Maybe the link will work now:
As you can see, what Ruysbroeck was describing in the 14th century is a practice basically akin to the “mindfulness meditation” you are referring to here. There is nothing sinful about it, nothing virtuous either, its simply available to everyone naturally who strives for it - and as he says above it is satisfying for an individual to experience the fruits of, such as reducing stress, anxiety and so forth.
I use something similar with lectio Divina.I see nothing incompatible with the Catholic Faith in what you are suggesting. It would be for you like a mental equivalent to Pilates and non-religious Yoga, am I right?
Also, seeking a purely “natural rest” for the mind, in which it has found a serenity from disturbing thoughts, is not disapproved of even in the Christian mystical tradition. It isn’t seen as beneficial spiritually either, of course when compared with supernatural rest found in contemplative prayer, nonetheless one of our greatest contemplatives, Blessed Jan van Ruysbroeck concedes:
As you can see, what Ruysbroeck was describing in the 14th century is a practice basically akin to the “mindfulness meditation” you are referring to here. There is nothing sinful about it, nothing virtuous either, its simply available to everyone naturally who strives for it - and as he says above it is satisfying for an individual to experience the fruits of, such as reducing stress, anxiety and so forth.
One thing I would say though is that “meditation” for us Catholics refers to discursive prayer focused, for example, on sacred images and mysteries of the faith such as the Passion of Christ. I would therefore, generally speaking, not use the word “meditation” to refer to a practice which is not “meditation” for us, if you know what I mean.
But on your mindfulness practice
To me this mindless meditation looks like contemplative prayer except for the very last step. The last step of mindless meditation allows the mind to accept thought, whereas contemplation wants the mind to remain in a state of openness to the the Holy Spirit in readiness and waiting for his special touch.I see nothing incompatible with the Catholic Faith in what you are suggesting. It would be for you like a mental equivalent to Pilates and non-religious Yoga, am I right?
Also, seeking a purely “natural rest” for the mind, in which it has found a serenity from disturbing thoughts, is not disapproved of even in the Christian mystical tradition. It isn’t seen as beneficial spiritually either, of course when compared with supernatural rest found in contemplative prayer, nonetheless one of our greatest contemplatives, Blessed Jan van Ruysbroeck concedes:
As you can see, what Ruysbroeck was describing in the 14th century is a practice basically akin to the “mindfulness meditation” you are referring to here. There is nothing sinful about it, nothing virtuous either, its simply available to everyone naturally who strives for it - and as he says above it is satisfying for an individual to experience the fruits of, such as reducing stress, anxiety and so forth.
One thing I would say though is that “meditation” for us Catholics refers to discursive prayer focused, for example, on sacred images and mysteries of the faith such as the Passion of Christ. I would therefore, generally speaking, not use the word “meditation” to refer to a practice which is not “meditation” for us, if you know what I mean.
But on your mindfulness practice
Sorry it took so long to respond (I almost NEVER go back to my old posts), but yes, yes, yes! Mindfulness Meditation is the best thing my husband can do to control his depression; it works far better than any drug or counseling he ever had. He must do it every, single day and I usually check a few times a week, or he forgets, but there is slow, constant improvement all the time. Situations that would have cause major meltdowns a couple of years ago are pretty much laughed off now or briefly commented on and then forgotten. He still has a ways to go, and there are setbacks, but the worst is over. I recommend it to anyone who asks about it.
Emptiness is not mindless meditation, but rather detaching from thoughts and images which are not the focus of our intention, which is being in the presence of God.