What Christians should know about mindfulness, yoga, and hypnosis …

As people seek effective ways to improve their mental health and physical fitness, practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and hypnosis have gained significant popularity. However, these methods come with potential risks for Christians, as they can lead believers into spiritual confusion and compromise. Mindfulness and yoga may expose individuals to influences that conflict with their faith and could even connect them to practices rooted in the worship of false gods. Hypnosis is often misunderstood and can evoke fear among those unfamiliar with its true nature and potentially significant value. It is important for Christians to approach these practices with discernment to safeguard their spiritual integrity.

MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness has gained significant popularity as a stress-relief technique and a way to cultivate mental clarity. However, this seemingly innocent practice can, depending on its context, either draw believers closer to God or subtly shift them toward self-worship.

Mindfulness is defined as the practice of focusing attention on the present moment, observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s widely used in therapeutic settings to help individuals manage anxiety, stress, and other mental health challenges by encouraging a non-reactive awareness of the present. Its modern form, however, has deep connections to Eastern religions like Buddhism, where it serves as a path toward enlightenment, a practice of emptying the mind to reach a higher state of being.

When approached from a biblical framework, mindfulness can be helpful if it aids believers in focusing their thoughts on God. The Bible encourages Christians to be still before the Lord (Psalm 46:10) and meditate on His Word (Joshua 1:8). Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:8 to “… fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” and in Colossians 3:2 to “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth” could be seen as a form of Christ-centered mindfulness, focusing on godly things to renew the mind.

However, when mindfulness shifts from focusing on God to a self-centered quest for inner peace or emptying the mind— a core aspect of Eastern mindfulness — it becomes dangerous. Scripture never instructs us to empty our minds but to fill them with the knowledge of God (Romans 12:2). The peace Christians are called to embrace comes only from Christ (John 14:27), not from any form of mental detachment or self-reliance. In such cases, mindfulness ceases to be a neutral tool and becomes a gateway to unbiblical practices that can pull us away from reliance on God.

YOGA
Yoga is one of the most controversial fitness and wellness trends, and for good reason. While some fitness professionals and enthusiasts claim that yoga is simply a form of exercise with physical benefits, its origins and spiritual undertones make it a far more complicated issue for Christians to navigate.

Yoga, in its essence, is more than physical exercise. Historically, it is a spiritual practice rooted in Hinduism, designed to align body, mind, and spirit to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The physical postures (asanas) in yoga are often intertwined with specific mantras and spiritual meanings, serving as a form of worship to various Hindu false gods.

It’s essential to acknowledge that the physical benefits of stretching, improving flexibility, and gaining strength can be achieved through many other forms of exercise without engaging in yoga. While some Christians attempt to participate in yoga by removing its spiritual elements and focusing solely on the physical, this poses a serious problem. Many of the yoga positions themselves are rooted in spiritual practices — physical postures of worship to pagan deities, whether intentionally acknowledged or not.

Scripture is clear: “You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you” (Exodus 34:14, NLT). This command resonates in the New Testament as well, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of devotion to God, saying, “You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him,” Matthew 4:10. Even if a Christian’s intent is not to engage in Hindu worship, the spiritual origins and meanings of yoga cannot be easily stripped away. Engaging in yoga can open doors to spiritual deception and align believers with practices that contradict biblical teaching. Given the many alternative fitness options available, it’s wiser and safer for Christians to steer clear of yoga entirely.

HYPNOSIS
Hypnosis is often misunderstood as a mysterious or even frightening process, where individuals might fear losing control of their minds. However, hypnosis is actually a focused state of attention that allows individuals to engage with their subconscious thoughts while remaining fully aware and in control.

At its core, hypnosis involves redirecting the brain’s attention inward. This focused concentration can lead to an altered state of consciousness, where the individual becomes more open to suggestions and less influenced by external distractions. Importantly, this does not mean losing control; rather, individuals in hypnosis retain full awareness of their surroundings and can reject suggestions that conflict with their values or beliefs.

Research in psychology and neuroscience has shown that hypnosis can facilitate profound changes in perception and behavior. For instance, studies using brain imaging techniques have demonstrated that specific areas of the brain become more active during hypnosis, enhancing the brain’s ability to process information, manage pain, and reduce anxiety. This suggests that hypnosis can effectively tap into the mind’s potential to foster healing and personal growth.

Hypnosis has been studied extensively as a therapeutic tool, particularly in managing conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, and phobias. It has been shown to be safe when conducted by trained professionals, and individuals do not give up their ability to think critically or make decisions. Instead, they may find that their heightened focus allows for greater introspection and insight into their thoughts and behaviors.

However, Christians should approach hypnosis with caution. Some practitioners may incorporate techniques or suggestions that are inconsistent with biblical teachings, potentially leading individuals into spiritual territory that could compromise their faith. It is essential for practitioners to respect the individual’s beliefs and for clients to clearly communicate their values and boundaries.

While hypnosis can be a helpful tool, it should not replace traditional medical or psychological treatments. It is important for individuals to seek out qualified professionals who understand both the therapeutic benefits of hypnosis and the potential spiritual implications involved.

In summary, hypnosis can serve as a valuable therapeutic tool when used appropriately. Individuals should remain vigilant and discerning, seeking guidance from practitioners who honor their beliefs and provide a safe, supportive environment for exploration.

A NEED FOR DISCERNMENT
As Christians, it’s important to exercise wisdom and discernment when faced with popular mental health or fitness trends like mindfulness, yoga, and hypnosis. Not everything that promotes physical or mental well-being aligns with God’s truth. While certain forms of mindfulness or clinical hypnosis can have legitimate uses within a biblical framework, practices like yoga introduce spiritual risks that Christians cannot afford to ignore. Above all, our focus must remain on Christ, who offers us the true peace and healing we seek.

Scotty