Mindfulness is a popular spiritual practice of today. Studies have shown that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, but what exactly is mindfulness? By definition, it is “the state of being conscious or aware of something” or “focusing one’s awareness on the present moment.” Mindfulness is often connection with eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism but most religious traditions have practices that involve silence and contemplation, including Christianity. Prayer is an act of mindfulness, bringing our minds back to our creator and it helps us to become really present, a valuable practice in the lives of all Christians. It is a practice that helps us become more aware of our own tendencies and helps us learn how to focus our mind where we want it to go.
Catholic mindfulness in particular is a way to trust God more in our lives. Instead of separating faith from day-to-day life, mindfulness helps bring all things together so that we can feel peace in our lives from our Heavenly Father. It helps us become more present to everything in our lives, whether it be walking around your neighborhood, meditating on the mysteries of the rosary to more closely listening to a homily. Catholic mindfulness is a technique to understand a classic truth. Here are five ways to practice Catholic mindfulness.
Pray More
One great way to practice Catholic mindfulness is to pray more. Prayer is a powerful tool for communicating with our Heavenly Father and it has the power to change us from the inside out. Mindfulness is an opportunity to become one with the Creator and Giver of all things. Prayer helps us to find strength for today and hope for our future. We should actively pray and trust in its power to change our circumstances for good. Your faith life directly correlates to the quality of your prayer life. Prayer has the power to change not only the people and things around you. Prayer also has the power to change you from the inside out. When you’re in need of strength, remember that God is the number one healer and can guide you in endless ways. If your heart and life are centered on God, His Word and His Holy Spirit, you can rest assured that He will transform you in ways that you couldn’t even imagine.
Quiet Time
Mindfulness has the ability to improve so many areas of your life. Your focus during meditation and prayer creates more quiet time with God which can change a lot of things in your life, including your health. Prayer is the most widespread alternative to therapy in America today. Scientific studies have shown that prayer and meditation is an important factor not only in terms of staying healthy, but also living longer. While people have commonly called upon healing power within themselves during crisis through prayer and meditation, science is also showing that prayer and meditation can stimulate healing power within your body and ultimately bring healing. When you pray before sleep, taking a moment to sit in silence with God and quiet your mind, it brings you closer to God and can have a positive impact on your body and spirit.
Seek the Lord Continually
Mindfulness not only connects us with God, but also the world around us. The Bible tells us, “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11). Quiet time with God is important, not only because it strengthens our relationship with God, but also because it connects us spiritually with Him and the world around us. When you aren’t in a committed relationship with God and don’t value the importance of prayer, it’s easy to get distracted by everything going on in the world around you. When prayers aren’t answered the way we want them to be, the conversation easily goes from “we” to “me”. But when you routinely pray, and listen to what God is saying, our focus shifts from the personal to the needs if others, and you’ll better understand what God is telling you.
Believe Prayer Has Power
God calls on all of us to make total surrender to God. If you’re in need of strength and are ready for a change in your life in a way that you’ve never known before, God demands that you allow the Lord to become the ruler of your life. We can only do this when we surrender to Him. This can only happen when we’re in constant communication and have a relationship with God. He has the power to equip you with strength as you face your biggest challenges. Philippians 2:13 says “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. His power can renew your strength. If you are in a state of powerlessness today and are ready for God to change the space you’re in, God can turn things around.
Find Your Rest in God
In today’s world, it is easy to complicate our lives with many things and doubt God’s power. But we have hope and assurance in God and the abilities He’s given us, including the power to focus on Him. Catholic mindfulness can bring balance, freedom and joy to our lives. But there is no need for you to feel like there is anything in your life that God can’t handle. God is omnipotent, omnipresent and active in all areas of your life. Life isn’t always easy and the headlines we see daily remind us how much we need God’s abiding presence. When we struggle to understand what’s going on in our personal lives or the world around us, we can seek His face by actively choosing quiet time with God. Allow prayer to help eliminate stress and allow you to find rest in God.
God has the power to equip you with strength as you face your biggest challenges. Philippians 2:13 says “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. His power can renew your strength. Today, consider mindfulness. Instead of turning things over in your mind, turn them over to God in prayer. Instead of worrying about your next decision, ask God to lead you and guide you along the way. God is listening and cares about your life. Nothing is too big or too small to pray about.