Mindfulness: Scripture-science alignment
- Jun 6, 2017
- 4 min read
"Mindfulness: A Biblical approach" is a coached program teaching the person to practice integrated mind-body interventions based on sound Biblical core principles and the science of God's divine design. Scientific research has shown that the body can be changed through intention. The Bible also teaches change through intentional meditation and prayer. Eastern mind-body practices teaches opening the mind to free it to higher consciousness by focusing on a mantra or beads. This program does not do that. Science and Scripture diverge on how much change is possible and where the change comes from.
Neuroplasticity; " the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning, direct encounter or following injury." This is a recent discovery that brain chemistry, anatomy and physiology can change through intentionality resulting in "rewiring the brain" or disconnection and to connect synapsis to function in a positive direction in order to heal brain and body function. A change in belief regarding incoming stimuli through intention of what is possible can influence brain chemistry positively. Thinking alters brain chemistry anatomy and physiology. This determines balance or imbalance in the endocrine system. When our brain chemistry and functioning move toward balance, body chemistry follows to positively change body anatomy/physiiology to improve body function. Science claims the brain can change itself. For visual learners, the diagram below, gives a simplified illustration of how this works.
The Bible teaches that by intentionally focusing on God, we learn truth from Him, because He is truth. This changes our belief through a direct encounter with Him. By pointing our minds vertically our negativity (anger, deceit, shame, fear, and sadness) can be replaced by positivity (love, truthfulness forgiveness, peace and joy). By beholding our minds can be radically renewed. Experience is necessary for belief because it is what supports certainty of faith. The Bible teaches that a change of heart to love even our adversaries, and mean it, produces spiritual, emotional and physical healing. I call Biblical intentionality "vertical thinking". God has infinitely more power than we do. "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (Matt 19:26, NIV). Scripture claims God radically renews the mind.
Scripture and science diverge at the origin of change. Who makes it possible for our synapses to fire in the first place? Who created those synapses? It makes sense to go directly to the source to tap into infinitely more power than what we ourselves are capable of. Sure it is possible to rearrange our synapses by intentioning our efforts in a positive direction. Why not tap into otherworldly power?
"Mindfulness: A Biblical approach" is a series of 7 Biblical/Science -based coaching sessions. The participant will be taught a didactic using scripture to support and establish trust that this is "safe" for Christian participation. This is a unique program that integrates researched best mind-body practices utilizing; deep breathing, Bonny Method classical music, guided meditation (entering God's presence), spectral internal visualization based on the science of color (God created the power of color), and intentioned prayer to invite the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I want to emphasize these are not therapy or psychiatric sessions. This is not part of my medical practice. These are teaching/coaching sessions from the point of view of a believer who happens to be an advanced care provider trained in guided imagery. Tthe intent is to show how the person can intentional encounter the Divine and trade the lies we believe for Gods truth. The focused image is God the Father, God the Son, and the transformational power of God the Holy Spirit. Education is power. Combined with a Divine encounter, the power to heal the mind and thus the body is limitless.
Read "6 Silver Bullets" blog to discover how science further validates how emotional healing can lead to physical healing.
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