Right Here Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness

by Amy G. Oden

Christians have always practiced mindfulness. Yet, from the popular landscape of mindfulness movement, you’d never know that. Where is the Christian voice in this fast-growing movement? Many Christians practice mindfulness outside of church and believe it does not belong to our faith tradition. This book reveals the Christian roots of mindfulness and the actual practices that, when reclaimed, deepen the life of faith and the power of our mission of love in the world. When we understand how radical it is to live in God’s presence right here, right now, our lives are transformed toward mercy, justice and abundant life.

Amy Oden shows how the practice of Christian mindfulness begins with the teachings of Jesus and continues throughout Christian history. It also includes step-by-step instructions for the practice of Christian mindfulness today. Pastors and leaders will find this book useful on the ground as they curate current culture and guide Christians in spiritual practices.

" ... this is the best introduction to Christian mindfulness I have read." —Shaun Lambert, Senior Minister of Stanmore Baptist Church, United Kingdom


“Amy Oden knows the history of Christian spirituality as well as anyone,
and she helps us see what might seem surprising to many—that
mindfulness has deep roots in the
Christian tradition. The wisdom she shares in this clear, winsome book
has already deepened my own life of prayer. I know this book will bear
fruit in classrooms and
congregations as readers heed its call to stop and pay prayerful attention to what God is doing, right here, right now.”
—L. Roger Owens, Associate Professor of Christian Spirituality and Ministry, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA


“Oden deftly lifts up a clear template for what lies at the core of all
spiritual mindfulness—a simple awareness within ordinary life
of divine presence, here and now. Unlike many generic practices of
mindfulness now popular in business, education, and the fitness
industry, Oden underscores that Christian mindfulness is not an end in
itself but an awareness that turns us toward God. Amy’s words become a
litany of invitation into the posture of open-hearted presence to the
Presence, right here, right now.” ( from the foreword )
—Marjorie J. Thompson, author of Soul An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life ,
former Director of Pathways in Congregational Spirituality with Upper
Room Ministries, and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian church
(USA)

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Spirituality, Religion

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2017

Reviews

[Joel Barwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my whole approach to being in relationship with God. It’s taught be to be aware of his presence in every moment and how to practice that. It has similarities to Ruthless Elimination Of Hurry but more direct and practical which I found very helpful.

It speaks brilliantly into the mindfulness movement, explaining how the Christian fair has deep roots in mindfulness and also has practical ways of practicing Christian Mindfulness. It’s helped me to understand mindfulness as a whole and opened my eyes to how vital it is to practice as a follower of Jesus!

[Catherine McNiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly short and helpful introduction to Christian mindfulness and meditation. Both theoretical and practical.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct resource examining the biblical roots, historical forms, and applications of practice of Christian mindfulness. Well done.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Christian mindfulness is the practice of paying, prayerful attention in the present moment to God’s abundant life”, Amy writes. This is one of the most difficult things in this present day of media saturated, bombardment of our senses. This small book will help you understanding the practice. She hopes that this book will help you communicate with those of different faiths or no faith in the world. In Psalms 8:4 she quotes “God is mindful of us”. It is not an end to itself, but an awareness of each of us with our God.

This book is practical and without theological jargon. One would have to spend time with the book, there is much suspicion about yoga, meditation, and various other practices which are mixed into the mind with the thought of mindfulness. Amy very clearly shows the practice through Christian history and how it can be a very important focus for you to gain a deeper awareness. This small book is neither detailed or exhaustive, but a soft introduction to a new awareness for the individual.

The format is very pleasant and gentle with thoughtful focus points placed here and there, and each chapter ending in further reading titles. Amy is a professor of early church history and spirituality at Saint Paul School of Theology at Oklahoma City University, and holds her PhD from Southern Methodist University. Mindfulness is all the rage and if your library does not have anything, this might be the book for your church library. It also contains a group study guide for six or more weeks, and many more notes to each chapter.

I especially enjoyed reading of the examples in chapter 3 where you can start right now. You have every thing you need to get started: your breath, your body and God’s presence. The four steps contained are Attentive breathing, attentive embodiment, acknowledgement and discovery. She introduces you to various practices some individual, some communal with step by step questions of focus. I won’t explain any further, but give this book a hard look and move closer to the mind of God

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Christian mindfulness is the practice of paying prayerful attention in the present moment to God's abundant life... 'paying attention' means the act of using our awareness on purpose... prayerful attention indicates a willingness to be ourselves, unedited and unguarded. 'Prayerful' means being real... paying prayerful attention means paying real attention, no just going through the motions."

"In a world where so many feel the are sleepwalking through their lives, Jesus' call to be awake resonates with the vague awareness of missing out on our own lives."

"Christian mindfulness draws our attention to what we actually have in this moment, starting with our breath. Each breath is a complete gift... The good news of abundant life Christ is that the world's messages of 'not enough' are a lie."

"Mindfulness is another word for prayerful attention to God's presence right here, right now."

4 Steps of Christian Mindfulness:
1) Attentive Breathing- "Take your time to breathe in and out purposefully. Fully experience your body breathing. This first step you already do as a gift from God."
2) Attentive Embodiment- "Our en-flesh-ment connects us to God who meets us where are are, in our bodies, right here, right now."
3) Acknowledgement- "This step of mindfulness is an invitation to step out of the cycle of reactivity that often drives thoughts and behaviors... the step of acknowledgement allows us to see the truth of what is and hold it before God."
4) Discovery- "The point here is to notice and acknowledge what you discovery, not to analyze, judge, process it. Simple noticing is the main work of mindfulness.

"We might even call mindfulness a converting practice because it shakes us free from captivity to the world's ways and expectations so that we are converted (changed, turned) to God's ways and expectations."

"God the Holy Spirit will meet you where you are, in this present moment, inviting you into abundant life."

[Lydia Gates · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part reads like a thesis. However, once you get into the techniques, it is better. Good references at the end of each chapter. However, it would be good to repeat the process of christian mindfulness each time before a new technique--you have to keep turning back.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will confess that I "read" this book, but it begs to be read and practiced, mindfully. Probably with at least one other person. Yet even with simply "reading" -- I could sense the depths, what the real practice of Christian mindfulness is -- "metanoia." "Repentance." There's more to say than this, of course, but to stop, and to listen, truly, in a practice of Christian mindfulness, is also to turn -- to turn toward God, and in the process to turn away from other things. And it is telling that it is hard to actually practice this -- because it's too hard to slow down, to stop, and to turn.

This sentence at the very end, says it all, "Christian mindfulness is not the latest self-improvement gimmick or one more expression of the idolatry of American individualism. Any practice, Christian or otherwise, can become perverted by self-absorption. However, the proper telos of all Christian spiritual practices, including mindfulness, is not self-improvement. Rather the proper end is to be transformed into Christlikeness, to participate in God's dream for the world (p. 96)

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Needed Reflection and Instruction

Mindfulness is exploding in the culture, producing amazing results. Many Christians are suspect of the practice, or reject it as “new age.” Most do not know the rich history of mindful awareness within Christian tradition, nor do they see the positive impact of rediscovering these practices. Others, readily accept what they see around them without reflecting theologically on their choices. Amy Oden provides great explanation of mindfulness practice and it’s place in Christian history and practice. This is an excellent resource for discovering God in our time.

[Ivan L Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ogden does a good service to Christians by translating mindfulness into a Christian spiritual practice rooted in the New Testament, and a review over history of Christian prayer practice. Notable is chapter 3 in outlining a structural (step-by-step) approach to how to engage (lots of historical prayer models) in Christian Mindfulness. I'm sure Ogden would say this book is an invaluable spiritual resource for every serious Christian. I would agree. It is more than well worth a read.

[Patricia M Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subtitle of the book is "The Practice of Christian Mindfullness". I learned the word Mindfullness is good practices of Spiritual practices in our every day life. The book was a fast short read. As a Christian I found some of the practices were things I had in practice for years. However, It was a good reminder to continue with the habits. The book was an uplifting challenge of our spiritual lives.

[Deborah Gorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good resource book on the practice of Christian mindfulness and how it applies to our contemporary life.

The author does a good job of introducing the Christian mindfulness traditions and practices. At the same she has helpful reflections and suggestions about how to engage in the practice whether on your own or within a community setting.

[Cristina Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, simple book that explores mindfulness as a Christian practice. Oden looks at mindfulness from a biblical perspective (specifically looking at the life of Jesus), a historical perspective of mindfulness in church history, and a practical perspective that gives clear tips and instructions on how to incorporate mindfulness into the reader's life. This is a book I will keep coming back to.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mindfulness is such a prominent topic right now but Professor Oden explains how it has always been a key practice of Christianity and its relevance for today. This can be a quick read but then it would be easy to miss so much of significance. For me it's something I'll refer back to frequently and look for ways to incorporate this practice into everyday life.

[Renee Prymus · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good survey or overview of the practices in the Christian tradition that dovetail with the contemporary mindfulness movement. Includes easy-to-follow instructions for dipping your toe in some of these deep practices (Ignatian daily examen, lectio divina, breath prayers, etc.).

[Rachel Quinlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gives a Christian background to mindfulness, shows how it can be used alone or in groups with plenty of practical ways to apply mindfulness and how it can impact our lives today. Practical and inspiring.

[Paul Womack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic introdction to mindfulness/contemplative practices to offset the rush and stress of contemporary life, but with the Christian angle that reflects the mystery of God with us and an ethical life reflective of that approach. Useful for group study.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly Researched and Inspiring

This book guides the reader. It describes a way to seek God’s Presence and thereby to provide a powerful witness. I appreciate the work and wisdom in this book!

[Linda Gocha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another UMW book.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to meditation and mindfulness with a Christian perspective.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read on the historical and current perspective of the use of mindfulness in Christian practices. Includes a synopsis of approaches and a user guide.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is useful as an introductory text on Christian Mindfulness. It contains exercises that I will continue to do after our book study is complete. I will do the "Breath Prayer" and the "Daily Examin" every day if time allows. The "Daily Examin" is a review of the day which examines how God fits into your life. I also like the "Prayer of St. Patrick" to use at times, possibly once a week.

I would like to implement using the ideas behind "Practicing the Presence of God" into my future life. This would particularly work well while walking in a natural setting in silence. However, I generally like to listen to Audiobooks during my walks. I will want to experiment with other activities where it will work. I also may want to add using a "Mindfulness Bell" if I decide that it will be helpful.

Many of the others who I studied this book with did not like its format. I can see their point. All of the exercises are in chapter 3 and the other information is in the other 3 chapters. However, the format will not be a problem while using exercises afterward.

[Rick Barber]

***I am currently reading this Book! So far it's an Awesome easy Read!

Are there Meditations in the book?

Yes, there are many Meditations! It's a wonderful transition to Christian Mindfulness vs. Secular Mindfulness.