Due to the increasing trend of treating the whole person, or what may be referred to as holistic health care, spiritual practices are often considered in wellness approaches across a broad range of disciplines. Mindfulness has become a popular technique for fostering emotional balance and well-being. These techniques have become part of a “scientific approach.” They are increasingly applied in various settings, including primary health care, mental health practices, public school classrooms, sports training, and even suggested for practice in some churches. Because mindfulness has been studied for its potential wellness benefits, it is often presented in a neutral context. However, mindfulness practices are profoundly spiritual and rooted in Buddhism.
Mindfulness: The Buddhist Perspective
Mindfulness, or “sati” in Pali, is a cornerstone of Buddhist tradition, dating back to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th to 4th century BCE. In Buddhism, mindfulness is a critical element of the Eightfold Path, the route to enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It involves maintaining a moment-to-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment, fostering a non-judgmental acceptance of one’s experiences.
The core principle of mindfulness is to observe experiences with detachment and acceptance, recognizing the transient nature of emotions and sensations. This practice is often presented for its health benefits to participants who are told it promotes a deeper understanding of the self and cultivates inner peace and mental balance. Ultimately, mindfulness religiously aims to achieve insight into the nature of existence and reach Nirvana, a state of liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
Watchfulness: The Christian Perspective
In contrast, watchfulness is deeply rooted in Christian spirituality and biblical teachings, emphasizing vigilance and spiritual alertness. Derived from the Greek word “gregoreuo,” meaning to be awake or vigilant, watchfulness is closely associated with anticipating Christ’s return and the need for spiritual preparedness. This practice involves an active and intentional awareness of one’s spiritual state and the moral implications of one’s actions.
The verse above uses the metaphor of a marriage ceremony. In Jesus’ time, the bride-to-be remained at her parents’ home, preparing for her wedding. Without warning, the husband-to-be and his friends and family would arrive at her home one day. They would announce their arrival by singing, dancing, shouting, and sometimes blowing trumpets. Then the bride would be taken to her new home. This picture symbolizes how Jesus will someday return for His beloved bride, the church. Christians are taught to be ready for this most important day, which will arrive without warning, unexpectantly. To be ready, we must be watchful during all the days of our lives.
Christian watchfulness emphasizes a humble reflection on our spiritual heart. It involves an awareness of the need for repentance and living a life of righteousness and virtue. Unlike mindfulness, which focuses on detached observation, watchfulness involves proactive engagement with one’s beliefs and values, maintaining a state of readiness and alignment with Christian teachings. It encourages moral vigilance and spiritual growth, fostering a sense of connection to a higher power and the spiritual community, the church.
Contrasts Between Mindfulness and Watchfulness
While mindfulness and watchfulness emphasize awareness, they differ significantly in philosophy and objectives. Mindfulness focuses on non-judgmental observation and acceptance, aiming for personal insight and spiritual liberation. In contrast, watchfulness involves ethical considerations and proactive engagement with one’s spiritual life, emphasizing moral vigilance and preparing to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Mindfulness often highlights the impermanence of experiences, promoting a non-attached awareness. Watchfulness, however, underscores the importance of living according to Christian teachings and fostering a life of commitment and readiness in relation to Jesus’s return. The Buddhist practice of mindfulness seeks to transcend personal attachment, while Christian watchfulness aims to cultivate moral integrity and spiritual readiness.
The Dark Side of Mindfulness
Despite the widespread popularity of mindfulness as a stress-relief technique, recent research has highlighted potential adverse effects that are often overlooked. A 2022 study involving 953 regular meditators in the US found that over 10% experienced significant negative impacts on their everyday life, lasting for at least one month (Farias, 2024). Common adverse effects include anxiety, depression, psychotic symptoms, dissociation, and depersonalization (Farias, 2024).
Historically, these adverse effects have been acknowledged in Buddhist texts, such as the Dharmatrāta Meditation Scripture, which describes symptoms like depression and anxiety that can arise from meditation. Western research has also recognized these issues; in 1976, cognitive-behavioral scientist Arnold Lazarus warned that indiscriminate meditation could induce serious psychiatric problems (Farias, 2024).
The commercial mindfulness industry, worth $2.2 billion in the US alone, often fails to inform practitioners about these potential risks. Prominent figures like Jon Kabat-Zinn have admitted that much of the research on mindfulness’s positive impacts is subpar, yet the practice continues to be marketed as a universal remedy for stress and mental health issues (Farias, 2024).
The above research helps clarify the reality that Mindfulness connects to the spiritual aspects of life, which can have powerful effects on our lives. Despite misguiding popular attitudes, Mindfulness is not a neutral wellness or relaxation technique. The practice of Mindfulness taps into a spiritual realm and is grounded in a religious practice. In matters of faith, we must realize we are always making an important choice that can have profound consequences.
Trust in Jesus
At Christian Counseling Associates, we recognize the impact of spiritual aspects of our lives and how this is connected to healing. We promote watchfulness as a core method of dealing with the spiritual aspects of emotional problems. We do this because, we acknowledge that Jesus Christ, and His revelation found in the Bible, which is the inspired Word of God, is the foundation of healing. When facing the deepest problems in life, we can trust Jesus in all matters, even with issues in our minds and hearts.
Conclusion
When struggling with emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, realize that even in the professional realm, doctors, teachers, and counselors are asking you to make deep spiritual decisions. Amid these problems, we always have the opportunity to make a choice. With these important choices before us, let us learn to be watchful. Trust in Jesus and find the true way to life and wholeness.
References
Farias, M. (2024). Meditation and mindfulness have a dark side that we don’t talk about. The Conversation. Retrieved from The Conversation
