I would like to propose to you that mindfulness is an inherent part of the character of God. If modern psychology and eastern religions have discovered mindfulness in some form, it's not by accident. They've adopted it -- and adapted it -- but God got there first.
Why am I talking about this? Because it's part of learning to rest in who God is, and to walk calmly in our relationship with Him.
Here's an example. When things get backlogged in my life, which is usually, it becomes hard to rest in Him and hear His lead. I'll call it guilt dominoes. We get regret stuck in our minds -- even when we've confessed whatever got us off course -- and soon the whole day is packed full of regret, and very little joy.
...It hit me today that Jesus is always mindful. Think about this. There are over seven billion people in the world. He knows everything that's going on in and around each of them. If He's in relationship with you, one of these over seven billion people, He is 100% there with you and for you, 100% of the time. You have His undivided attention, just as all His other beloved ones have. As Hudson Taylor said, Jesus seeks communion with you at all times.
On earth, as a man, Jesus practiced mindfulness as well. He had no qualms about entering into conversation with social pariahs. He met people exactly where they were. He enjoyed food and wine and fellowship so much that He was called a party boy, or the first century equivalent. Yet He lived in quiet dignity, both as a member of His community and in continuous communion with His Father. This communion was so pure, so steady, He always knew exactly what was on His Father's heart.
As I learn mindfulness from Jesus, through continuous communion with Him, this is what it will look like: I will rest in Him. I will rejoice in every small or great thing He reveals to me. As His presence spills out of me from our communion, I will reach out to people in new, more meaningful ways. I will relish every meal He and I share, even if it's a piece of toast and a cup of so-so coffee. I will invite others into my little world more often. I will sing a lot! I will work diligently, learning to screen out distractions, and then take sweet little breaks full of prayer and tea and music. I will give my undivided attention to whatever or whomever He leads me to at a particular moment. In short, I will work hard, rest deeply, laugh hard, love fearlessly, and rejoice in Him with all my soul.
I am learning this! A little at a time. Guilt dominoes continue to find their way into the day. Undivided diligence is still a huge battleground for me. I am still far too insulated.
Mindfulness means to throw yourself fully into what you've been given to do. To notice what the evening breeze feels like on your skin. To lose yourself in prayer, and in delight in Him. To give hugs, to make honest eye contact, to shake hands like you mean it. To listen attentively for the Lord's whisper. To get your work done every day, and then to rest. To keep learning new things. It means to live the life He has given you as though it's a rare treasure, one you can never get back if you let the days and minutes float away meaninglessly.
Mindfulness, to a Christian, is first and foremost mindfulness of the Beloved. To surrender all to Him; to respond to Him all day long, so that out of this communion every action and thought becomes worship. To let Him live HIS life through us fully, by not thwarting Him with sin and silliness.
Who would intentionally stand in the way of the Author of life? Oh foolish me, that's exactly what I keep doing. Dear Lord, teach me mindfulness. Teach me You, Jesus.