Mindfulness is being “present with the reality of what’s unfolding in a curious, compassionate, open way,” Carrie Skarda explains on the Magnify podcast.
Knowing this definition can help us identify examples of mindfulness in the scriptures so we can learn how to incorporate it into our lives in a way that brings us closer to Jesus Christ.
Here are three stories to help you start living more mindfully.
1. Mary’s Mindful Observation
Mary, the mother of Jesus, shows us how mindfulness can help us serve and lift others. At the wedding in Cana, Mary observes the situation and says to her son, “They have no wine.”
Carrie points out, “This is a mindful observation, she’s not judging them. ... She’s not labeling this as a bad party, but she does see it. Unlike other people who don’t seem to even notice, she’s present and aware. ... Then, she brings it to Jesus.”
Mary’s example of mindful compassion teaches that when we look at situations without judgment, we’re able to see opportunities to help and serve others. This might be supporting their efforts, the way Mary did by helping to find a solution to a problem. Or it might be as simple as publicly praising what someone has done, making their work shine.
“I want to be observing like Mary,” Carrie shares. “Then I want to be brave enough to ask God to pull down the powers of heaven so that me and my people can have joy.” When we approach a situation with mindfulness, we’re better able to respond and love as the Savior would.
2. Christ’s Willingness to Pause
Another example of mindfulness in scripture that we can learn from is Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Amidst shouts of “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel” (John 12:13), Jesus found space for mindful observation that we can model in our lives.
Mark 11:11 reads, “Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.”
When reading the scriptures with a perspective of mindfulness, Carrie noticed that “[Jesus] observes the conditions generally, and then he just goes and sleeps on it. And that is a really mindful moment to me. ... He was willing to pause and pay attention and observe what was happening.”
In following Jesus’s example, we too can allow ourselves time to process and be curious about a situation. “When we’re trying to solve big problems, we can be mindful like [Jesus],” Carrie explains. “Look around, observe, pause, sleep on it, think about what to do before we just act on it.”
3. The Church Community’s Curiosity
Mindful curiosity and compassion can also open our hearts to see more of the Savior’s presence in our lives and the lives of others.
In John 9:8–12, we read of a blind man who was healed by Jesus. Carrie points out that “after this healing, he was interrogated by his church community.” Though he experienced the power of Christ, not everyone welcomed this miracle in his life with the same joy. Their judgment kept them from fully experiencing what could have been a life-changing conversion.
Carrie explains, “If we can stay curious and open to what Christ’s rescues look like, even if it’s not what we expect, then we can receive that rescue more deeply.” When we look at all of life’s rich experiences with curious compassion and without judgment, we won’t dismiss miracles in our lives. Rather, we’ll be able to see God’s hand more clearly.
Read The Practice of Stillness along with the Magnify book club! Sign up today for a virtual gathering with co-author, Carrie Skarda. And hear more from Carrie on mindfulness and joy on the Magnify podcast.
More articles on mindfulness:
▶ Expert tips for enjoying spiritual stillness—no matter what’s on your plate
▶ A gospel scholar on why Christ’s Atonement makes peace of mind possible
▶ A vital thing to remember when your loved one’s faith is fading
