"mindfulness"

The television news program "60 Minutes" had a piece on "mindfulness." This is a "new" therapeutic approach based in meditation to help focus one's awareness on what is going on in one's life at that moment. It is about calming our anxieties that tend to focus on the past or on what's coming next---missing the moment.

Mindfulness was a major part of the therapeutic approach to help our young relative with her borderline cutting and eating disorder. The goal was to help her reduce her anxiety when the voices in her head told her feelings from the past or fears of the future are terrifying. In "mindfulness" she is encouraged to relax and focus on her breathing. It's part yoga, part relaxation, part spiritual. It seems to work. The news reporter said the practice has changed his life.

One of the keys to success in mindfulness is to remember to focus on the now-remember to focus on the breathing. It takes an "intentionality." Remember in the morning upon awakening that "mindfulness" needs to a priority.

Mindfulness and intentionality are important and really required for recovery.

A member of our bible class used the term "intentionality" to discuss how he makes Christ the priority in his life. The Spirit works in our lives every day but only if we are open to its work. If we close it out because of our focus on the past, the future, our anxiety, we miss the loving message of peace from the Spirit NOW.

Be "mindful" of Christ's work NOW---this minute---today.

Blessings-Penny