Christian Mindfulness: Hearing God Through the Body

Christian mindfulness and the mind-body connection aren’t about escaping our feelings…it’s about tuning in with curiosity, movement, and grace. It’s about meeting God where we are, even when we feel off-center.

It was one of those mornings.

I had woken up a few minutes late, already feeling the pressure to jump into my to-do list. Inside, I felt heavy – like everything was moving, but I wasn’t really present. My heart felt disconnected. My body, sluggish.

I opened my Bible and read my usual devotional readings, hoping something would spark. But journaling from that flat, foggy place felt forced. So instead of pushing through, I stepped outside and took a walk.

Sometimes that’s the most faithful thing we can do.

Why Movement Helps: Christian Mindfulness and the Mind-Body Connection

Movement has a way of helping the mind and heart catch up with the body. It brings clarity without forcing it.

According to Polyvagal Theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, gentle movement helps calm the nervous system and bring us back to center. When we’re overwhelmed, our bodies often stay stuck in survival mode. But activities like walking – steady, rhythmic, simple – signal to our body that it’s okay to soften, to breathe, to be present.

It helps us get present – body and soul – so we can hear from God more clearly.

Your Body Is Speaking – God Might Be Too

We often approach quiet time as something that only involves our minds and our Bibles. But when your chest is tight, your breath is shallow, and your body feels tense, it can be hard to hear God clearly.

Christian mindfulness means paying attention to what your body is telling you and realizing God is speaking through it.

That anxious feeling? It’s not failure. It’s information.

That restlessness? It might be an invitation to move.

That ache in your back or tight jaw? It may be carrying emotions you haven’t had space to process.

When I walked that morning, it wasn’t about getting answers. It was about giving my body room to breathe.

A Gentle Practice to Try

If your time with God has felt dry lately, or your thoughts are racing before your feet hit the floor, here’s something to try:

• Take a walk or stretch…even for five minutes.
• Breathe deeply.
• Pay attention to how your body feels – tense, tired, open, tight.
• Instead of asking God for anything, just notice. Breathe.

You don’t have to feel anything dramatic.
Just allow the movement and breath to do its work.

Here’s a simple breath prayer:

(Inhale) “Lord Jesus…”
(Exhale) “…I move with You.”

A Quiet Reminder

If your body has felt tense, your mind cluttered, or your heart tired – take a moment to re-center.

Move.
Breathe.
Listen.

The body and the Spirit are not separate.
God often uses one to reach the other.

If you’ve been waiting to feel close to God again, maybe it’s time to stop trying harder – and start moving gently with Him.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Have a question about something in this post or about journaling and hearing from God in general? Leave a comment below! I’d love to hear what’s stirring in your heart and will be answering questions.

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