Mindfulness encourages us to pay attention to our experiences in the present moment. As Catholics, our awareness of the present moment is enriched by knowing that God is present with us.

We know that being still before God brings peace to our minds, hearts, and spirits. At the same time, scientific studies continue to show the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation for reducing stress and calming anxiety. Working on mindfulness gives us opportunities to develop our ability to pay attention to the present moment and our thoughts. Practising mindfulness daily can help us stay focused on set tasks and reduce stress and anxiety.

Whole Family Activity:

Mindfulness encourages gratitude. Some guided meditations will tell you to think about how thankful you are for the things you have. But who are you giving thanks to? 

As Catholics, we give thanks to God, because everything we have is a gift from Him. 

Mindful Walk

• As a family, go on a walk outside in nature. This might be around your local walking track, at your local park or just around your streets.

• While walking, tune into your senses and observe what you can see, hear and feel. Or you might choose to focus on one of the senses. Eg: Hear: what are all the noises you can hear on your walk?

• On your way home or when you return home, share what each person saw, heard or felt. 

Family Habit Builder:

Each night at dinner, ask everyone to take one mouthful of food more mindfully than the rest and think about the flavours they can taste and how it makes them feel. (They can also thank the chef!)

What does the Bible say about Mindfulness?

• The apostle Paul reminds Christians that they’re called to be mindful and live with an awareness of the present (Philippians 2:1-5).

• Prayer is one very practical way Christians apply mindfulness to daily life (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

• Meditation appears in the Bible in the context of spending time studying the Word of God (Psalm 48:9; Psalm 63:6).

• We should look to Jesus and think about true, admirable things (Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 4:8).

• Christians shouldn’t let themselves to be distracted by worry about the future (Matthew 6:25-34).

• Scripture teaches us to “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

• Paul tells us to “be transformed” by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) and to practice God-honouring thoughts (Philippians 4:9).