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THE MINDFUL CHRISTIAN
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Practicing what I preach

2/19/2020

5 Comments

 
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We never know what a week will bring! My new book launched yesterday, and I crossed the midnight threshold of the day in an ER, before being transferred to another ER, before being hospitalized for a rare infection that now requires a 48-hour IV antibiotic treatment. This definitely was not the plan for launch week!

I love mindfulness for times like these. It helps me roll with it. It reminds me that change is the norm - that I'm not okay because I'm in control, but I'm okay because I'm in God's hands. It keeps me slightly amused by the every-shifting landscape of day-to-day life, moment-to-moment, with all of its challenges. And it definitely helps me receive the joy in the midst of the challenge.

But what I planned to write you about yesterday (and now today) is that The Mindful Christian book is out! If you're in the Grand Rapids, MI, area, please join us for a 7pm book launch celebration tomorrow (Thursday, February 20) at Baker Book House - you can reserve your free ticket here. And if you're not in the area or have other plans, I hope you'll find a copy of the book elsewhere and then have your own personal celebration! Better yet, share it with your friends at church, Bible study, book group, or work, and practice mindfulness together :). It's available online and in bookstores.

Building on the work of this website & blog over the past several years, The Mindful Christian book will provide you with an overview of mindfulness principles, devotional-style exploration of mindful Christian faith, and many practical exercises to try out on your own. It's meant to be a tool for you on your spiritual journey, helping you to clear the path to God's presence on your walk of Christian discipleship. I hope you will find the book to be an inspirational and helpful tool!

Back to my health... looks like I'm going to be okay, and a mindful lens has allowed me to enjoy these hospital pleasures over the past couple days:
  • flowers from a visitor
  • jokes written on the hospital room white board by my husband
  • a tiny pile of Skittles saved for me by my son, along with a Tae Kwon Do performance in my hospital room
  • extra time off of work to engage with Instagram & Facebook friends on launch day!
  • a looping walk through the sunny hallways of the hospital
  • a phone I can use to dial 2-FOOD any time I'm hungry (not sure why I don't have one of these at home...)
  • cable television
  • kind nursing care
  • a coffee machine right outside my room
  • and more...

These are the kinds of little pleasures that make up happiness - I don't want to miss them, whether the week is ordinary like last week or drama-filled like this week. I want to be paying attention so I can receive all the good stuff God has for me, moment to moment.

From my unexpected hospital bed, happy launch week!!

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5 Comments
Elizabeth
2/19/2020 10:11:00 pm

Wish we could be there. Sorry to miss the disco party!

Love you all!

Reply
Jeannette Coppoolse link
2/20/2020 02:28:36 am

I would love to meet in person and I will some day. I wish I could be there tonight but I live in the Netherlands!! Michigan is my second home on the other side of the ocean. Baker Book House was my wonderful ‘escape’ at times. I am looking forward to your book; my friend will get me a copy. And I’m looking forward to more audio guided meditation. I use it every day!
Be blessed! Jeannette

Reply
Irene
2/20/2020 03:18:54 pm

Hi Jeannette- That does sound like a long commute, so I understand why you can’t be there tonight :). I appreciate you seeking out the book though, and I do plan to release some audio meditation guides soon that will be posted on the website. Thanks for saying hello! -Irene

Reply
Helen Banks link
2/23/2020 02:50:15 pm

Hi Irene. From ‘over the pond’ in England I have been eagerly anticipating your new book! I’m sorry to hear of your hospitalisation - but, wow, you have used the opportunity to show how in times of difficulty we can mindfully appreciate God’s goodness rather than feel sorry for ourselves. What an example! You continue to inspire me. When I first trained in mindfulness at Oxford Uni, I came up against some opposition from fellow Christians. The wisdom on your website and blog reassured me that God was indeed calling me to understand how mindfulness and my faith could be worked together for all things good! Rest well and recover. Blessings.

Reply
Irene link
2/25/2020 10:18:34 pm

Thank you for your lovely note - it is very encouraging to know the website has been of help to others on the journey of Christian mindfulness! If you ever travel to Michigan from across the pond, please stop by Grand Rapids and say hello :).

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    Author

    I am Irene Kraegel, a licensed clinical psychologist providing services through ​Dwell Psychological Services and teaching mindfulness on a faith-based university campus. I practice mindfulness because it opens me up to God (a.k.a. brings joy). I am writing here in hopes of sharing some of my experiences and thoughts related to the practice of mindfulness in the life of a Christian. Thanks for reading!

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  • Home
  • BOOKS
  • Training
  • Christian Virtue & Mindfulness
    • Renewal of the Mind (& Neuroplasticity)
    • Gratitude (& Awareness)
    • Humility (& Beginner's Mind)
    • Contentment (& Acceptance)
    • Grace (& Self-Compassion)
    • Compassion (& Common Humanity)
    • Prayer (& Openness)
    • Worship (& Curiosity)
  • Guides for Practice
    • Physical Meditation Postures
    • Meditation Audio Guides & Apps >
      • Lovingkindness Guide
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