Holy Noticing: How A Christian Can Practice Mindfulness Sample

 Heart: Pay attention to the state of your spiritual life and the Holy Spirit’s impressions on your heart 

In this last component of the BREATHe model, H, for Heart, you are paying particular attention to your soul (not that the rest of the components are not spiritual). You are exmining the condition of your heart toward the Lord, with a special openness to His stirrings in your heart.

The book of Proverbs emphasizes the important role of our heart when it notes, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm” (4:23-26 NIV). Our heart shapes our actions. In Scripture, the heart refers to more than just our emotions or reasoning ability. Rather, it plays a more comprehensive role because from it everything else flows – our deepest loves, trusts, and commitments.

In this practice you’ll simply open your heart to be vulnerable to what the Lord reveals. Envision the Holy Spirit shining a spotlight on your heart to reveal any sin (Ps. 139:23-24) and to shine into your heart His love, mercy, and grace. Don’t make this practice only about confession of sin, although that’s part of it. Make a point of receiving God’s loving affirmation as expressed by the prophet Zephaniah, “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zeph 3.17). As you practice paying attention to the Spirit’s stirring in you, revel in this truth.

So by now you’ve tried all six practices, B, R, E, A, T, and H. Try to do all six together, one after the other, once each day during the next five days. Practice the art of Holy Noticing so you can be more present with and connected to God and others, experience fresh joy in your life, and minimize the effects of stress. And, don’t forget the final letter, ‘e.’ Live out a mindful lifestyle every day. 

Discover the lost spiritual discipline of holy noticing today and learn to engage the world like Christ over at holynoticing.com