Episode 166 - How Catholic Mindfulness Makes You A Better Catholic
Feb 20, 2024
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Dr. Greg discusses the intersection of spirituality and psychology, emphasizing the benefits of Catholic mindfulness in deepening our connection with God. Topics include integrating mindfulness with Catholic values, the developmental nature of spirituality, and empowering spiritual growth through mindfulness-based techniques.
Catholic mindfulness integrates spirituality and psychology for deeper spiritual growth.
Acceptance and self-awareness are vital in practicing mindfulness to navigate life's challenges effectively.
Deep dives
Connecting mindfulness with Catholic spirituality
The podcast episode begins by introducing a series of episodes that will unpack the book 'The Mindful Catholic.' The host, Dr. Greg Bitaro, discusses the need for a new model of therapy that integrates Catholic faith and psychology. He addresses the potential challenges of practicing mindfulness, which is often derived from a Buddhist perspective, from a Catholic standpoint. Dr. Bitaro explains the importance of Catholic mindfulness, which involves integrating the practices of mindfulness with the teachings and values of the Catholic faith. He emphasizes that Catholic mindfulness is not about emptying the mind or avoiding suffering, but rather redirecting focus towards the present moment and accepting difficulties while relying on God's providence.
Integrating ideas from classic spiritual books
Dr. Greg Bitaro discusses how classic spiritual books like 'Abandonment to Divine Providence' and 'The Practice of the Presence of God' connect with the principles of mindfulness. He highlights the inspiring ideas found in these books, such as trusting in God's will and practicing constant awareness of God's presence. However, Dr. Bitaro also recognizes the challenge of implementing these ideas in daily life. He points out that simply reading these books or having moments of inspiration is not enough to sustain a consistent spiritual practice. He emphasizes the need for practical strategies and psychological understanding to bridge the gap between intellectual understanding and lived experience.
Acceptance and avoidance in mindfulness practice
The podcast explores the concept of acceptance as central to mindfulness practice. Dr. Greg Bitaro discusses how avoidance and distraction tend to be our default coping mechanisms when faced with difficulties and challenges. He highlights the tendency to ruminate, problem-solve, or distract ourselves to avoid experiencing discomfort or pain. However, he acknowledges that these coping methods are often ineffective in the long run and can even exacerbate the difficulties we face. To counter this, Dr. Bitaro explains the importance of developing self-awareness and learning practical techniques to redirect our focus towards the present moment. By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind avoidance and learning to accept and embrace difficulties, we can cultivate a more mindful and resilient approach to life.
Integrating contemporary psychology with spiritual practices
Dr. Greg Bitaro emphasizes the importance of integrating contemporary psychology with spiritual practices. He highlights how understanding the concepts of human psychology, such as how our brains function and how our emotions impact our thoughts, can enhance our spiritual growth and practice. By embracing a holistic and integrated approach to being human, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves, our faith, and our relationship with God. Dr. Bitaro emphasizes the need to move beyond the intellectual level and actively implement practical strategies informed by contemporary psychology to fully embody the teachings of mindfulness and Catholic spirituality.
Welcome to Episode 166 of the Being Human Podcast: How Catholic Mindfulness Makes You a Better Catholic
As we enter the season of Lent, join us for a special series where we unpack Dr. Greg’s book, The Mindful Catholic. Over the next six episodes, we will have insightful discussions along with beloved guests as we explore how mindfulness aligns with Catholic values and enhances our spiritual journey.
In this episode, Dr. Greg talks about the intersection of spirituality and psychology, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of how our minds work in relation to our spiritual journey. By embracing practices like mindfulness, we can cultivate a deeper connection with God and navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and peace. This holistic approach to spirituality offers a path towards an intimate union with God and fulfillment in our daily lives. May this Lenten series be a meaningful journey towards integration and a drawing closer to the Lord.
Discussed in the Episode:
The relevance of Catholic mindfulness and how it can help us grow deeper in living out our faith and understanding the presence of God in our lives
An exploration of the developmental nature of spirituality and how psychology and philosophy enriches our understanding of both our faith and human experience
How mindfulness-based techniques can empower us to deepen our spiritual journey while navigating life's complexities
The importance of constantly evolving in our understanding of human psychology to deepen our understanding of our self so we can live more authentically
The integration between intellect and the heart, and using this in the present moment to keep ourselves motivated and sustained in our faith journey
Examining the dynamics of acceptance and avoidance in facing life's difficulties, drawing parallels between spiritual surrender and psychological resilience
Understanding the role of rumination in avoiding discomfort and the transformative power of accepting the present moment with trust and surrender
Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE’s - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more!
Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!
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