Holy Noticing

This book takes the recently popular concept of mindfulness and translates it for the thoughtful Christian. Mindfulness is an ancient Christian spiritual discipline, not just a pagan one. This book gives the Christian history of mindfulness, which the author calls "holy noticing" and also the current scientific research. Mindfulness practices (holy noticing) can rewire our brains in a positive direction and help Christians become more like Christ.

I enjoyed both the science, history and Biblical insights in this book. My concern is that the practice the author suggests is a bit too complicated There are seven components he suggests that readers focus on. As I read each chapter, I could see how each component is useful, but trying to implement all of them would be overwhelming to the average person.

This book would be most useful for pastors, spiritual advisors, and Christian counselors as they work with individuals.

I received a complementary advanced copy of this book from the publisher on NetGally.

I definitely found this book useful and informative. I probably won't be following the exact formula the author lays out to incorporate holy noticing into our day (too many steps). It has made me think throughout the day of how I can be more present in my life and my walk with The Lord.

Mindfulness is a popular practice today. Stone reminds us that the practice, holy noticing, is a spiritual discipline Christians have used for centuries. It is a way to be more aware of God and what He is doing in us, others, and the world. It is also good for our physical, emotional and spiritual health. And Stone has the research results to convince us.

He offers the specific practice of holy noticing around the acronym BREATHe.

B: Ponder and Yield Your Body
R: Review and Renew your Relationships
E: Notice and Engage your Environment
A: Label and Release Your Afflictive Emotions (Affect)
T: Be Conscious of Current Thoughts
H: Pay Attention to your Spiritual Life (Heart) and the Spirit's whispers
e: engage the world like Christ

I can tell that Stone has a scientific background. He is the first person who has explained what deep breathing does in the brain. Understanding the why of it has helped me be more committed to the doing of it. He is also very precise in his holy noticing instructions. He gives specific directions for each of the BREATHe exercises. He provides anchor Scripture passages, specific steps to take, and additional resources available at the book's website.

My favorite aspect of the book was the breathing exercise using the Jesus Prayer or something similar. I know we are to be aware of God's presence always. Yet our minds wander so easily, loosing focus in just seconds. Doing the breathing exercise with the short prayer is a great way to get focused back on God's presence.

The benefits of the kind of practice Stone outlines in this book are great. If you have been intrigued by the idea of mindfulness and wonder how the practice can be a spiritual discipline, this book is for you. If you are already convinced of the benefits of the spiritual discipline but needed specific instruction to do it, you will find it here. If you want to keep God's purposes and perspectives in mind, this book will help you in your effort.

The ultimate reason we would want to practice the spiritual discipline of holy noticing is as Stone emphasizes – to become more Christlike.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

At a time when the concept of mindfulness is once again peeking at us through the clouds, the need for a Christian perspective is necessary. Dr. Stone elegantly reveals, with intellectual soundness, the often ignored linkage between mindfulness and Christianity.

Highly recommended for Christians seeking a detailed methodology, based on science and biblically-rooted, on intentionally seeking, and paying attention to God’s work in the world around them. Moreover, readers who studied Richard Foster’s text, Celebration of Discipline, will connect the Inward Disciplines with Dr. Stone’s insights and research.