How Does Mindfulness Facilitate Spiritual Care?

摘要

Sandra*, my chronic wound patient, was having a difficult and sleepless night. Waiting for relief from her rescue analgesic, she imagined herself in the arms of Jesus and gradually, in prayer, she realized her pain had been carried by Christ. Sandra's experience was a lesson in Christian mindfulness, the use of imagery to help cope with chronic pain or suffering. Sandra acknowledges that Scripture memorization allows for a readily available source of comforting thoughts. She is especially fond of the apostle Paul, drawing from his encounters as recounted in his letters. She finds strength, relying on God's promises through tough times. Perhaps she finds Paul easy to imitate, as he too may have suffered from chronic pain. "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me" (2 Corinthians 12:8, NIV).