Meditation

[Guido]

I may have asked something like this before, but probably not the exact same question, or with the exact same details.

The day program I go to for my mental health, they encourage patients to practice something called Mindfulness Meditation, which is a form of meditation in which you focus on the present moment, in a non-judgmental way. One way to practice it -- I think, but could be wrong -- is to focus on sensory stimuli, and whenever you notice your mind wandering, to bring your attention it back to that sensory stimuli. This is something you are supposed to do a for a certain amount of time every day, making you gradually improve at it. This, many say, has many health benefits, including improved focus and reduced anxiety. There is also a form of mindfulness in which you focus on your breath.

Unfortunately, a number of Christian sources say that mindfulness meditation is dangerous for Christians, one reason being that it focuses on the flesh rather than on Christ, on the temporal rather than the eternal. It is clear that this life lasts for only a little while, and then we enter eternity. They also say that it does not address the true cause of the problem of anxiety, but only treats the symptoms. However, we would not discourage Christians from taking medication because they only treat the symptoms.

My question therefore is this: Is mindfulness meditation sinful? If so, what can one do who has difficulty focusing? Do any of you practice mindfulness, and how do you justify it? What Christian sources can you point to, which show it is not a sin?

Thank you for your answers.

 

[JonC]

That Scripture does not prohibit this type of medication should be enough. It does not involve the occult. It is not spiritual at all. In a nutshell, it is just taking time to relax and be aware of what is going on physically (not thinking or planning about the future, stressing about what's going on, and such).

Another idea is to meditate much the same way but on God's Word. Shut out the world, mentally, but rather than focusing on the "now" of your body instead think about a particular passage (or Psalm).

 

[kyredneck]

It's modern day therapy to treat a problem, not unlike a physical therapy excercise to treat an injury. If it helps you , do it.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I view life in general as haveing various elements to it. I’m married to a recovering alcoholic who has gone to different therapists with different solutions but nothing worked until she put God 1st.

I fervently believe this is all Spiritual Warfare, and your responsibility is to put the Lord first… HE is the only one that can really help you. If Gods fighting for you then peace is guaranteed… find a program that teaches you to make him your center. Write down all the scriptures that support this, pray for grace and understanding, then commit to God, your true source of A life of peace. That will involve work on your part… because by putting on the armor of God, you are fighting the devil, and invite Him to fight for you. Believe me, put him first. Then serene peace will come!

 

[37818]

What I understand the Apostle Paul gave as an instruction on what Christian should meditate on.

Philippians 4:8, ". . . Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. . . ."

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

2 Thessalonians 3:3
New International Version
3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

 

[Scarlett O.]

The types of meditation that iare harmful are the ones that require you to "clear your mind of everything." Transcendental meditation is one of those harmful kinds.

When you empty your mind and ask the "universe" to fill it, who knows what spiritual abominations will do so?

This type of meditation you are talking about involves focusing intently on peaceful things in the moment. Things you can tangibly see,hear, smell, touch, or taste. Such as:

• the water hitting your body in the shower
• your breathing
• watching a peaceful scene of a river running, birds singing, cats playing, or the beauty of clouds traveling over mountains.
• looking at art you enjoy

To me, it's not a dangerous thing as you are not emptying your mind. You are taking your mind away from the anxiety to calm and peaceful things that calm you.

Don't forget Biblical meditation: Bringing God's Word to your mind and repeating short verses and asking/allowing God to bring its fullest meaning to you and your life.

King David did this quite often.

 

[Van]

I think if we focus our minds on "nothing in particular" we allow our mind to be filled with fleshly and worldly concerns. Not good and not in accordance with Christs instructions to focus on what is excellent, good, and so forth.

 

[Van]

Psalms 119:97
How I love your instruction!
It is my meditation all day long.

Psalms 119:99
I have more insight than all my teachers
because your decrees are my meditation.

Luke 2:19
But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.
____________
The things were what the shepherds had heard from the angels, such as Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth to people God favors.

Psalms 145:5
On the glorious splendor of Your majesty
And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.

Colossians 3:1-3
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.