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A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness
Mindfulness has come a long way from its days as an obscure Buddhist meditation technique known only to monks and a few New Age enthusiasts to what it is now-one of the hottest new spiritual practices of our day. It's being used by people of all ages, from all walks of life, for everything from gaining self-awareness and inner calm to treating PTSD and other anxiety disorders. Corporate executives, Hollywood stars, medical doctors, teachers, secretaries, and even clergy are avidly embracing it. But what exactly is this practice? Where does it come from and how did it become so popular, so fast? And what about all the media hype surrounding its much-publicized effectiveness for our mental health and well-being? Even more important, is this practice compatible with Catholicism? A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness attempts to answer these questions in a concise but compelling exploration of one of the most intriguing psycho-spiritual movements of our time.
124 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2017
About the author
Susan Brinkmann
22 books15 followersSusan Brinkmann, O.C.D.S., is an author and award-winning journalist is a member of the Third Order of Discalced Carmelites. She serves as Director of New Age Research for Women of Grace® (www.womenofgrace.com) and is a frequent guest on EWTN’s Women of Grace® television show. She is the founder of Live Catholic (www.livecatholic.org ), an educational nonprofit devoted to teaching authentic Catholic prayer in the Carmelite tradition to the faithful. Susan formerly worked as a Correspondent for the Catholic Standard & Times, the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
For the last 10 years she has been the lead researcher for Women of Grace’s New Age Q&A Blog which is the largest blog of its kind in the world. The library of information now exceeds 1600 entries on everything from acupuncture and angels to wicca and yoga.
She has also authored seventeen books, including The Learn to Discern Compendium: Is It Christian or New Age which has an imprimatur from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Avila Institute published her book, A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness which educates the Catholic faithful about the Buddhist practice of mindfulness and how it differs from authentic Catholic spirituality, teaching and thought. Along with Johnnette Williams, she co-authored the Young Women of Grace Study Program which teaches girls ages 13+ what it means to be authentically feminine. Susan’s Like a Catholic series which introduces Carmelite spirituality to the faithful. This series includes Pray Like a Catholic, Live Like a Catholic, Mindful Like a Catholic, and Fight Like a Catholic, all of which have imprimaturs from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Her daily devotional, entitled Day by Day in the Little Way: 365 Reflections on the Teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux introduces devotees to the Little Way of Spiritual Childhood.
In the fall of 2024, Viident Publications will launch Susan’s new series of Catholic women’s novels entitled The Chronicles of Ariella, a gripping saga of murder, romance and redemption that spans six novels and 2000 years of Church history.
Her national journalism awards include the Bernadine-O’Connor Award for Pro-Life Journalism, the Eileen Egan Journalism Award from Catholic Relief Services, and numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association and the Philadelphia Press Association.
For the last 10 years she has been the lead researcher for Women of Grace’s New Age Q&A Blog which is the largest blog of its kind in the world. The library of information now exceeds 1600 entries on everything from acupuncture and angels to wicca and yoga.
She has also authored seventeen books, including The Learn to Discern Compendium: Is It Christian or New Age which has an imprimatur from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Avila Institute published her book, A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness which educates the Catholic faithful about the Buddhist practice of mindfulness and how it differs from authentic Catholic spirituality, teaching and thought. Along with Johnnette Williams, she co-authored the Young Women of Grace Study Program which teaches girls ages 13+ what it means to be authentically feminine. Susan’s Like a Catholic series which introduces Carmelite spirituality to the faithful. This series includes Pray Like a Catholic, Live Like a Catholic, Mindful Like a Catholic, and Fight Like a Catholic, all of which have imprimaturs from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Her daily devotional, entitled Day by Day in the Little Way: 365 Reflections on the Teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux introduces devotees to the Little Way of Spiritual Childhood.
In the fall of 2024, Viident Publications will launch Susan’s new series of Catholic women’s novels entitled The Chronicles of Ariella, a gripping saga of murder, romance and redemption that spans six novels and 2000 years of Church history.
Her national journalism awards include the Bernadine-O’Connor Award for Pro-Life Journalism, the Eileen Egan Journalism Award from Catholic Relief Services, and numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association and the Philadelphia Press Association.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 22, 2018
This book was recommended to me by a spiritual director, it was recommended after I had concerns about another book I had been asked to review. I am so thankful I have read this book. This book put into words a lot about the unease I was feeling about the other title in my spirit. I am grateful I no longer feel the need to finish every book I start, and very thankful I did not finish, The Mindful Catholic: Finding God One Moment at a Time by Dr. Gregory Bottaro. And I want to begin with what this book has that that book did not. This book has both a Nihil Obstat by Colin B. Donovan, S.T.L. and an Imprimatur: + by Robert J. Baker, S.T.D.. The Nihil Obstat is a certification by an official censor that this book is not objectionable on doctrinal or moral grounds from a Catholic theological perspective. And the Imprimatur is a license to print an approved ecclesiastical or religious book. Not only did those two items give me confidence in this book, I could hardly put this book down once I started. It was such a balanced and honest examination of the topic of Mindfulness and the compatibility with Catholic teaching and practice.
Dr. Clark in the introduction uses an analogy of a car:
"Common sense tells us that the direction one drives a car determines the place one arrives at, and spiritual practice is no different. When one understands well the intentions of Christian prayer and mindfulness, it is clear that, at their root, they point in contrasting directions. Buddhist techniques aim entirely at the locus of human experience, while Christian prayer is directed through and well beyond the human experience toward God. The fifth century Theravada monk, Buddhaghosa, is one of the most influential Buddhist writers on the intention and meaning of meditation practices such as sati, or mindfulness. Mindfulness, he suggests, is intended to remove one from the external world; it is largely anti-relational, for relationships bring about attachment, and attachment causes suffering."
So, if as a Christian you are driving the car of your mind, are you driving it towards God, or are you driving deeper and deeper into yourself. You can only be heading one direction. And as this example clearly indicates, Mindfulness practices in the Buddhist styles are leading you away from God!
Clark then states:
"Certainly, a relative or friend is capable of being unkind, and it is wise to avoid the abuse of others, but the goal of Buddhist meditation, according to Buddhaghosa, is to become entirely self-focused and free from the joys and attachments of relationships so that one can escape from pain and the misery of reincarnation."
And he contrasts that with Christian mental prayer:
"Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us. The important thing is not to think much but to love much and so do that which best stirs you to love. Love is not great delight but desire to please God in everything."
Just from those few quotes from the introduction we clearly see where this book is coming from and why it is so needed today. And that is just the introduction the chapters in this book are:
Foreword
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness Goes Mainstream
The Science of Mindfulness
Do Buddhism and Catholicism Mix?
Mindfulness and Christian Prayer
Christian Alternatives to Mindfulness
This book starts with a history of mindfulness, both traditionally and as it has slowly gained popularity in the west. It also provides a clear history of how it spread in the west, including deliberate deceptiveness from it's early proponent and teachers. Then once it has established the origins of mindfulness, and it's infusion into western culture, and western psychology, it then proceeds to look at if that practice is compatible with Catholicism. From the conclusion that:
"The last chapter made it quite clear that mindfulness has no place in Christian prayer, either as a prelude, component, or adjunct.
But that doesn't mean it's easy to resist. Mindfulness has become the latest fad, and all fads are accompanied by a certain amount of pressure for the individual to conform in order to be reap the social benefits of those who tend to follow fads. And fads are usually very profitable for those who promote them, which explains why mindfulness is surrounded by more hype than fact."
It then concludes with offering Christian alternatives to mindfulness. Brinkmann States:
"On this path, we learn that Christ comes to us in a new and living way every day, and in every moment of every day. For this reason, our attention must remain focused on all of the events that occur, minute-by-minute, from the trivial to the sublime, because this is how God speaks to us."
And that is really what it is about. Will mindfulness draw us closer to God or not. If it will not as Christians, as Catholics we should not be engaging in it, no matter how popular, who is teaching it, or who is encouraging it. If we return to the forward Clark stated:
"This timely book provides answers to the many Catholics who have asked priests, sisters, and scholars whether such practices as mindfulness are appropriate or helpful to Christian spiritual growth and personal peace. The author Susan Brinkman has not written this book to create antagonisms between Catholics and Buddhists or those who practice mindfulness, but rather to objectively explore the truth claims of both and reveal whether or not they are compatible, particularly with respect to the growing fad and focus on mindfulness."
And that is exactly what this book delivers. It is not written to pick a fight. It is not written to criticize specific people, institutions or practices. It is written so that we can know the truth, and as Jesus stated in John 14:6 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father but through me.' And as this book clearly demonstrates Mindfulness does not focus on Jesus and therefore should be avoided!
This is an incredibly well written book. It is not a large volume coming in at 126 pages. But it packs a lot of meat. I really believe that every Catholic, every Christian should read this book, and they would have their eyes opened especially on the westernization of this Buddhist spiritual practice. I am very thankful this book was recommended to me and I recommend it to you.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
Dr. Clark in the introduction uses an analogy of a car:
"Common sense tells us that the direction one drives a car determines the place one arrives at, and spiritual practice is no different. When one understands well the intentions of Christian prayer and mindfulness, it is clear that, at their root, they point in contrasting directions. Buddhist techniques aim entirely at the locus of human experience, while Christian prayer is directed through and well beyond the human experience toward God. The fifth century Theravada monk, Buddhaghosa, is one of the most influential Buddhist writers on the intention and meaning of meditation practices such as sati, or mindfulness. Mindfulness, he suggests, is intended to remove one from the external world; it is largely anti-relational, for relationships bring about attachment, and attachment causes suffering."
So, if as a Christian you are driving the car of your mind, are you driving it towards God, or are you driving deeper and deeper into yourself. You can only be heading one direction. And as this example clearly indicates, Mindfulness practices in the Buddhist styles are leading you away from God!
Clark then states:
"Certainly, a relative or friend is capable of being unkind, and it is wise to avoid the abuse of others, but the goal of Buddhist meditation, according to Buddhaghosa, is to become entirely self-focused and free from the joys and attachments of relationships so that one can escape from pain and the misery of reincarnation."
And he contrasts that with Christian mental prayer:
"Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us. The important thing is not to think much but to love much and so do that which best stirs you to love. Love is not great delight but desire to please God in everything."
Just from those few quotes from the introduction we clearly see where this book is coming from and why it is so needed today. And that is just the introduction the chapters in this book are:
Foreword
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness Goes Mainstream
The Science of Mindfulness
Do Buddhism and Catholicism Mix?
Mindfulness and Christian Prayer
Christian Alternatives to Mindfulness
This book starts with a history of mindfulness, both traditionally and as it has slowly gained popularity in the west. It also provides a clear history of how it spread in the west, including deliberate deceptiveness from it's early proponent and teachers. Then once it has established the origins of mindfulness, and it's infusion into western culture, and western psychology, it then proceeds to look at if that practice is compatible with Catholicism. From the conclusion that:
"The last chapter made it quite clear that mindfulness has no place in Christian prayer, either as a prelude, component, or adjunct.
But that doesn't mean it's easy to resist. Mindfulness has become the latest fad, and all fads are accompanied by a certain amount of pressure for the individual to conform in order to be reap the social benefits of those who tend to follow fads. And fads are usually very profitable for those who promote them, which explains why mindfulness is surrounded by more hype than fact."
It then concludes with offering Christian alternatives to mindfulness. Brinkmann States:
"On this path, we learn that Christ comes to us in a new and living way every day, and in every moment of every day. For this reason, our attention must remain focused on all of the events that occur, minute-by-minute, from the trivial to the sublime, because this is how God speaks to us."
And that is really what it is about. Will mindfulness draw us closer to God or not. If it will not as Christians, as Catholics we should not be engaging in it, no matter how popular, who is teaching it, or who is encouraging it. If we return to the forward Clark stated:
"This timely book provides answers to the many Catholics who have asked priests, sisters, and scholars whether such practices as mindfulness are appropriate or helpful to Christian spiritual growth and personal peace. The author Susan Brinkman has not written this book to create antagonisms between Catholics and Buddhists or those who practice mindfulness, but rather to objectively explore the truth claims of both and reveal whether or not they are compatible, particularly with respect to the growing fad and focus on mindfulness."
And that is exactly what this book delivers. It is not written to pick a fight. It is not written to criticize specific people, institutions or practices. It is written so that we can know the truth, and as Jesus stated in John 14:6 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father but through me.' And as this book clearly demonstrates Mindfulness does not focus on Jesus and therefore should be avoided!
This is an incredibly well written book. It is not a large volume coming in at 126 pages. But it packs a lot of meat. I really believe that every Catholic, every Christian should read this book, and they would have their eyes opened especially on the westernization of this Buddhist spiritual practice. I am very thankful this book was recommended to me and I recommend it to you.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
September 28, 2018
After reading Awakening to Prayer, I was left with many questions about the Buddhist approach to prayer. Then coincidentally (?) this title crossed my path and I hoped it would help me understand Buddhism so as to determine the efficacy of the prayer methods recommended by the author, Fr. Augustine Ichiro Okumura. As they are both Carmelites, I hoped to find areas of overlap or confirmation of concepts.
Ms. Brinkman’s book is well-researched and extensively foot-noted throughout. She gives the impression (at least to me) that Catholicism and Buddhism are practically opposed to one another. Buddhism is not a religion. That much I knew. However, most of her focus was on Mindfulness—which seems to be a misnomer if I understand it correctly—it is supposed to be action directed toward emptying the mind, not filling it. It is also not good psychotherapy as most studies are biased in favor of those who want to prove the success of the treatment. She concluded with reference to Catholic alternatives to Mindfulness, such as, The Practice of the Presence of God, and the Spiritual Maxims and The Sacrament of the Present Moment, both excellent books, which help Christians focus prayer, or one’s mind on God in the present moment.
At the end, I am still left with the question, but what about, Fr. Okumura? Is he totally wrong? How is one to read his book? Did I misunderstand him? Or why did his prayer methods and indeed his prayers reach into me so deeply? He never recommended Mindfulness in any form, so perhaps this was not the book to read after all.
Still, wish I could get the two of them in the same room and hear the discussion.
Ms. Brinkman’s book is well-researched and extensively foot-noted throughout. She gives the impression (at least to me) that Catholicism and Buddhism are practically opposed to one another. Buddhism is not a religion. That much I knew. However, most of her focus was on Mindfulness—which seems to be a misnomer if I understand it correctly—it is supposed to be action directed toward emptying the mind, not filling it. It is also not good psychotherapy as most studies are biased in favor of those who want to prove the success of the treatment. She concluded with reference to Catholic alternatives to Mindfulness, such as, The Practice of the Presence of God, and the Spiritual Maxims and The Sacrament of the Present Moment, both excellent books, which help Christians focus prayer, or one’s mind on God in the present moment.
At the end, I am still left with the question, but what about, Fr. Okumura? Is he totally wrong? How is one to read his book? Did I misunderstand him? Or why did his prayer methods and indeed his prayers reach into me so deeply? He never recommended Mindfulness in any form, so perhaps this was not the book to read after all.
Still, wish I could get the two of them in the same room and hear the discussion.
December 31, 2017
'
A well documented book, with clear indications of what to do to achive peace in a permanent way in the presence of God . It's time for Catholics to regain pride and happines of being one.
A well documented book, with clear indications of what to do to achive peace in a permanent way in the presence of God . It's time for Catholics to regain pride and happines of being one.
April 10, 2018
Excellent! A Compelling Look at the Priceless Gift of God’s Love!
Ms. Brinkmann does a stupendous job articulating the core principles and spirituality of mindfulness, its claims, problems along with an excellent, succinct look at the research. The need for Catholics and all Christians to rightly discern popular spiritual practices is essential to healthy Christian Living. As a marriage and family therapist, spiritual life teacher and mentor, and lover of Christ, his Church, and souls... I can’t recommend it enough!
It should be required reading for anyone interested in and serious about knowing, loving, and serving the Living God. A primer and call to take the precious gift of faith in Christ seriously. Standing ovation to Susan Brinkmann for her courageous sharing of the truth about mindfulness as inherently incompatible to knowing and loving the true, uncreated, Living God!
Ms. Brinkmann does a stupendous job articulating the core principles and spirituality of mindfulness, its claims, problems along with an excellent, succinct look at the research. The need for Catholics and all Christians to rightly discern popular spiritual practices is essential to healthy Christian Living. As a marriage and family therapist, spiritual life teacher and mentor, and lover of Christ, his Church, and souls... I can’t recommend it enough!
It should be required reading for anyone interested in and serious about knowing, loving, and serving the Living God. A primer and call to take the precious gift of faith in Christ seriously. Standing ovation to Susan Brinkmann for her courageous sharing of the truth about mindfulness as inherently incompatible to knowing and loving the true, uncreated, Living God!
February 13, 2018
There is a difference between mindfulness and awareness of the presence of God.
April 18, 2018
My mind and soul are better after reading this book
This book drew me in and held me with such solid, easy to understand Christian/ Catholic truths that my day actually felt lighter every time I read even a few paragraphs. I recommend this book for everyone who has wondered about mindfulness and what it truly means. How the author wrapped the love of God around this subject is astounding.
This book drew me in and held me with such solid, easy to understand Christian/ Catholic truths that my day actually felt lighter every time I read even a few paragraphs. I recommend this book for everyone who has wondered about mindfulness and what it truly means. How the author wrapped the love of God around this subject is astounding.
June 19, 2019
Mindfulness is the catch-phrase in all aspects of our lives today. I heard Susan Brinkmann on the radio a few weeks ago, and knew I wanted to learn more about this phenomenon. Mindfulness goes beyond prayer and meditation, and I know this is at odds with my Catholic faith. Brinkmann describes all of the different kinds of meditations that are and were in vogue, and then makes an insightful comparison with what the Catholic faith teaches. Clear and to the point.
December 5, 2018
This book presents the history of the current mindfulness movement as being directly taken from Buddhism, and uses quotations from the "founder" to show that his purpose was to promote Buddhism to a broader audience by renaming its practices. The book also presents Carmelite spirituality as a much better alternative, along with references to Brother Lawerence's Practice of the Presence of God.
September 3, 2023
Beautifully presented
Brinkmann brings a thoughtfully presented comparison. Personally I had never considered the true root of a practice that I had tried and failed to master. Now I understand why it doesn’t work for me.
Brinkmann brings a thoughtfully presented comparison. Personally I had never considered the true root of a practice that I had tried and failed to master. Now I understand why it doesn’t work for me.
May 30, 2021
Lays out the essence & origin of Buddhism & all its nuances & then explains clearly & concisely why nothing about it is congruent with the Catholic Faith
Read
June 4, 2018Must read!
This is a great resource for spiritual directors and for anyone who wants to explore and deepen their spiritual life.
This is a great resource for spiritual directors and for anyone who wants to explore and deepen their spiritual life.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews