Living in the Moment: Techniques for Success — A Christian Viewpoint

Living in the Moment: Techniques for Success
Building Faith & Living a God-Centered Life — A Christian Viewpoint
 

Here's my faith-based interview on This Week in America
with host Ric Bratton on Building High Self-Esteem and
Creating a Loving Relationship with Yourself & God
 

"Be strong and do not give up for your work will be rewarded."
~ 2 Chronicles 15:7

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
~ Isaiah 7:9

Most of us operate on autopilot much of the time, passing through the present moment with our mind either caught up in the past or straining toward the future. When we are not being mindful, we miss out on small moments that often are the most valuable—be it a beautiful sunrise or sunset painted in the sky, a graceful butterfly or hummingbird that floats by us, the taste and texture of lovingly prepared food, or the fact that we are needed by those we love the most.

By being "mindless" we miss opportunities for personal growth by not being aware of our shortcomings or our inner strength, or by letting negative thoughts and emotions control us. The are many ways throughout the day that we can pay attention to our ongoing experience whether it is pleasant—such as appreciating a starry night sky or the colorful flowers in your yard; unpleasant—a disagreement with a loved one; or neutral— doing chores. We become aware of our habitual thoughts and behaviors and discover which are helpful and which are not. We can learn to listen to our body and pick up warning signs of stress as well as tune in to our inner wisdom, the light of God within us. This is a blissful way to live.

In my decades-long Christian lifestyle, I have often come across other Christians who tell me (especially when I give talks on and also participate on media interviews on this heartfelt topic of "Present Moment, Mindful Living,”) that the word mindfulness seems foreign to them. Let’s demystify this concept of mindfulness (present moment living) and, from my Christian point of view, explore how it can deepen our faith, enhance our relationship with God, and bring us closer to the peace that surpasses all understanding. Mindfulness can definitely be a tool for spiritual growth.

The word "mindfulness" represents a mental state we can all experience by focusing our awareness on the present moment, while, at the same time, calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. In all his sagacity, Henry David Thoreau once wrote, "What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen." There is so much truth in these few words and, as my grandmother taught me when I was a teenager, living a more God-centered life is the first step to being happy and fulfilled each day.

Let's make this really practical so you can seize the day (carpe diem!) and every day with more mindfulness. If you'd like more info on these many seize-the-moment topics, please refer to my holistic health and lifestyle books UPLIFTED: 12 Minutes to More Joy, Faith, Peace, Kindness & Vitality, my faith-based book WIRED TO HIGH-LEVEL WELLNESS: Simple Ways to Rejuvenate, Meditate & Prosper, and for children and the young at heart at any age JOY & THE BUTTERFLY.

Understanding Mindfulness

Imagine you’re sitting in your favorite, comfy chair, the morning light filtering through the window, and you take a deep breath. This simple act of focusing on your breath, as suggested in Breath Awareness, is not just about relaxation; it’s about being still and knowing that He is God (Psalm 46:10). It’s a moment to quiet your mind and open your heart to God’s presence.

⭐️  Body Scan Meditation:  Think of it like this: You’re preparing your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). By paying attention to each part of your body, you’re becoming more aware of the temple God has given you, ready to glorify Him. Try doing this when you get into bed at night and/or first thing in the morning. Connect with the spirit of God within you.

⭐️   Loving-Kindness Meditation:  Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). By focusing on phrases of kindness and compassion, we’re practicing the love and grace that Christ exemplified. Imagine sending a wave of love to your neighbor, your family, or even someone with whom you’ve had a disagreement.

⭐️   Mindful Walking & Hiking:  Picture yourself walking through a park, or maybe on a hike in the hills surrounding your community, each step a prayer, each breath a moment of gratitude for God’s creation. David often reflected on God’s promises while walking, and so can we. In UPLIFTED, I have a chapter on "Prayer Walking & Hiking" and how to do it.

⭐️   Five Senses Exercise:  This is like tuning into God’s symphony of creation. The chirp of a bird, the scent of fresh flowers, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the magnificence of a sunrise or sunset—all these are gifts from God, and mindfulness helps us appreciate them fully. Appreciating the gifts of nature softens our hearts and makes us more tender and kinder. These words from Jane Austen have always touched my heart. "There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart." She also shares with us these wise words: "It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do." Yes, indeed, actions speak louder than words. Show by your daily actions that you are choosing to practice the presence of God in your life. Open your heart to His loving Light and invite your faith to flourish in Christ.

Mindfulness in Everyday Life

⭐️   Mindful Eating:  Remember the Last Supper? Jesus used meals as a time for teaching and fellowship. Eating mindfully can be a way to honor the food God provides and the company we share it with. Savor each bite, not just for the taste, but for the nourishment it provides.

⭐️   Single-Tasking:  In a world that glorifies multitasking, focusing on one task at a time can be a form of worship. I learned this concept well during all of my countless readings of one of my favorite books, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. Imagine you’re writing a letter to a friend, giving it your full attention, just as God gives us His undivided attention.

⭐️   Tech & Digital Detox:  Setting aside time to disconnect from technology can be a way to reconnect with God. Think of it as a modern-day Sabbath, a time to rest and reflect, free from the digital noise.

⭐️   Mindful Listening & Attention:  When someone speaks, truly listen and give them your full attention, not just to respond but to understand. This reflects the love and patience of Christ, who listened to the cries and needs of the people.

⭐️   Gratitude Reflection:  Every day, take a moment to count your blessings and acknowledge three things for which you are grateful. It could be as simple as the warmth of your coffee/tea mug, the sweetness of your family pet, or as profound as the love of your family. This practice aligns with the biblical call to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Mindfulness for Stress & Emotional Well-Being

⭐️   Journal Reflection:  Writing down your thoughts and prayers can be a form of meditation, as I write about in my faith-based book WIRED FOR HIGH-LEVEL WELLNESS: Simple Ways to Rejuvenate, Meditate & Prosper, helping you process your emotions in light of God’s truth. Imagine writing a letter to God, pouring out your heart, and finding peace in His response.

⭐️   Progressive Muscle Relaxation:  This can be a physical expression of letting go of your burdens, trusting in God’s strength. Picture yourself releasing tension, not just in your muscles, but in your soul. And while you are doing this, make sure to slowly and deeply inhale and exhale and imagine that it's the Light of Christ you are taking into your miraculous body and exhale any darkness. This is a wonderful way to heal your body and imbue every one of your 30+ trillion cells with vitality and enthusiasm. Your goal day in, day out is to sizzle with enthusiasm, joy, and faith.

⭐️   Pause & Breathe:  Throughout your day, take a moment to breathe deeply, a reminder to pause and pray, seeking God’s guidance in the midst of your day. This is what my grandmother taught me to do when I was a teenager and I've been doing this ever since. This is one of the many ways that I choose to live a God-centered life.

⭐️   Mindful Observation:  Pick an object, like a flower or a cloud, and study it with full attention. This can lead to a deeper appreciation of God’s handiwork and His love for us. One of my favorite writers, essayists, and philosophers, Ralph Waldo Emerson told us the following: "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting." I love being outdoors in nature and always feel so connected to God when basking in nature. Studies have shown that just 20 minutes outdoors in nature will elevate our mood, reducing the risk of depression, and also increase our energy. So the next time you need a boost of energy and wish to bolster your attitude, instead of reaching for a cup of coffee, go outdoors and relish in the beauty of God's handwriting.

⭐️   Self-Compassion Practice:  When you’re hard on yourself, remember that God extends grace to us. Replace self-critical thoughts with gentle, understanding words, just as Jesus would. For example, when you look into the mirror, speak only positive words. Never denigrate yourself. Be your own best friend. Our best friends take us how we are and love us through it all. And in return, we talk out our problems and often speak from a place of truly wanting the best for each other.

As my mom and grandmother always reminded me, make your self-talk friendly, kind, encouraging, and positive. During my media interviews on self-esteem and living with aplomb, I remind people that positive self-talk helps you re-frame the way you look at stressful situations, understanding that you will approach challenges with the best of your ability and that whatever the outcome — you did the best you could. Tackling these situations with an 'I can do this' or 'I can handle this' mindset rather than a negative 'This is too hard' or 'Nothing ever works out in my favor' one, opens up new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Integrating positive self-talk into daily routines can enhance resilience, motivation, and stress management skills.

Summing Up...

Mindfulness, or if you prefer the phrase "present moment living," when approached from a Christian perspective, isn’t about emptying the mind but rather filling it with the loving presence of God. It’s about being fully engaged in the life God has given us, attentive to His voice, and open to His guidance. By integrating mindfulness into our spiritual practices, we can cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, experiencing His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). 

Remember, mindfulness is not a replacement for prayer or Bible study but a complement, helping us to live out our faith more fully in each moment and to experience more bliss in our lives.

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness."
~ Galatians 5:22

"Choose always the way that seems the best, however rough it may be; custom will soon render it easy and agreeable."
~ Pythagoras (500 B.C)

⭐️   ⭐️   ⭐️

For More Info:
To learn more about holistic health and lifestyle, please refer to my books UPLIFTED: 12 Minutes to More Joy, Faith, Peace, Kindness & Vitality, WIRED FOR HIGH-LEVEL WELLNESS, A HUG IN A MUG, and JOY & THE BUTTERFLY: The Magical Garden; this is a value-driven book for children ages 3-12, teachers, parents and grandparents, caretakers, and the young at heart who seek inspiration and blessings in ordinary days and wish to be uplifted and celebrate life!

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