Mindfulness

A popular trend, especially in the warmer seasons, is for individuals to participate in physical activity. Those workouts include aerobics, biking, hiking, running, walking, spin classes, calisthenics, and yoga. However, another exercise that often gets overlooked but is necessary, especially if other forms of conditioning are going to be effective, is called mindfulness.

According to the Mayo Clinic, mindfulness is a form of meditation in which you practice increased awareness. Mindfulness may involve breathing methods, guided imagery, and similar techniques to relax the mind and release stress. Mindfulness helps with attention disorders, anxiety, diabetes control, stress, pain, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure.

One of the great things about mindfulness is its versatility. You can easily incorporate it into your daily routine by paying extra attention. This attention could mean noticing your surroundings when walking outdoors or savoring your food by stopping to smell and taste it. Another exercise is intentionally finding joy in everyday pleasures like spending time with family or appreciating someone who did something nice for you.

Contrary to misconception, physiologists didn't invent the practice of mindfulness. Psalm 46:10 says, "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.' " The context of Psalm 46 is still applicable and relevant today. To "be still" is to pause and cease fighting or striving. The call to "know" is to focus on God's sovereignty over adversity or enemies. Thus, if you include Scripture like Psalm 46, you can think of mindfulness as a form of prayer and meditation.

With this in mind, slow down and set your thoughts on God and His Word.