The Power of Stillness

1. Mindfulness enhances Latter-day Saint spiritual practices

The strength of this book is in its recovery of those principles of stillness and the contemplative life that are inherent in Restoration scripture and teachings.

Mindfulness is inherent in LDS teachings. The restored gospel already contains invitations to mindfulness through practices like prayer, scripture study, and Sabbath observance. By approaching these activities with greater awareness and presence, Latter-day Saints can deepen their spiritual experiences and connection with God.

Practical applications enhance spirituality:

• Approach sacrament as a meditative practice
• Create intentional pauses during scripture study
• Bring full presence to prayer and worship

By infusing traditional practices with mindfulness, Saints can transform routine religious observances into profound spiritual experiences that align more closely with the intentions behind these sacred practices.

2. Stillness and non-doing are essential for spiritual growth

We simply have too many distractions to capture our attention, unlike any time in the history of the world. Everyone needs time to meditate and contemplate.

Modern life demands intentional stillness. In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, creating space for stillness and contemplation is crucial for spiritual growth. This stillness allows for deeper connection with God and greater self-awareness.

Benefits of spiritual stillness:

• Increased receptivity to divine guidance
• Enhanced ability to process experiences
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Greater clarity in decision-making

By regularly engaging in periods of stillness and non-doing, Latter-day Saints can cultivate a more profound spiritual life and better align themselves with God's will. This practice of stillness can be incorporated into daily routines, such as morning meditation, mindful walks, or moments of quiet reflection throughout the day.

3. Prayer as a mindful practice deepens communion with God

Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue; God's voice is its most essential part. Listening to God's voice is the secret of the assurance that He will listen to mine.

Prayer as two-way communication. Mindful prayer involves not just speaking to God, but creating space to listen and receive. This approach transforms prayer from a one-sided monologue into a rich, two-way dialogue with the Divine.

Elements of mindful prayer:

• Begin with moments of silence to center oneself
• Pay attention to physical sensations and emotions
• Allow for pauses to listen for divine impressions
• Cultivate an attitude of openness and receptivity

By approaching prayer as a mindful practice, Latter-day Saints can deepen their relationship with God, increase their spiritual sensitivity, and find greater peace and guidance in their daily lives.

4. Quieting the mind allows for greater spiritual insight

The quieter you become, the more you can hear.

Silence amplifies spiritual receptivity. By learning to quiet the constant chatter of the mind, individuals can create space for deeper spiritual insights and divine communication. This practice of mental stillness enhances one's ability to discern truth and receive personal revelation.

Techniques for quieting the mind:

• Focus on breath or a sacred word
• Observe thoughts without attachment
• Practice regular meditation
• Engage in contemplative scripture study

As Latter-day Saints cultivate a quieter mind, they may find increased clarity in their spiritual lives, enhanced ability to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and a deeper understanding of gospel principles.

5. Living in the present moment enriches eternal perspective

Forever is composed of nows.

Eternal life begins now. While Latter-day Saints focus on eternal progression, mindfulness teaches that fully experiencing the present moment is key to developing an eternal perspective. By being fully present, individuals can better appreciate God's hand in their lives and make choices aligned with eternal principles.

Benefits of present-moment awareness:

• Increased gratitude for daily blessings
• Better recognition of divine guidance
• Enhanced ability to make righteous choices
• Deeper appreciation for mortal experience

Living mindfully in the present doesn't negate eternal goals but enhances one's ability to progress towards them. By fully engaging with each moment, Latter-day Saints can find greater joy in their mortal journey and better prepare for eternity.

6. Mindful relationships foster Christlike love and understanding

Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.

Mindful presence enhances love. By bringing full attention and presence to relationships, individuals can cultivate deeper connections and more Christlike love. This mindful approach to relationships allows for greater empathy, understanding, and genuine care for others.

Practices for mindful relationships:

• Give undivided attention during conversations
• Practice active listening without judgment
• Cultivate empathy by imagining others' perspectives
• Respond thoughtfully rather than reactively

As Latter-day Saints apply mindfulness principles to their relationships, they can create stronger families, more unified wards, and a greater sense of Zion-like community. This approach aligns with Christ's teachings on love and can lead to more fulfilling and spiritually enriching relationships.

7. Mindful parenting creates a nurturing family environment

No other work transcends that of righteous, intentional parenting!

Intentional parenting cultivates spiritual growth. Mindful parenting involves bringing full presence and awareness to interactions with children, creating a nurturing environment that supports spiritual and emotional growth. This approach aligns with the divine pattern of parenting exemplified by Heavenly Parents.

Key aspects of mindful parenting:

• Create regular moments of focused attention with each child
• Establish family rituals that encourage presence and connection
• Model emotional regulation and self-awareness
• Approach discipline with compassion and teaching intent

By incorporating mindfulness into parenting, Latter-day Saint families can create homes that serve as sanctuaries of peace and spiritual growth. This approach not only benefits children but also helps parents find greater joy and fulfillment in their sacred stewardship.

Last updated: November 19, 2024