The Mindful Christian: Cultivating a Life of Intentionality, Openness, and Faith

by Irene Kraegel

Overview

Mindfulness can help you live more joyfully and wholeheartedly in the world God created. The Mindful Christian provides readers with an overview of mindfulness practice through the lens of faith, showing how the ancient healing practice of mindfulness can help them live more joyfully and wholeheartedly. For Christians who are experiencing emotional pain, spiritual lethargy, or feelings of disconnection--or for Christians who are simply curious about how mindfulness can fit with their lives and their faith--this book will help them learn about and engage mindfulness practices in ways that leave them more compassionate, joyful, content, and at peace with themselves--and with God. The book offers easy-to-do mindfulness practices that will impact daily activities and relationships--empowering readers with the benefits of mindfulness for their emotional, spiritual, and relational health within the Christian life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506458625
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	02/18/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	181
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Irene Kraegel is a clinical psychologist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has worked in community mental health and then in private practice before joining Calvin University's Center for Counseling and Wellness in 2009, first as a counselor and now serving as director. She is known for her writing and resources at her website The Mindful Christian.

Table of Contents

SECTION ONE Laying the groundwork: Mindfulness and Christian faith
Chapter 1: Introducing mindful Christianity
Chapter 2: What is mindfulness?
Chapter 3: What are you doing here?
Chapter 4: Mindfulness in Christian tradition
Chapter 5: The practice of mindfulness
Chapter 6: Elements of the present moment

SECTION TWO Diving deeper: Mindfulness as Christian discipleship
Chapter 7: Living life with God
Chapter 8: Learning contentment
Chapter 9: Resistance
Chapter 10: Clothed with compassion
Chapter 11: Beginning again
Chapter 12: Abundant life

SECTION THREE Moving forward: Being a mindful Christian
Chapter 13: Blending spiritual practices
Chapter 14: Special considerations
Chapter 15: Being Christian, mindfully

Editorial Reviews

01/06/2020

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. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

"Here is a book you can trust—a beautiful book written with clarity, openness, and wisdom. It will be an important guide for practicing Christians and life-changing for those who want to explore the deep connections between mindfulness and faith." —Mark Williams, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Oxford; Honorary Canon, Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford; Co-author of Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World

"With elegant prose and practical suggestions, The Mindful Christian invites exhausted, distracted Christians to experience emotional healing and rediscover deep joy by practicing mindfulness." —Steve Wiens, author of Shining Like the Sun; Beginnings; and Whole

"The Mindful Christian offers an inspiring and practical roadmap for the poignant intersection between stillness and the presence of God." —April Kaiserlian, LMSW, Co-Founder, Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness

"The Mindful Christian highlights the crucial role self-compassion and gratitude play in strengthening the follower of Christ, who is called to be a witness to Christ's peace." —Christina Edmondson, PhD, Dean of Intercultural Student Development, Calvin University; Co-host, Truth's Table podcast

From the Publisher