Yes, “mindfulness” is one of those 2020s buzzwords. But there are some things to commend it.

In Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Simply Path to Healing, Hope, and Peace (galley received as part of early review program), Dr. Seth Gillihan tells his personal story regarding the application of the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques he would encourage and practice with his own clients in his own life and the benefits which he received.

The author explains what CBT and mindfulness are; he advocates for the pattern of “Think, Act, Be” in regards to one’s practice of mindful CBT. He explains and applies how think, act, and be works in terms of CBT mindfulness in various domains of life: how one looks at oneself and one’s efforts; in appreciating one’s world; in considering one’s body; in relationships; in seeking rest; in work; and in living a life of thankfulness and purpose.

This is a useful resource; a lot of what he says is what a therapist would try to guide you into recognizing for yourself in these various aspects of life. The author does speak of his faith journey from a fundamentalist Christian upbringing to “secular Buddhism” to some kind of reconciliation with at least some of the core principles of Christianity; throughout he will present various points of connection between the principles established herein and religious instruction and encouragement.

With appropriate regard for concerns about making too much of the self, most of what he has to say is in alignment with Christian principles. We should live in thankfulness and gratitude. We should not take what we have for granted. We do well to consider ourselves, our bodies, relationships, etc. in mindfulness with gratitude before God. We should resist negative self-talk while confessing the likely Satanic/demonic influences which would aggravate such negative self-talk. We do need to rest.

Thus one can gain many benefits from incorporating mindful practices and much of cognitive behavioral therapy in one’s life in faith. There are plenty of antecedents for such things in the faith. Yet it all should be done to the glory of God in Christ while conscious of how the self will often magnify itself beyond its proper station. ( )