The Christian Psychologist: Mental Health for 21st Century Christ Followers

Episode 18: The Present Moment

4 snips

Dec 25, 2022

Discover the importance of living in the present moment and its profound impact on mental wellness. Learn how modern distractions can hinder your relationship with God. Explore Brother Lawrence's teachings on mindfulness and daily conversations with the divine. Uncover the benefits of present moment awareness for reducing anxiety and stress. Plus, find out how walking meditation can deepen your connection with God and help you navigate life's challenges.

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ANECDOTE

Knabb's Past Struggles

Dr. Knabb's parents' divorce during his adolescence led him to dwell on the past and fear the future.
He learned to "think in twos," considering himself and God in each moment.

INSIGHT

Present Moment Awareness

Present moment awareness is key in mental health, emphasized in therapies like ACT and MBCT.
It involves anchoring oneself to the present, avoiding distractions from the past or future.

INSIGHT

Mindfulness and Mental Disorders

Anxiety, trauma, and depression often involve fixating on the past or future.
Present moment awareness, cultivated through mindfulness, can alleviate psychological suffering.

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References

Bishop, S., Lau, M., Shapiro, S., Carlson, L., Anderson, N., Carmody, J., Segal, Z., Abbey, S., Speca, M., Velting, D., & Devins, G. (2004). Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 11, 230-241.

Feldman, G., Hayes, A., Kumar, S., Greeson, J., & Laurenceau, J. (2007). Mindfulness and emotion regulation: The development and initial validation of the cognitive and affective mindfulness scale-revised (CAMS-R). Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 29, 177-190.

Hayes, S., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.

Knabb, J. (2018). The compassion-based workbook for Christian clients: Finding freedom from shame and negative self-judgments. Routledge.

Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.

Knabb, J. (2022). Acceptance and commitment therapy for Christian clients: A faith-based workbook (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Knabb, J. (2022). Faith-based ACT for Christian clients: An integrative treatment approach (2nded.). Routledge.

Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., & Wang, K. (2021). The Christian Contentment Scale: An emic measure for assessing inner satisfaction within the Christian tradition. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 49, 324-341.

Knabb, J., Pate, R., Sullivan, S., Salley, E., Miller, A., & Boyer, W. (2020). “Walking with God”: Developing and pilot testing a manualized four-week program combining Christian meditation and light-to-moderate physical activity for daily stress. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 23, 756-776.

Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Pate, R., Garzon, F., Wang, K., Edison-Riley, D., Slick, A., Smith, R., & Weber, S. (2021). Christian meditation for trauma-based rumination: A two-part study examining the effects of an internet-based four-week program. Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Advance online publication.

Lawrence, B. (2015). The practice of the presence of God. (S. Sciurba, Trans.). ICS Publications.

Segal, Z., Williams, M., & Teasdale, J. (2012). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.