What's in a word?

Some Catholics and Christians raise an eyebrow when they hear the word "mindfulness." To them, mindfulness suggests a Buddhist practice or an aspect of new age and energy work, and valuing their faith in God, steer clear of the practice. Completely understandable.

The problem with using the word "mindfulness" is that there is no unified, agreed upon definition. Therefore, a Buddhist monk and a Dialectical Behavioral Therapist could be using the same term and talking about completely different things. 

So to be clear, when I say the word mindfulness I mean - focused attention on the present moment particularly what you are feeling and where in your body you are feeling it. Perhaps a better phrase would be "practicing presence." Mindfulness is about training the will to discipline the mind. For example, if you were to go to adoration this skill would keep your mind from wandering away from prayer and the conscious awareness of being in the presence of Our Lord. 

Dr. Gregory Bottaro wrote a book on this practice specifically for Catholics called "The Mindful Catholic - Finding God One Moment At A Time." His book was endorsed by Paul Vitz, Ph.D., Peter Kreeft, Christopher West, Dr. Ray Guarendi, Mother Mary Elizebeth of the Trinity, OCD, and Fr. Danile Chowning.

One might say, "well, if I'm not sure if this type of practice is in line with my faith so I will just be safe and avoid it," I would acknowledge and respect your freedom to do so. However, I might ask you to consider the incredible, scientifically studied and replicated value of practicing mindfulness. Studies suggest that a mindfulness practice can increase mood and decrease anxiety and anger. It appears to increase a person's ability to control rage, substance use, and even mitigate the negative effects of stress on the body. Children who grow up in a home where both parents are able to regulate strong emotions are better adjusted and have better outcomes in almost any long-term measure that is studied. Mindfulness can also help decrease affect dysregulation related to marital fights and parenting stressors. These are just SOME of HUNDREDS of studies done looking at the benefits of being able to skillfully use mindfulness during times of distress. Therefore, it is my strong belief that mindfulness is an essential skill for mental health because of its efficacy in areas that were previously only addressed with CBT and medication. Mindfulness give us to opportunity to fulfill the call of St. John Paul II's first encyclical "Redeemer of Man" to "know thyself." 

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Where can i learn more?

Since there is not one unified and agreed upon definition of mindfulness, I would NOT suggest doing a Google or YouTube search. As mentioned above Dr. Gregory Bottaro's book "The Mindful Catholic" is in print, ebook, and audiobook. (I have no affiliation so purchase wherever you like.)

Additionally, the is a free 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course offered online at www.palousemindfulness.com. This course is taught by many people of different faiths. Some of them talk about their spirituality and others do not. However, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. After reading Dr. Bottaro's book I am confident that you will be able to used the information that is valuable to you adn leave the rest.