The Mindful Christian

January 6, 2020
Clinical psychologist Kraegel defines mindfulness and lays out how Christians can apply it to their daily lives in her useful debut. “When we practice awareness of the present moment,” she writes, “we are practicing being with God, who is always here, always stable.” She explains that learning to pay attention to the present prevents dwelling on negative thoughts from the past and getting stuck in unproductive loops. Practicing mindfulness isn’t clearing the mind or stopping thoughts; rather it helps process thoughts and responses to them, she argues. Kraegel shares how applying mindfulness techniques helped her overcome depression: by sitting in silence, becoming aware of the present, letting go of distractions, and “resting in mindful meditation,” she felt access to God’s presence in a deeper way. Kraegel also addresses contentment versus resistance, unrealistic expectations about happiness, and learning self-compassion, and provides simple exercises to help readers become more aware of the present moment. Reminding readers that occasional feelings of unhappiness are normal, she provides ways of seeking the goodness of God even in the midst of suffering. Kraegel’s mix of traditions and practices will appeal to Christian readers interested in the benefits of meditation.