Reflection by Odilon Redon
Spiritual & Religious Mindfulness
Most of us equate mindfulness with stillness and meditation, but in its totality, it includes a diverse range of practices such as journaling, movement, and dance. Likewise, we tend to associate religion with ceremonies and rituals, but every religion incorporates several contemplative practices that can awaken its followers to something deeper and greater than themselves.
"When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place." - Bhagavad Gita 6.19
While secular mindfulness focuses on enhancing present-moment awareness and emotional resilience without affiliating with any spiritual or religious doctrine, spiritual and religious mindfulness practices extend beyond the realm of personal well-being to foster a profound connection with the divine or the greater universe. These practices are not just about calming the mind, but also about enriching the soul, offering a pathway to transcend everyday experiences and attain a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2
A few of the spiritual mindfulness practicesI have explored so far
Secular mindfulness helps us become more aware of the present moment, Christian mindfulness, on the other hand, helps us become more aware of the presence of God in our lives. God is always with us but most of us don’t realize that. Christian mindfulness falls into two categories: scriptural and prayerful.
Buddhist mindfulness involves cultivating clear and focused attention on your experiences, thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations as they arise, without getting caught up in them or reacting to them. While these techniques are rooted in Buddhist teachings, they can be used in a secular context.
Ho'oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian tradition that combines love, forgiveness, repentance, and gratitude in four powerful phrases. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.
Stoicism is a philosophy designed to help people live their best possible lives by maximizing positive emotions, minimizing negative ones, and developing a virtuous character. This Ancient Greek and Roman school of philosophy is not theoretical and scholarly in nature: you don’t spend years reading obscure academic texts to understand it; instead you follow a practical strategy that offers hands-on guidance for living well.
"Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace." - Tao Te Ching, Chapter 16
I’m Dr. Rodger Douglas, DMH, a South African-born homeopath now based in Osaka, Japan. With a psychology degree from Nelson Mandela University and a diploma from the Hahnemann College of Heilkunst, I specialize in holistic care for fibromyalgia. I serve clients by phone or video across the US, Canada, the UK, and beyond.