Christian mindfulness is a certain path toward serenity, and yet anxiety can still suddenly overwhelm us. Often it’s an understandable response to a bad situation. Before you can think to say “I trust you, God,” you drop head-first into an ocean of dread.

Breathing with intention is the best response. After all, you have to breathe it anyway. So using Christian mindfulness as you breathe calms you down while quickly reconnecting you to God’s presence. The technique is simple.

• Stop and sit down. (If you are feeling dizzy, lie down and close your eyes.)
• Set an alarm for at least five minutes.
• Invite God to sit with you.
• Breathe slowly and deeply, in and out. Pay full attention to your breathing. As thoughts arise, offer them up to God as prayers and return to concentrating on your breath.
• When the alarm rings, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for your ability to breathe.
• And return to practicing the presence of God.

This practice does wonders. It underpins many Christian mindfulness exercises in this blog.

One point of caution: If you have a daily challenge with severe anxiety, it’s important to your soul, as well as the rest of you, to seek medical help. Generalized anxiety disorder is a diagnosable condition. You can get help with medicine and therapy to stop the storms swirling in your brain.

Jesus has given us the gift of His peace, unlike any other kind in the world. Intentional breathing exercises help us calm down and welcome back His presence after a big upset.