Delve into the power of stillness and mindfulness with Ty Mansfield as he discusses how embracing stillness can deepen our connection with God and enhance spiritual growth. Explore the benefits of quiet reflection, finding joy in Jesus Christ, and the transformative effects of reconnecting with oneself through meditation and self-awareness.
Practicing stillness can deepen intimacy with God and enhance self-awareness.
Mindfulness aids in healing, strengthens faith, and improves relationships with others.
Busyness poses a challenge to spiritual growth by hindering moments of stillness and connection with God.
Deep dives
The Importance of Stillness in Spiritual Growth
The podcast explores the significance of stillness in spiritual development. It emphasizes the challenge of being still and focusing on thoughts and communion with God amidst the distractions of the modern world. By pushing pause and taking time for stillness, individuals can benefit physically, mentally, and spiritually. The speaker highlights the rarity of moments of stillness in today's busy world, where busyness can hinder relationships with God.
Healing Through Mindfulness and Communing with God
Mindfulness is discussed as a way to heal and deepen one's relationship with God. The podcast mentions the mental health benefits of mindfulness, addressing the impact of busyness on well-being. The Chinese characters for 'busy' and 'mindfulness' are contrasted to illustrate the importance of bringing the heart into the present. Mindfulness is portrayed as a path to living more fully, communing with God, and enhancing relationships with others.
The Impact of Busyness on Spiritual Development
Busyness is identified as a hindrance to spiritual growth by interfering with valuable moments of stillness. The podcast mentions a survey of Christian leaders indicating how busyness often disrupts their relationship development with God. It explores the concept of earning more 'wages' through being busy and the need to address mental health effects caused by hectic lifestyles.
Principles of Stillness and Mindful Living
The episode delves into the principles of stillness and mindful living, particularly focusing on how mindfulness can enhance faith practices. The speakers discuss bringing mindfulness into various aspects of life, such as marriage, parenting, and spiritual rituals like prayer and scripture study. Mindfulness is described as a way to sanctify daily activities and deepen spiritual connections.
Journey to Self-Discovery and Healing
The podcast reveals the speaker's personal journey towards self-discovery and healing, leading to a deeper connection with Christ. Through experiences in therapy and academia, the importance of growth, development, and healing is highlighted. The speaker emphasizes learning from challenges, cultivating compassion towards oneself, and finding healing through inner reflection and relationship with God.
Elder M. Russell Ballard expressed, “It is important to be still and listen and follow the Spirit. We simply have too many distractions to capture our attention, unlike any time in the history of the world.” The Restoration began with a young boy who sought stillness in a sacred grove, and President David O. McKay taught that meditation is one of the “most secret, most sacred doors” through which we come to know God. How can more stillness and mindful presence deepen our experience of intimacy with God, ourselves, and one another? In this episode, Professor Ty Mansfield discusses his book The Power of Stillness: Mindful Living for Latter-day Saints, coauthored with Jacob Z. Hess, Carrie Skarda, and Kyle Anderson, and outlines ways we might balance anxious engagement with intentional stillness. Dr. Mansfield discusses methods for implementing mindfulness into our daily lives and how such practices can deepen our conversion to the gospel and prepare us to receive more of the healing and enabling power of Jesus Christ.