Can Christians practice mindfulness meditation?

 Recently, a dear friend was asking our group if mindfulness meditation was appropriate for her teen. Most of the responses were positive or "What the heck is mindfulness?", but there was one response that became louder than the others.

"This raises red flags all over the place for me. The lotus flower on the website is symbolic of Buddhism. That's where it originated, after all. The music on the site sounds like a yoga CD from Target, and we don't want our kids to be bowing to false Hindu gods like people who do yoga. Run! Get yourself a good Christian counselor and don't look back!"

It really chaps my thighs when Christians act so fearful and foolish. In this case, I feel it was just a matter of not knowing scripture well enough to be okay with a lotus flower and flute-y tunes on a website.

What does the bible say about the mind?

• Romans 12:12 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
• 2 Corinthians 10:5  - We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ
• Matthew 22:37- And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
• Phillippians 4:6-9 -  The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

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What does the bible say about meditation?

• Psalm 9:14 - Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
• Joshua 1:8 - Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
• Psalm 49:3 NIV - My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.
• Psalm 104:34 NIV - May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.
• Psalm 119:15 NIV - I meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.

Did you notice in those scriptures any mention of being fearful of meditation, lotus flowers or flute-y music? (Lotus is mentioned twice in the book of Job, and it has nothing to do with yoga. I promise.)

Scripture supports clearing out superfluous thought in order to focus intently on the Word. When we focus on the Word, we shut the door to intrusive thoughts and negativity. We create space for the light to pour in. For Christians, meditating on the Word is not rooted in Eastern religions, New Thought or metaphysical teachings.