Charlotte Therapist Discusses How Mindfulness Can Bring You Closer to God
Bareiter Therapist gives practical ways to grow closer to God through mindfulness practice.
Many people struggle to have a relationship with God and feel close to Him. They may go to church regularly, read about God, and try to pray to Him. However, our minds can get distracted in all of these instances, leaving us feeling distant from God. Learning mindfulness can help grow our relationship with God and allow us to feel a deeper connection. Mindfulness teaches us to be fully in the present moment with God so that we can know his love more fully. It can also cultivate a grateful heart, making us calmer and more peaceful.
Beyond deepening our spirituality and bringing us closer to God, mindfulness can also increase our mental well-being by reducing anxiety, stress, and depression. If we are more often focused on the present moment, we are less likely to worry about the future or dwell on the past. Mindfulness can also physically benefit us by calming our nervous system down, which helps our mood.
Mindfulness Techniques that can deepen our relationship with God.
Mindful prayer- We can learn to pray to God more deeply by being fully cognizant of His presence. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray without ceasing,” essentially being mindful of the present moment and God’s presence.
Start by sitting where it is quiet, and you will likely not get interrupted. It can be helpful to close your eyes. You can say a short prayer, asking God to be with you and for you to be fully present with him. Share with God whatever is on your mind. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Just speak your mind without feeling the need to do so in a certain way. If your mind wanders, bring your attention back to God. You can do this for as long as you desire.
Another way to pray mindfully is to focus on a particular bible passage or quote. After finding a quiet place to sit with little to no distractions, pick one or two bible verses and say them slowly and intentionally. Repeat the verses throughout your practice. If your mind wanders again, gently bring your attention back to the words in the verses. Continue to do this for as long as needed.
Mindfulness of Surroundings in Nature- It is essential to recognize and be mindful of God’s creation. Pick a place to go to where you can experience nature. Notice your surroundings. Be aware of all you see, hear, smell, and touch. It may help to name them to yourself. If your mind begins to wander or get distracted, gently bring your attention back to the present moment and all that surrounds you in nature.
