Beyond the To-Do List | A Gentle Journey of Mindfulness in 2024

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8— NIV

It’s that time again when we link up with friends over at Lisa’s for our Word Of The Year 2024 Updates and Journeys. Won’t you come along with me and see what everyone’s up to?

Welcome to Mindful Moments— Beyond The To Do List. So you guessed it, my Word Of The Year 2024 is Mindfulness. I love intentionally being mindful— you know, stopping to smell the roses and such. I didn’t do a thing with my 2023 Word Of The Year Advent. It proved harder than it looked. Though I wait expectantly in anticipation of His arrival and living with him. 

Anyhow, Mindfulness is always on my mind, ha, ha. So I thought I’d pursue a year long journey and anticipate where he takes me. 

So Let’s Talk

How can we engage in mindfulness practices while staying rooted in our faith? Come along with me and let’s explore the essence of mindfulness from a biblical perspective, this year and discover different types of mindfulness, mindful reflection using Scripture, and mindful reflections in the everyday mess and ultimately find encouragement to cultivate a mindful lifestyle that aligns with our Christian values.

What Is Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is often associated with meditation and being present in the moment. However, as Christians, our understanding of mindfulness goes deeper. It involves intentionally focusing our thoughts on God and His Word in the present, allowing His presence to guide our every action and decision.

Scripture reminds us to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). By practicing mindfulness, we create space for God’s voice to speak into our lives and bring clarity amidst the chaos.

In a world filled with distractions and anxieties, practicing mindfulness can provide us with much-needed encouragement. As we turn to Scripture, we find numerous passages reminding us of God’s faithfulness and His desire for us to seek Him wholeheartedly.

Types of Mindfulness

While traditional mindfulness practices are beneficial for many individuals seeking mindfulness, there are other ways Christians can incorporate this practice into their daily lives:

1. Scripture Reflection: Set aside dedicated time each day to meditate on specific verses or passages from the Bible. Reflect on their meaning and allow them to shape your thoughts and actions throughout the day. Tip: The Psalms offer a wealth of wisdom on the practice of meditation and silence. They beautifully depict the importance of embracing stillness as a means of deepening one’s connection with the divine.
2. Prayerful Reflection: Engage in intentional prayer where you focus your mind solely on God’s presence. Allow His Spirit to guide your thoughts and bring you into a deeper connection with Him.
3. Gratitude Practice: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by intentionally acknowledging and thanking God for the blessings in your life. This practice helps shift our focus from worries to the goodness of our Heavenly Father.

In the quiet moments between prayers, have you ever felt the pull of a restless mind? While scripture and contemplation are pillars of our faith, sometimes we need a gentle bridge to deeper peace. 

Up Next

4. Guided Imagery, a practice rooted in mindfulness, can offer a beautiful blend of faith and focus. Imagine yourself walking alongside Jesus in a sun-drenched meadow, the scent of wildflowers mingling with the rustle of leaves underfoot. His words, like whispers on the breeze, soothe anxieties and guide you towards the stillness within. As you breathe in the tranquility of this sacred scene, burdens may lighten and worries melt away, replaced by a profound sense of God’s presence. Guided imagery isn’t about escaping reality, but rather, using our God-given imagination to encounter His love in new ways. It’s a tool to quiet the noise, sharpen our focus, and deepen our connection with the divine. 
5. Breathing exercises There are many different breathing exercises to choose from. 

Some simple ones include:

• Deep belly breathing: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest. Breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your belly expand. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly draw in. Repeat for several minutes.
• Alternate nostril breathing: Sit with your back straight and your eyes closed. Close your right nostril with your thumb, and inhale slowly through your left nostril. Close your left nostril with your ring finger, and exhale slowly through your right nostril. Repeat, inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. Continue for several minutes.
• Counting breaths: Inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of two, and exhale for a count of six. Repeat for several minutes, silently counting each breath. This practice can help quiet the mind and anchor your attention in the present moment. As you count, imagine inhaling God’s peace and exhaling any burdens you may be carrying.
• Nature breath: Find a quiet spot outdoors and simply observe your breath as you inhale the fresh air and exhale sounds of nature. Notice the subtle sensations in your body, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the gentle breeze against your face. See each breath as a prayer of gratitude for God’s creation and your place within it.

 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17— NIV

All In All

As we conclude this exploration of mindfulness, let us remember that being mindful as Christians means embracing God’s presence in every aspect of our lives. It involves intentionally setting aside time to connect with Him through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and gratitude.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.

John 14:16-17— NLT

By practicing mindfulness, we can experience a deeper sense of peace, clarity, and alignment with God’s will. Let us strive to cultivate this mindful lifestyle, allowing His love and guidance to shape our thoughts and actions each day. And remember— while you’re practicing and reflecting mindfulness do not lean on your own understanding.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6— NET

May you find solace in the stillness of His presence as you embark on this journey of cultivating mindfulness in your Christian walk.

Have  a look at some other Mindfulness articles I’ve written this month

Mindfulness With A Twist | Finding Stillness In The Spin

Embracing The Light Within | A Mindfulness Journey Through John 1:1-5

Mindfulness In The Bible | Ancient Wisdom For Modern Living

Linking up this month with these AMAZING Blog Hop/Link-Up party hostesses!

 Senior Salon Pit Stop   Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy   Friendship Friday    #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements   Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Grace & Truth   You’re The Star    Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends    #PoCoLo   Happiness Is Homemade    Tell It To Me Tuesday   Sunday Sunshine Blog Hop  Crazy Little Love Birds  Will Blog For Comments     The Happy Now Blog Link-Up      Dare To Share Saturdays   Gr.ner.ic @ G’Ma’s Photos  Traffic Jam Reboot