Anyone who knows mindfulness exercises?

[wr2]

Mindfulness is supposed to help against depression.
I googled a bit about it and it seems like it involves meditation exercises from yoga and zen. I think this pretty much rules it out for christians, right? I wouldn't want to do any exercises which are also part of zen meditation.

 

[MountainofGod1]

to get out of depression I had to change careers in life

 

[tturt]

You're correct. You don't want to do yoga or zen. There are plenty of other ways for stretching exercises and relaxation. Also, that type of meditation isn't what you're looking for.

Scripture says to meditate BUT this type isn't emptying your mind but focusing on Scripture - that's a huge difference. You know just pick out some Scriptures that are meaningful to you such as - as a believer, you are a child of God (John 1:12), and a dwelling place of God, His Spirit and His life dwells in you (I Cor 3:16; 6:19). You can memorize these Scriptures or write them on cards (whatever method works for you) then when opportunities come up through the day, think about those Scriptures. You'll be amazed at how many times during the day that can be used - at traffic lights, taking a shower, waiting for a slow computer connection, etc. windows of opportunity to think on Him and His Word and abide in Him - that's the higher consciousness we want. These recommendations are based on Scriptures such as:

Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

 

[wr2]

But what if quoting scriptures and proclaiming stuff also drags you down? I mean when you quote verses then it's also draining your energy because then it's usually about spiritual warfare. What if this also drags you down and leave you more depressed than before?
I have tried confessing verses against fear and at the same time I felt afraid and then I thought this is hypocritical. I am afraid and at the same time I quote verses against fear and I don't feel any difference.

 

[Pal Handy]

Mindfulness is supposed to help against depression.
I googled a bit about it and it seems like it involves meditation exercises from yoga and zen. I think this pretty much rules it out for christians, right? I wouldn't want to do any exercises which are also part of zen meditation.

Meditate on the Lord and His word and His promises to you and
you will find that God's word will transform your thoughts
and lift you out of depression.

Stay away from other religions and their half truths mixed with lies.
Stay away from new age mumbo jumbo that seeks to mix the
truth of God revealed in Christ with all other false religions that
leads people away from faith alone in Christ for salvation.

God's way works.

Meditate on the gift of God given to us in Jesus Christ and His
many benefits of healing and comfort to us now in this life.

Psalm 103:2
Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
(Lord remind me as I read Your word of all Your
benefits that you have given me in Christ.)

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(Jesus, I need Your peace that You said that You give.
Give me Your peace as I in turn surrender my depression to You.
Take my depression and give me Your peace!)

2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.
The Lord be with you all.
(Lord Jesus, give me your peace as expressed in your word to
me through the Holy Bible because You are the Lord of peace.
Jesus, be the Lord of my life and rule and reign over my heart
and mind in Your perfect peace.)

James 5
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.
Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.
14 Is anyone among you sick?
Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him,
anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another,
that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

(Lord, I am suffering and I need healing. Show me who I can
go to who believes in you as more that a savior but also
as a healer and a friend so that they may pray for me so I might
be relieved of my suffering and be healed.
Jesus, I ask that you touch me and heal me even now as I know that all
healing comes from you and that You love me and want what is
best for me.)

Meditate, pray and trust that the words that God gave to us in His
word, the Holy Bible, are more than words, they are truth, God's truth
and if we will believe, anything is possible with God.

 

[Peripatetic]

I suffer from depression sometimes too. Your results may vary, but here are some practical things that have helped me:

1. Get regular aerobic exercise
2. Expose myself to sunlight (lack of it can worsen Seasonal Affective Disorder)
3. Go for a walk in the woods.
4. Read some articles about conditions in poor, 3rd world countries
5. Like MountainofGod1, I too had to change jobs a few years ago when I realized how much it was contributing to the depression.

Finally, it really helped me to view it as something to endure rather than being obsessed with "fixing" it. It's kind of like getting sick with a cold. I don't like it, but I know I can't turn it off with a switch, so I just hunker down and get through it. For me, it only gets worse when I build up guilt about the depression itself.

My depression is cyclical, so these things help. People with long-term clinical depression should consult a doctor.

 

[wr2]

Hello, I also tried thinking about bible verses or quoting them but what I noticed is that often times quoting bible verses made me feel even more desperate. I struggle with doubts and in the bible everything depends on having faith and not doubting. And because of this verses which speak about healing or getting prayers answered don't really offer comfort to me because I still have the issue with the doubts. Then I think maybe I could get healed if I could only develope enough faith and not doubt but how? It's really a vicious circle.

 

[ChristineM130]

My therapist has been urging me to practice meditation to cope with PTSD and panic disorder from my brain injury. I have chosen not to use medication, and have been starting to practice mindfulness. He gave me a CD with three exercises on it and they put me on edge because they were focused on being one with yourself and one with the world, which is NOT what Christianity teaches.

I found a website called Mindful Worship that uses the same technique to focus on Jesus, which feels appropriate. My therapist supports the use of these meditations, too. They can be found at mindfulworship.com; many are free to listen to, but some are paid. I have found these meditations help me to remember and understand scripture, too.

Other religions might practice meditation very similarly, but these cultures also marry, fast, and raise children, and it doesn't bar Christians from doing it. Meditation can be a wonderful form of worship, as long as it is done to glorify God and not earth, and I would encourage anyone to try it. Too often, our modern minds are too busy to get a chance to "be still, and know that I am God." Meditation gives us a chance to praise God by casting out all other thoughts, and just focus on being with Him and His glory.

 

[Quasicentennial]

I can imagine or visualize what's it like to have Christ-like intelligence if Jesus came now to transform us Christian believers. Such powerful divine wisdom of God can mean that the Word of God be downloaded into our unforgettable new minds of Christ, and that failure and clumsiness will become a thing of the past. I can imagine how an accident can be avoided if God knows our future while we as brothers and sisters of Christ enjoy our social activities in God's kingdom, such as playing football where no body or limb injuries will happen. I really wish Jesus would send a special DVD package to take an exciting sneak preview of what enjoyable activities are in God's Kingdom.
My imagination of such joyous fun activities in God's Kingdom here on Earth, had made me go to church with other Christians to worship, listen to the pastor's Sunday message of Christ - and while all this was going on, the peace of our spiritual Lord Jesus can be absorbed silently into our faithful hearts. You can feel the newishly fresh energy of Christ to give that leadership, confidence and maturity - all in one supernatural package, it's as if Jesus has anointed you to become his secret pastor to be a powerful example of how Jesus had helped the poor and sick supernaturally. The proof of Jesus spiritually inside your heart can be seen from your witnesses as their hearts become softened by your tremendous calmness of emotions. We Christians are one union with Christ, and while we are together spiritually, our faith in Christ becomes stronger than ever before as time approaches nearer to the coming of Jesus in the future.

 

[LoricaLady]

Google Frank Laubach & Father Lawrence, the pros.

 

[Pal Handy]

Hello, I also tried thinking about bible verses or quoting them but what I noticed is that often times quoting bible verses made me feel even more desperate. I struggle with doubts and in the bible everything depends on having faith and not doubting. And because of this verses which speak about healing or getting prayers answered don't really offer comfort to me because I still have the issue with the doubts. Then I think maybe I could get healed if I could only develope enough faith and not doubt but how? It's really a vicious circle.

Whenever we try to move toward God and His promises,
plans, purposes and blessings in our lives, we
will be opposed by a malevolent and evil force that will try very
hard to discourage us.

If we continue toward the Lord, eventually we will see that the attacks
on us will lessen and become less frequent as we experience God's
answers to our prayers as our faith in His words and promises to us
will grow and silence the lies of the devil.

Those who push forward will see God move in their lives while those
who shrink back when the enemy attacks, will not progress in the
blessings and rewards that God gives to those who don't give up.

I can tell you from my own life that what I am telling you works.

What is faith?

Faith isn't a thing, it is a belief, attitude, conviction, trust in
the reliability, trustworthiness, honesty, faithfulness and overall
character or nature of the person or thing that we have found reliable
or tustworthy.

In our case as Christians we are trusting in a person.
When we say we have faith, that faith is based on our decision
to trust in the person and character of Jesus Christ.

How can we trust in a person that we have never met face to face?

We have His words and His promised written down so that we can read them
and follow His instructions concerning His promises and statements of
what He will do for us when we trust or have faith in Him.

Do you trust in Jesus Christ?
Do you believe in your heart that He is who he said He is?
Do you believe that He can be trusted and that if you follow His
instruction for your life, He will bring about His blessings and
promises in your life?

As I stated earlier, many begin their approach to Lord on a trial basis
as if they will try Him out to see if He is true to His promises and
His word but the don't realize that we are the ones on trial as God
is already faithful and we are the ones who are not.

God's character is never in question.

So...if you have tried to receive God's promises and failed,
who is at fault? Is it God who is the failure or could it be
that in our hearts we really do not trust or have faith the
character of God as revealed to us in Jesus Christ, God the Son?

Many will say...show me and I will believe but God says,
believe and I will show you.

Is this unfair of God to ask us to believe and trust in Him before
He will take us deeper and farther in a relationship with Him?
He has already given us a mountain of evidence that is
contained in His words to us through the Bible and in the life of Jesus Christ.

God has given us ample evidence and proofs of His character
toward us in Himself, God the Son by His actions and character
recorded by many eyewitnesses so that we have all we need
to begin our relationship of trust in Jesus Christ and His faithfulness and
love that He expressed to each of us.

Faith is not a thing, faith is a person named Jesus Christ.

I put my trust in the only one who can be trusted, Jesus Christ
who is my my Lord and my God.

If there is ever a disconnect, problem or failure, it is always on my
end and not with God.

I said all the above to come to this....
When you begin to move toward God, the enemy will oppose you.
If you will not give up and continue to read God's word, speak His promises,
pray and ask Him for His help and strength to continue as you surrender
your life into His hands, God will bless you and bring about His purposes
and plans for your life.

Don't give up.

Redouble your efforts.

Don't believe the lies from the enemy that God won't respond to you.

Ask others to pray for you.

Find other believers who have seen God move in their lives and answer their
prayers and ask them what they did on their part to obtain God's blessings.

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him,
for he who comes to God must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Galatians 6:9 (AMP)
9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and
doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap,
if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

 

[Bevansuits]

A group of Christians were learning about mindfulness at a workshop. They were instructed to let their thoughts come and go, to listen to the silence between the thoughts, to hear the sounds outside and inside.

One of the group had a concern: "I want to make sure this isn't Buddhism we're getting into here! How can we make sure the silence is a Christian silence and not a Buddhist silence?"

Isn't this a ridiculous comment?

Is the sky a Christian sky? Is the air we breathe Christian air?

Silence is silence, my friends. Are you so afraid of letting go of concepts of Christianity that you can't just experience this moment of life that is your precious gift? That's why it's called "the present".

So knock it off with your paranoia and start to trust, also known as faith.

 

[BFine]

Hello, I also tried thinking about bible verses or quoting them but what I noticed is that often times quoting bible verses made me feel even more desperate. I struggle with doubts and in the bible everything depends on having faith and not doubting. And because of this verses which speak about healing or getting prayers answered don't really offer comfort to me because I still have the issue with the doubts. Then I think maybe I could get healed if I could only develope enough faith and not doubt but how? It's really a vicious circle.

*It's a case of Lord, I believe but help my unbelief.

What to meditate upon?
I clipped this part from Philippians 4:8--
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

 

[imoss]

I'd say definitely do not pursue spiritual council from Buddhist's. They worship a little fat God doll. Their teachings may seem to be well and good (all can be found to be knock offs of stuff you find in Gods word!) I'd say spend time in prayerful silence with our Heavenly Father. Would you receive spiritual council from a wiccan? Enough said.

 

[tturt]

Joshua 1:8>
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Meditate means to focus (not allowing to be empty).

Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

John 10:27
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" All the while listening.

 

[Goodbook]

I have suffered depression before..what I found helps is..yes meditating on God's Word, reading inspiring stories of Christians who have lots of faith, try reading about Corrie Ten Boom, she had every reason to be depressed, but she survived the concentration camps! Her book is called 'The Hiding Place'.

Going for walks or run.
Thinking of heaven and thanking Jesus that He is preparing a place for me.

To help with unbelief..you might want to read some books about Israel and what archaeologists have discovered that just confirms that everything written in the Bible is true. That's solid evidence.

And also, find bible study or home group and be with believers who can pray for you and with you.

Remember Jesus said if you have faith the size of a mustard seed (that's tiny!) you can say to the mountain to move and it will. So ask this mountain of depression to move..and don't worry about having enough faith. God will give you faith, it's a gift, you can't conjure it up yourself, he will GIVE you more, just ask.

 

[Jeffwhosoever]

I hope you are aware of clinical depression and it is a treatable illness. There is no end to the list of modern anti-depressants you can try.

 

[krugerpark]

yes, clinics can replace Jesus easily enough

 

[Forge3]

yes I practice mindfulness. When I wash the dishes I am mindful of nothing else.

 

[Forge3]

yes, clinics can replace Jesus easily enough

What do you mean by that?