually instrumental, to avoid distraction. I pray, wait, and write down whatever I sense God is speaking to me. Later, I confirm whether it aligns with Scripture.
Conclusion
So, is there such a thing as Christian mindfulness? Not in the way the world defines it—but yes, there is a biblical version. Mindfulness, in its popular form, often leads to self-reliance and detachment from God. But Christian mindfulness draws us closer to Him by helping us be still, aware of His presence, and filled with His Word.
As believers, we are called not to empty our minds but to renew them with God’s truth (Romans 12:2). We don’t seek peace from within ourselves—we receive perfect peace from the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
True healing and rest come when we fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us practice biblical mindfulness by setting our hearts and minds on Him daily.
Download the Christian mindful devotional to try it out today.
