What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mindful Christian: Cultivating a Life of Intentionality, Openness, and Faith
Mindfulness can help you live more joyfully and wholeheartedly in the world God created. The Mindful Christian provides readers with an overview of mindfulness practice through the lens of faith, showing how the ancient healing practice of mindfulness can help them live more joyfully and wholeheartedly. For Christians who are experiencing emotional pain, spiritual lethargy, or feelings of disconnection--or for Christians who are simply curious about how mindfulness can fit with their lives and their faith--this book will help them learn about and engage mindfulness practices in ways that leave them more compassionate, joyful, content, and at peace with themselves--and with God. The book offers easy-to-do mindfulness practices that will impact daily activities and relationships--empowering readers with the benefits of mindfulness for their emotional, spiritual, and relational health within the Christian life.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2020
72 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 13, 2020
Dr. Kraegel weaves together faith, mindfulness, and aspects of her own story into this powerful book. As someone who has been interested in the research on the effects of mindfulness, it was particularly helpful for me to read her explanations and encouragement for everyday applications. Each chapter ends with several mindfulness practice suggestions that I have enjoyed incorporating into my day. Even in a short time I feel like I have learned and grown and found more peace. It's exactly what we need in this current cultural moment.
January 9, 2022
After attending one of Irene Kraegel's workshops (via Zoom), I was intrigued to learn more about mindfulness. Specifically, Christian Mindfulness. Dr. Kraegel is an excellent teacher, honest and humble in her approach. She's never the expert (although she is!), but teaches the practices of mindfulness as one who is continuing to learn herself. Her writing is clear and helpful. Each chapter ends with a guide to a specific mindfulness practice.
What makes this book stand out, though, is Dr. Kraegel's ability to integrate the ancient practices of mindfulness with the Christian faith. She does so seamlessly, with scripture references and personal experiences throughout. Her teaching has already helped me find moments throughout my day for breathing and expereincing God's presence.
What makes this book stand out, though, is Dr. Kraegel's ability to integrate the ancient practices of mindfulness with the Christian faith. She does so seamlessly, with scripture references and personal experiences throughout. Her teaching has already helped me find moments throughout my day for breathing and expereincing God's presence.
December 14, 2021
I bought this book to read in connection with a mindfulness class led by the author. We are meeting by Zoom every Monday evening. The class was initiated from the Church of the Savior in South Bend where we were members for 25 years. So every Monday night, I enjoy seeing my friends again!
The book is clearly written with specific suggestions. I decided to take notes--writing in a document on my computer--so that I would pay attention--or be mindful!--of what I was reading.
I don't know how much formal mindfulness practice I will do. I will certainly try to be more aware of the present moment as I go through my day. I hope I can be more detached from unpleasant emotions--looking at them with acceptance and curiosity and even amusement--as suggested.
The book is clearly written with specific suggestions. I decided to take notes--writing in a document on my computer--so that I would pay attention--or be mindful!--of what I was reading.
I don't know how much formal mindfulness practice I will do. I will certainly try to be more aware of the present moment as I go through my day. I hope I can be more detached from unpleasant emotions--looking at them with acceptance and curiosity and even amusement--as suggested.
February 19, 2020
As a Christian I have been practicing mindfulness for a few years now, and never before have I seen a clearer articulation of the integration of faith and mindful practice than in The Mindful Christian. Kraegel has a beautiful writing style and presents so clearly how mindfulness is not just something that is compatible and can be adapted to Christian faith, but is actually the embodiment of what it means to live in the likeness of Christ - fully present, in full fellowship with the Father, and in communion with others. I can not recommend this book more strongly. Kraegel provides the how-tos of mindful practice as well as the Biblical foundation for embracing mindfulness as a way of life that draws us closer to the heart of God.
February 19, 2020
I highly recommend this book and especially recommend purchasing instead of borrowing. It’s one that you’ll want to return to. As Dr. Kraegel points out, reading about being a Mindful Christian is not the same as practicing mindfulness. This book will inspire your practice and also help you with practical ways to get started on your journey.
October 8, 2020
Suffering = pain x resistance
I have read a handful of books on mindfulness and meditation this past year. This is the first, however, from a Christian perspective. Irene Kraegel takes up many of the meditation and mindfulness exercises you may be familiar with, but explores them through the lens of being in the presence of God. She also draws on contributions from Christian history (such as Brother Lawrence and St Ignatius). The book includes exercises for practicing mindfulness and meditation on your own. Kraegel is also open about her own journey, experiences, and struggles that led her onto a healing path through practices of mindfulness and radical acceptance.
I have read a handful of books on mindfulness and meditation this past year. This is the first, however, from a Christian perspective. Irene Kraegel takes up many of the meditation and mindfulness exercises you may be familiar with, but explores them through the lens of being in the presence of God. She also draws on contributions from Christian history (such as Brother Lawrence and St Ignatius). The book includes exercises for practicing mindfulness and meditation on your own. Kraegel is also open about her own journey, experiences, and struggles that led her onto a healing path through practices of mindfulness and radical acceptance.
August 12, 2023
Really enjoyed this overview of mindfulness from a Christian lens. A lot of helpful information and practical steps without being overly academic. Very attainable next steps to begin practicing mindfulness more intentionally. I have already noticed a difference in by ability to tune into the present and get out of my own head, thereby being more connected to God and the Holy Spirit in work in me and all around me. Highly recommend!
February 5, 2023
Mindfulness and meditation have been two of the greatest gifts I have discovered in this season of life. Finding this book at the library that goes deeper into those gifts with the richness of my existing faith was more than I knew to ask for. I will definitely be purchasing my own copy. Highly recommend.
March 17, 2023
I’ve been reading about mindfulness for years, but I have never read, until now, how to incorporate mindfulness with Christianity. Mindfulness can bring us into deeper intimacy with Christ and make us more aware of his presence and goodness. The chapter titled Finding Contentment is powerful. Mindfulness exercises are included at the end of each chapter.
August 12, 2023
Lots to think about as I try to live a more mindful, kind, and grateful life. I’ve started practicing the lovingkindness - a type of blessing where you pray for yourself, a loved one, a stranger, and a difficult person in your life. You pray that they may be safe, happy, healthy, and live with ease. Or you can substitute know God’s love, know God’s joy, know God’s rest, and know God’s peace.
April 17, 2020
Fantastic Read!
This is a must read if you’re interested in reading where Christianity and mindfulness can intersect. Practical exercises are included to explore ideas. I’ll definitely revisit this book in the future!
This is a must read if you’re interested in reading where Christianity and mindfulness can intersect. Practical exercises are included to explore ideas. I’ll definitely revisit this book in the future!
June 2, 2022
Love the descriptions and breadth Irene gave for he meditating practice. She gave a wide variety of thought to her categories and supported her thots with Biblical references. Her book filled out many areas of my learning about meditation.
June 20, 2020
Exactly what I needed to finally start.
July 19, 2024
Well-written and applicable to daily life. Definitely a book to think about owning rather than borrowing. There are meditation practices at the end of each chapter that are very gentle and simple!
March 5, 2020
Beautifully written and practical, this book put me at ease. In this time of chaos and upheaval, Kraegel has offered us calming practices in order for us to be more present, more grateful, and more faithful. I'm so grateful for this book.
February 20, 2020
Inspiring, encouraging, challenging, and thought-provoking read. As well as accessible and practical for those who are new to the practice of Christian mindfulness, as I am.
I was grateful for several specific aspects of this book:
1) Dr. Kraegel's authentic recounting of her own personal narratives and the ways that those have shaped her and her Christian walk and mindfulness practices is an encouragement and affirmation to integrate mindfulness practices into my own spiritual journey.
2) Each chapter contains practical applications and suggestions that are actionable and meaningful. There's enough variety in her recommendations that you're able to select ideas that resonate personally with you.
3) The practice of just reading this book is a place you can start with your own mindfulness journey.
Slowing down, connecting with the Lord, and living intentionally are pervasive challenges in our high-paced, always-connected world. This book is full of inspiration and practical tools that will help you do just that. Tip: purchase rather than borrow this. You'll want to underline, jot notes, and even more importantly, circle back periodically even after reading it.
I was grateful for several specific aspects of this book:
1) Dr. Kraegel's authentic recounting of her own personal narratives and the ways that those have shaped her and her Christian walk and mindfulness practices is an encouragement and affirmation to integrate mindfulness practices into my own spiritual journey.
2) Each chapter contains practical applications and suggestions that are actionable and meaningful. There's enough variety in her recommendations that you're able to select ideas that resonate personally with you.
3) The practice of just reading this book is a place you can start with your own mindfulness journey.
Slowing down, connecting with the Lord, and living intentionally are pervasive challenges in our high-paced, always-connected world. This book is full of inspiration and practical tools that will help you do just that. Tip: purchase rather than borrow this. You'll want to underline, jot notes, and even more importantly, circle back periodically even after reading it.
February 19, 2020
The intersection between emotional and spiritual health has fascinated me for a good while now. Then last year I had the privilege of leading a small group at my church with the author Irene Kraegel. I led sessions on discipleship and she led sessions on mindfulness. After that I was REALLY impatient to read the book! Now I have read it and I loved it. It’s so personal, so informative, so practical, so profound and yet so clear and so packed with useful advice for hurried, harried, stressed, followers of Jesus. It can be read as a textbook, as meditation, as spiritual autobiography, as self-improvement, as a spiritual formation primer. It’s really good.
February 19, 2020
Thanks to Dr. Kraegel for tackling this important, timely, and relevant topic. This book is gift for those of us who are easily distracted by the past or worries about the future. The author provides a compelling argument for the importance of "being present" (living in the moment), as well as many tips for effectively living out this call.
February 19, 2020
It is so hard for us to slow down. The Mindful Christian gives us the encouragement and tools to do this - to see the beauty of each moment - and to see our thoughts and emotions in a new light. Just like Dr Irene Kragel encourages the reader to practice "returning" to this place - I plan to return to this book in my daily life.
February 19, 2020
Mindfulness is an important work that we all must heed in todays social environment and fast-paced world. Irene Kraegel's wisdom and insight takes a refreshing look at reconnecting with what is important. A must read!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews