Should Christians practice things like deep-breathing and body-scan meditation?

[Guido]

Should Christians practice things like deep-breathing and body-scan meditation? If someone practices body-scan meditation, and then tries to use its benefits to live in a godlier manner, benefits like calmness and enhanced self-awareness (I'm not sure but I think that body-scan mediation produces these things), does that put them or others in danger of blaspheming the Holy Ghost? Can you back-up your claim with scripture?

If using those benefits for living righteously is sinful or dangerous, what biblical means is there for becoming more righteous, given that one already has the imputed righteousness of Christ, and is regenerated, having a spiritual nature?

 

[John of Japan]

Should Christians practice things like deep-breathing and body-scan meditation? If someone practices body-scan meditation, and then tries to use its benefits to live in a godlier manner, benefits like calmness and enhanced self-awareness (I'm not sure but I think that body-scan mediation produces these things), does that put them or others in danger of blaspheming the Holy Ghost? Can you back-up your claim with scripture?

If using those benefits for living righteously is sinful or dangerous, what biblical means is there for becoming more righteous, given that one already has the imputed righteousness of Christ, and is regenerated, having a spiritual nature?

Perhaps you should explain what these are. I've never heard of "body-scan meditation."

I'm not sure what you mean by "deep-breathing" either. Is there some kind of systematized practice of this? If by this you simply mean breathing deeply from the abdomen, this is correct breathing, natural breathing the way God intended us to breathe. A baby naturally does abdominal breathing from the womb, and only later learns the bad habit of chest breathing. I was taught abdominal breathing when I took voice lessons in college. Nothing mysterious there! For many years I've taught a short Chinese "martial chi kung" (気功, "breath training") form to my kung fu students, and they always love it. It is relaxing and energizing.

"Martial chi kung" is legitimate breath training for self defense. However, there is also religious chi kung such as that practiced by the Falun Gong cult, and I don't recommend that.

 

[Guido]

Thank you for your answer.

Microsoft Bing's Summary of "What is body-scan meditation?"

Body scan meditation is a specific form of mindfulness meditation that involves systematically focusing your attention on different parts of your body. During this practice, you mentally scan your body from head to toe, paying attention to bodily sensations and feelings, which can help increase awareness and release physical tension. This technique originated from mind-body stress reduction practices popularized by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the 1970s. It is designed to enhance your connection with your body and promote relaxation.

 

[JonC]

I don't see a problem with either. I actually practice deep breathing everything I go up a long flight of stairs.

 

[John of Japan]

Thank you for your answer.

Microsoft Bing's Summary of "What is body-scan meditation?"

As long as there is not a connection to Hinduism I see no problem. Yoga, for example, is a form of Hindu worship, so I would avoid that. There are plenty of exercise or meditation methods that have no connection to heathen religions, so yoga is actually unnecessary for a Christian.

If you want meditation, there is nothing more calming, helpful and fulfilling than meditating on the Word of God. Memorize, outline, do word studies--the blessings are endless.

 

[JonC]

@Guido

I half answered you, but I truely don't see anything wrong with what you mentioned.

We should not toss out good things because pagan cultures use them as well.

Meditation us a good example - we are to meditate on God's Word. We are to "be still" and know He is God. This is different from pagan meditation.

Deep breathing is similar. A doctor once explained to me that we, in the US, breathe too shallow. But you are talking about deep breathing exercises which help the mind and body. I see no problem with that.

I also see no issue with taking time to know how we feel physically, or to be aware of our body by mentally focusing our attention to different parts of our body.

God made our bodies. God made our bodies to glorify Him. We are caretakers at least of our bodies.

Can this go too far? Sure, anything can go too far.

But I see no difference from what you describe in the OP than going to the gym (which, ironically, means I probably will not practice deep-breathing or body scanning).

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Perhaps you should explain what these are. I've never heard of "body-scan meditation."

I'm not sure what you mean by "deep-breathing" either. Is there some kind of systematized practice of this? If by this you simply mean breathing deeply from the abdomen, this is correct breathing, natural breathing the way God intended us to breathe. A baby naturally does abdominal breathing from the womb, and only later learns the bad habit of chest breathing. I was taught abdominal breathing when I took voice lessons in college. Nothing mysterious there! For many years I've taught a short Chinese "martial chi kung" (気功, "breath training") form to my kung fu students, and they always love it. It is relaxing and energizing.

"Martial chi kung" is legitimate breath training for self defense. However, there is also religious chi kung such as that practiced by the Falun Gong cult, and I don't recommend that.

Yes, I’m confused by Guido’s questions. My wife who is a cancer patient must undergo pets and for example… is that what you are referring to?

 

[Guido]

Sorry to hear that your wife has cancer. I've been neglecting prayer, though I prayed last morning and the morning before, and if I prayed for everyone I would be praying for hours, but I will try to remember to pray for her.

What is pets?

 

[John of Japan]

Yes, I’m confused by Guido’s questions. My wife who is a cancer patient must undergo pets and for example… is that what you are referring to?

Do you mean "CAT Scan" (also CT Scan) possibly? That would be a medical test, referring to "Computed Tomography (CT) Scan. It can take a long time, and you have to lie still for all that time, so when I have to have that I practice abdominal breathing, and meditate on the Word or something I enjoy doing.

I just prayed for your beloved wife. May God heal her completely.