Transforming Mindfulness I Rest in Him: The ancient wisdom, modern science and philosophical roots of mindfulness-oriented meditation

By R. W. Vince Arnold DMin EdD

BACKCOVER SUMMARY

Transforming Mindfulness is a compassionate trilogy-based compendium regarding mindfulness-oriented meditation.

Book 1: The Sacred River is a person-focused soul-story of a military chaplain, Iraqi veteran, and PTSD/mTBI clinic director/pastoral counselor; an intrepid journey into mindfulness via the converging currents of ancient wisdom, modern contemplative neuroscience and philosophy. The mythos of mindfulness is introduced as is a practical spiritual tapestry exercise, whereby the reader may discover the holistic function of mindfulness grounded in spirituality.

Book 2: The Adepts of Kingdom Mindfulness is a studious introduction to the principles and rationale for recontextualizing secular models of mindfulness, (e.g. MBCT, MBSR, KORU Mindfulness, Warriors at Ease, and iRest). Courageous hospitality is offered as a skillful means to overcome cultural barriers and aversions which impede respectful dialogue, inhibit mutual learning, and limit perspectives to myopic stereotypes of meditation, religion, spirituality, and mindfulness. Well-researched, the literature of the classic Judeo-Christian spiritual adepts and numerous historical, biblical, and philosophical precedents for relocating mindfulness are provided to enrich and ground personal practice. The roots of mindfulness within numerous wisdom traditions, including the Judeo-Christian, are revealed. The spiritual component of mindfulness is boldly addressed and unfolds within a core concept called Kingdom mindfulness.

Book 3: Entering a Divine Rest, the summit of Transforming Mindfulness, demonstrates a respectful recontextualization of Integrated Restoration (iRest Yoga Nidra) while recognizing and honoring its history and tradition. Practical aids are provided to supplement the skilled teaching and practice of a distinctively Christocentric meditation model called I Rest in Him (aka iRest in Him).

Includes: *an introduction and orientation to guided meditation (model script)

an annotated iRest in Him script;

talking points, and languaging options for teaching, reflection, and discussion;

a catch-and-release glossary for Word-fishers;

footnotes and a comprehensive bibliography;

an appendix of resource materials;

an integrated Study Guide (learning objectives; group discussion questions; and chapter-specific recommended readings and music for reflection.)

ADDITIONAL AUDIO RESOURCE (available separately): I Rest in Him: A Practice Companion is a two-part supplemental guide to the iRest in Him practice:

Artwork: The Messiah https://Rassouli.com

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886854527

Book preview

cover.jpg

Transforming Mindfulness: I Rest in Him

The ancient wisdom, modern science and philosophical roots of mindfulness-oriented meditation

R. W. Vince Arnold, DMin, EdD

ISBN 979-8-88685-451-0 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88685-453-4 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88685-452-7 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by R. W. Vince Arnold, DMin, EdD

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

COVER ART: Rassouli’s The Messiah. Used with permission. Inspired and encouraged by an uncle who was a Sufi mystic, Rassouli draws from his childhood learning of the poetry of Hafiz and Rumi and has been called ‘The Poet of Painting’. (https://Rassouli.com).

TRANSFORMING MINDFULNESS—I Rest in Him:

The Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science and Philosophical Roots Of Mindfulness-oriented Meditation

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

What Others Are Saying about Transforming Mindfulness

What Others Are Saying about iRest… and I Rest in Him!

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Richard Miller, PhD, Founder of iRest Institute

On Gender Inclusivity

Who Is This Book Written For?

Run to the Roar

Catch and Release: Preliminary Remarks from a Word-Fisher

Preliminary Remarks from a Word-Fisher

Sacred Touchstones

Introduction, Overview, and Rationale: A Map for Reading This Book

A Map for Reading This Book

Book 1: The Sacred River

The Sacred River

Part 1: The Journey Begins

The Journey Begins

Chapter 1

How to Read a Book!

Chapter 2

An Unfolding Tapestry of Spirituality

Chapter 3

Religion and Spirituality within My Church Family-of-Origin

Chapter 4

My Biological Family-of-Origin

Chapter 5

It's a Tough Job, But Someone Has to Do It!

Chapter 6

New Wine, New Wineskins

Part 2: Standing at the Threshold

Standing at the Threshold

Chapter 1

Welcoming the Stranger

Chapter 2

A Stranger in a Strange Land

Chapter 3

We Really Do Need to Talk!

Chapter 4

A Caveat Salad

Chapter 5

Be Ye Transformed by the Renewing of Your Minds, But Exactly How Do I Do That?

Chapter 6

Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound

Chapter 7

Location, Location, Location—It's All about Location

Summary of Book 1—Parts 1 and 2

Parts 1 and 2

Book 2: The Adepts of Kingdom Mindfulness

The Adepts of Kingdom Mindfulness

Part 1: Making a Move

Making a Move

(Precedents for Relocating the Theoria and Praxis of Mindfulness)

Chapter 1

A Monk, a Psychologist, and a Jewish Renewal Movement

The Jesus Precedent

The Synagogue Precedent: Literal, Abstract, and Structural Recontextualization

The Pauline Precedent

The Church Fathers Precedent: Sources and Uses of Authoritative Knowledge

Chapter 2

Scarecrow Brains and Attitudes: A Mindful Interpretation of the Oz

Chapter 3

A Courageous Hospitality (Learning to Draw Circles)

Summary of Book 2: Part 1

Part 1

Part 2: Getting Started with Mindfulness

Getting Started with Mindfulness

Chapter 1

The Basics Recontextualized

Chapter 2

The Yoke (A Psychological and Spiritual Metaphor)

Chapter 3

Physical Fitness

Chapter 4

The Automobile Transmission

Chapter 5

The Breath as Human Tradition

Chapter 6

How's My Body? (Recontextualizing the Body Scan Meditation)

Chapter 7

Tuning Your Instrument—Loving-Kindness Meditation as a Praxis of Blessing

Summary of Book 2—Part 2

Part 2

Part 3: The Quest for Roots, a Need for Maps, and a Hunger for Rest

The Quest for Roots, a Need for Maps, and a Hunger for Rest

Introduction to Book 2—Part 3

Part 3

Book 2, Part 3: A Quest for Roots, a Need for Maps, and a Hunger for Rest brings the previous sections together with a compendium of resources drawn from the vast historical roots of mindfulness theory and practice found within the Jewish tradition.

Chapter 1

A Quest for Roots

Chapter 2

A Compendium of Ancient Wisdom (Theoria and Praxes)

(Roots and Preambles of Faith from Nonbiblical Sources)

Jewish Meditation

The Prayer of Jabez as Archetype: A Mindful Perspective on Expanding One's Sense of Space

A Mindfulness-Oriented Tefillin Praxis (תְּפִלִּין)

The Handmaid of Mindfulness

Ancient Philosophical Precursors of Mindfulness

Ancestral Adepts of Mindfulness: The Stoic Masters277

An Appetizer on the Prototypes of Mindfulness

The Early Church Fathers (Patristics, Mystics, and Neptics)298

Origen (184–253)

Athanasius (AD 296–373)307

Augustine (AD 354–430)

The Writings of the Neptic Fathers: The Philokalia (Love of the Beautiful)

St. Hesychios the Priest: On Watchfulness and Holiness324

Evagrios the Solitary: On Prayer (Wandering Mind; Mental Hijack)326

St. Gregory Palamas: In Defense of Those Who Devoutly Practice a Life of Stillness327

Summary of Book 2—Part 3, Chapters 1 and 2

Part 3, 1 and 2

In the previous section, the roots of meditation in general, and numerous conceptual points of resonance regarding elements of mindfulness-oriented meditation were uncovered and discussed with an aim to introduce and commend the classic wisdom resources of the Judeo-Christian tradition. The time has come for a more heartful dialogue regarding the rich theoria and praxes within what may more accurately be referred to as a trans-traditional matrix of mindfulness. To support such dialogue, a brief compendium of ancient wisdom was presented.

Introduction to Book 2—Part 3, Chapter 3: A Need for Maps

Part 3, Chapter 3: A Need for Maps

Chapter 3

A Need for Maps (On Spiritual Cartography)

A Universal Mapping Impulse

Dante Alighieri's Map (1265–1321; Italy)

St. John of the Cross's Map (1542–1591; Spain)

John Bunyan's Map (1628–1688; England)

Introduction to Book 3—Entering a Divine Rest

Entering a Divine Rest

Book 3: Entering a Divine Rest

Entering a Divine Rest

I Rest in Him: A Shavasana Embalmed in Grace

Chapter 1

A Hunger for Rest (iRest Yoga Nidra)

Protocol Background and Basics

Chapter 2

The iRest Path of Meditation

The Path of Meditation

The Byzantine Prayer

Chapter 3

Integrative Restoration (iRest)—An Orientation Model

Background

iRest: Core Orientation Elements

Orientation Metaphor #1: Working Out in the Gym

Orientation Metaphor #2: Running in Formation

Orientation Afterwords

Chapter 4

iRest As It Is

Chapter 5

An Ancient Prologue for Modern Contemplative Practice

Chapter 6

Transforming Mindfulness: iRest Recontextualized

Talking Points and Language Options for Transforming Mindfulness

Settling In: A Genesis Event

Chapter 7

I Rest in Him: A Sample Script

Introduction and Orientation: Beginner's Mind

The following script represents a standard version of the I Rest in Him meditation practice (including brief section-annotations) inspired by Richard Miller's original iRest program and as discussed in the text, Transforming Mindfulness. In the practice of I Rest in Him, you are invited to listen to the promptings of your body, mind, and spirit in order to respectfully engage, utilize, and integrate these powerful allies in co-creating the space wherein your life can holistically flourish.

Settling In: A Genesis Event

Conclusion: A Dream

A Dream

A Jewish Bedtime Prayer

Appendixes

Appendix A

The Unfolding Tapestry of Life: An Exercise for Mindful-Oriented Self-Examination

An Exercise for Mindful-Oriented Self-Examination

Appendix B

Tapestry Worksheet

Appendix C

The Ethicos Model Meets the Wheel of Awareness

Appendix D

Pointers to Wholeness

Appendix E

Pointers to Wholeness Recontextualized

Appendix F

The Oxherder Pictures Recontextualized

Appendix G

The Way of Meditation

Appendix H

Stages of Sleep and Sleep Benefits

Appendix I

The iRest Institute

Introduction to iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation: Workbook

A Word-Fisher's Glossary

References

SparkNotes Editors. 2005. Donne's Poetry: Hymn to God, my God, in my Sickness. Retrieved from https://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/donne/section8/page/2/.

About the Author

Index

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

Z

Integrative Restoration Permissions (iRest)

The following are original copyrighted works and property of Dr. Richard C. Miller: The iRest Institute Pointers to Wholeness, The Path of Meditation, Stages of Sleep and Sleep Benefits, Ten Steps of iRest, and An Introduction to iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation workbook. Their use, inclusion, and reproduction in this work are granted by license with permission from Dr. Richard C. Miller. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. All rights are reserved.

The iRest in Him script was created and based upon the revision and recontextualization of the original copyrighted work of Dr. Richard Miller. Authorization for its revision, use, inclusion, and reproduction in the form of paperback, hardback, eBook and audio editions has been granted by license with permission from Dr. Richard Miller to Dr. R.W. Vince Arnold. Unauthorized reproduction of the iRest in Him script is prohibited. All rights of Dr. Miller and Dr. Arnold are reserved.

Bible Translations and Permissions

AMP—Amplified Bible

ASV—American Standard Version

CJB—Complete Jewish Bible

ESV—English Standard Version

KJV—King James Version

KJ21—Twenty-First Century King James

MSG—The Message

NASB—New American Standard Bible

NET—New English Translation a.k.a. NET Bible

NKJV—New King James Version

NIV—New International Version

NLT—New Living Translation

Scripture quotations marked ASV are taken from the American Standard Version Bible (public domain).

Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP). Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.lockman.org.

Scripture quotations marked CJB are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern. Copyright © 1998. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Messianic Jewish Publishers, 6120 Day Long Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029. www.messianicjewish.net.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Copyright 2001, Wheaton: Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version (public domain).

Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 2002, and 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress represented by Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NAS are taken from the New American Standard Bible®. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated NET are from the NET Bible®. Copyright ©1996 and 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, LLC. http://netbible.com. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, and 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from The New King James Version. Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. Copyright 1982. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Copyright ©1996, 2004, and 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Miscellaneous Permissions

The author has endeavored to credit all known persons holding copyrights for material quoted in this book, especially

where indicated, Greek and Hebrew terms, word studies, and etymological information included herein are based upon information from http://classic.net.bible.org and http://bible.org. Copyright© 1996–2020. All rights reserved. Used by permission. See footnote citations regarding respective Greek and Hebrew terms and etymologies;

Slow Down by Chuck Girard ©1975 Sea of Glass Music (admin by Music Services) All Rights Reserved. ASCAP. Used by permission;

Come to the Table written by Ben Glover, Dave Frey, and Ben McDonald. Courtesy of Mike Curb Music and Run Run Milo (ADM by Mike Curb Music) and Pencil Prophet Publishing (ADM by Mike Curb Music) copublished by Arios Music (ASCAP; CMG Song no. 107469; ADM at CapitoalCMGPublishing.com). Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved. Used by permission; and

The Bedtime Shema. Reprinted with the permission of The Rabbinical Assembly (from Siddur Sim Shalom: A Prayerbook for Shabbat, Festivals and Weekdays [1985], pp. 245–249).

What Others Are Saying about Transforming Mindfulness

I am a clinical practitioner who worked side by side with Dr. Arnold in an interdisciplinary clinic that embodied the holistic medicine model of treating mind-body-spirit. It quickly became apparent to me that the transformative and healing properties of iRest and mindfulness, as so expertly practiced by Dr. Arnold, were vital to the success of this approach. The benefits of mindfulness and iRest in treating many illnesses have been supported by a multitude of clinical and scientific research studies. In Transforming Mindfulness: I Rest in Him, he adroitly makes the case for integrating Judeo-Christian religious beliefs with these meditative practices rather than keeping them mutually exclusive. Dr. Arnold's knowledge of the subject matter and passion for his work clearly shines through in this masterfully written compendium.

—John Difini MD, Clinical Neurologist

Dr Arnold offers us an illuminating compendium on the intersect of Christianity and Mindful Meditation that sheds light on ancient and modern perspectives, and especially iRest Meditation. He is as generous as he is thorough, even to go so far as to offer a multitude of inquiries to assist the reader in integrating the richness offered in the content. Dr Arnold's passion for the subject fills the pages, as does his joyous anointment of humor. I found myself pendulating between being lit on fire with inspiration or laughing out loud from his playful interpretations and insights. A rich read indeed.

—Anne Douglas, C-IAYT, RYT500, Anahata Yoga Therapy, iRest Yoga Nidra Senior Trainer and Retreat Leader

Vince Arnold provides a rare perspective as a religious scholar and deep practitioner of both Christianity and mindfulness-based practices, stemming from both East and West wisdom traditions. His embodied understanding creates a bridge between these worlds that need to meet more often. Even when I don't agree with him, his provocative insights challenge me to broaden my perspective. Transforming Mindfulness is an illuminative reading that will draw you face to face with the ageless teachings and powerful practices of mindfulness. It is a passionate invitation to join the conversation on mindfulness, and to enter its transformative experience.

—Molly Birkholm, Stress Management and Resilience Consultant, iRest Yoga Nidra Trainer, Co-Founder Warriors at Ease, www.MollyBirkholm.com

As a colleague of Vince Arnold's for several years. I know Vince to be a deeply thoughtful and human being with a compassionate heart. I have seen evidence of his eloquence, penetrating intelligence and ability to synthesize many streams of information into a coherent, related whole… Therefore, I had high expectations for Transforming Mindfulness. My expectations were exceeded on every count. I can unequivocally recommend this book to anyone interested in mindfulness, and/or anyone on a spiritual journey, and/or anyone looking for a skillfully constructed and scholarly (while still being enjoyable to read) explication of the roots of modern mindfulness in its various forms and traditions—how these differ from one another, and how they mostly echo one another in ways that strengthens them all.

—Robin Carnes, MBA, Co-Founder Warriors at Ease, Senior iRest Teacher and Trainer, Certified Yoga Therapist

Brilliantly crafted, scholarly resourced, and comprehensively written, this work is a must read for anyone interested in mindfulness and iRest. Vince Arnold has been a colleague and friend for nearly thirty years. He served the men and women of the Navy, Coast Guard and the United States Marines as a trusted, experienced and skilled chaplain in varying assignments of increased challenge and responsibility. He served as a combat chaplain in Iraq where he excelled in chaplain ministry to the wounded and dying, and to young men and women contemplating serious life and death questions. Upon retirement from the Navy, he continued to serve those struggling with PTSD by integrating yoga, iRest and mindfulness into the treatment process, with documented positive results. Dr. Arnold does not retreat from his Christian faith, but rather shows how the whole person can benefit from mindfulness. This extensive body of work is an outgrowth of his lifelong commitment to caring for all people. A scholar, a certified instructor and a practitioner of mindfulness, yoga and iRest; he has written the premier work on mindfulness. It will be a ready resource for all who are intrigued by the theory and practice of mindfulness that transcends cultural divides, practitioners interested in eliminating barriers to care, and all who seek to train others in these disciplines.

—Dr. Lee Milliner, Captain, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy, Retired; Author, Mad at God, Christian Faith Publishing, 2021; Former Director, Campbell University, Extended Campus, Jacksonville, North Carolina

Dr. Arnold's extensive experience and committed Christian spirituality give him a unique perspective on the integration of meditation as a form of health care with historic Christian practices that are traceable to the desert fathers and the experiences of Christian monks. The care of souls is a discipline desperately needed in a society characterized by abuse, isolation, and fear. This is a needed book addressing the intersections of various traditions for the sake of truth. It has been observed that St. Augustine said, ‘All truth is God's truth,' and that statement lies at the heart of this engaging book.

—Dr. A.D. Beacham Jr., General Superintendent, International Pentecostal Holiness Church

This work will inspire humanity to:

be human beings first and then human doers;

be mindful of the work of God in loving one another with tender and transformed hearts of mercy;

embody holistic humility while offering Kingdom kindness and justice on earth as it is in heaven;

know God through direct experience.

It is written by one who heard the call Deep calls to deep (Ps. 42:7) and responded heartfully; who understands the way can be challenging and difficult but chose to walk beside countless men and women in order to mindfully support them in their journey of faith, often in their darkest moments of life; and who is uniquely equipped to share the insights of ancient wisdom, modern science, and philosophical wisdom found in mindfulness.

—Mike Darnell, Friend and Navigator Missionary Representative, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

What Others Are Saying about iRest… and I Rest in Him!

I loved the iRest. I loved the effort that was placed into this. I loved the energy and vibe. I came because I have a lot on my mind and mental health. I would come back to this retreat. I loved the kosher food. It means a lot to me that someone would put in that much effort for me in the tiny things. I would love to share this program with single service members. Thank you for the beautiful retreat.

—I Rest in Him Retreat Participant

It (iRest) helps me get through the day, to recenter. Even if I fall asleep, it's kind of weird, but I can keep track of what's happening. I really understand how it works. I've never had that happen before. I'm seeing clearer and noticing more in general. I'm more attentive and aware, and less distracted, at work, for the rest of my day.

—Navy Hospital Corpsman, First Class

I found myself feeling better, even though it was only my first time with iRest.

—Wife and Mother, I Rest in Him Retreat Participant

Anxiety is like a black fog all around me and weight upon my shoulders. I've always been a rather anxious person, but since my combat deployment it has gotten worse and worse over time. During iRest it simply dissolves. I feel brand new. It's a true story.

—Staff Sergeant USMC

Since my deployment, I have felt so alone. I've lost people close to me and I even felt like I had lost God. In iRest, I feel the presence of God in a way like I've never felt before.

—Gunnery Sergeant USMC

The section on Kingdom Mindfulness was powerful and applies to all of life. The foundation and roots was insightful. iRest practice sessions were relaxing. I will recommend this retreat to everyone. The awareness of God's presence and simply ‘just being' is my ultimate goal.

—Sergeant, USMC, I Rest in Him Retreat Participant

At first I was skeptical, as most Marines are, about this type of care and assistance. But once I got over it, I realized what a great form of assistance it offered for me and fellow service members. The typical way of assistance usually results in medications, but the iRest sessions were very rewarding and helpful.

—Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3

My career, and overall personal life, seems like one constant hurricane after another. But when I come to my iRest practice, I discover what it's like to live in the center. After my iRest session I feel relaxed, calm and quiet. I'm beginning to notice, as my practice unfolds day after day, that the calm is lasting longer and longer. I'm learning to stay in the center, or more quickly return whenever I get caught in the turbulence.

—USMC Combat Veteran and Mother, Diagnosed with PTSD and mTBI

I don't feel the retreat could be improved. Dr. Arnold provided lots of information to prepare the class for the practice sessions. He gave an incredible history of meditation journey, why he is where he is, and the remarkable benefits of meditation.

—Retired Officer

I walked in the house one afternoon, and within a matter of minutes my wife looked at me with a smile and said You had iRest today, didn't you? I knew then that others could tell I was changing. I already knew I was feeling better, but it felt really good to hear it from my wife! She could see it. For the first time, in a long time, I had a bit of hope about my recovery, and about my future.

—First Sergeant, USMC

Dedication

To the military men and women with whom I was honored to serve throughout the world, on land, sea, and in the air; especially in the desert of Iraq, during a war.

To those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, especially my friend and colleague, CDR Charles K. Springle, USN (Killed in the line of duty as a social worker in Iraq).

To the patients and staff I was privileged to serve at Naval Medical Center, Camp Lejeune, especially my mentor and friend, Commander Robert O'Byrne (your professionalism, integrity, collegiality, and compassionate care were surpassed by none).

To the patients who participated in my Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Integrated Restoration (iRest) groups at the Intrepid Spirit Concussion Recovery Center, and to all their families!

To the CREDO retreat participants in Okinawa and Camp Lejeune; and to the iRest in Him retreat and workshop participants, each of whom have opened their hearts in a shared quest for personal and spiritual growth. Your lives have been a source of constant inspiration! May this book be a testament that your heartful lives deeply touched mine.

And to:

Sonya Arnold Motes

11 February 1961–31 May 2022

My Beloved Sister

Myron Hugh Smitty Smith

7 December 1944–6 November 2022

My Best Man

(Uncle, Father-figure & Friend)

Acknowledgments

I remain eternally grateful for the life-changing influence of a small church in Mill Creek, North Carolina. They first taught me to be mindful of the Lord and to run to the roar!

It is with deep gratitude that I acknowledge my patients, colleagues, friends, mentors, and the spiritual adepts throughout the ages, men and women from many traditions, but especially my brothers and sisters within the Judeo-Christian community. I see in you the glory of the Lord, and I love you with a love that flows from the eternal presence of the uncreated One.

In particular, I want to thank Richard Miller, Anne Douglas, Robin Carnes, Molly Birkholm, and Stephanie Lopez for the deep gifts of teaching, friendship, and encouragement; and for pointing me to dimensions of wholeness in which I stand in awe.

I also send heartfelt gratitude to each of the following individuals for the investment of their time and the giftedness of their lives. Sandy Rockenhauser; my sister, Deirdre Heverly, and her colleague, Alice Boulia; my colleagues at the Intrepid Spirit Concussion Recovery Center; all my teachers; my Navy Chaplain colleagues and mentor friends, especially Don Harris, Carl Pearson, Lee Milliner, and Colon Jackson; and Kim Nielsen, my CPE mentor. And, of course, the Christian Faith Publishing team! Each in their unique way have helped me reach the milestone this book represents.

Last but foremost, I thank my wife and daughters for helping me know that contemplation must always be followed by action. Both must be done with heartfulness.

It is my humble heartfelt desire that together we will continue to cultivate the space in which our lives and the lives of our neighbors may flourish and thrive—mindfully aware, infused and transformed by grace, sustained by the loving presence of the Logos, and forever held in the arms of God—in the eternal now.

Foreword

Richard Miller, PhD, Founder of iRest Institute

I was first introduced to the rudiments of meditation in 1970 during my first-ever yoga class at the San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute where the instructor expertly guided us to rotate our attention through opposing opposites of sensation, emotions, and thoughts until we were able to embody these opposing experiences with neither attachment nor aversion with what we were experiencing.

I drove home that first evening feeling expansively present, free of all conflict, radiantly joyful, in tune and not separate with everyone and everything around me, and a felt sense of oneness with the entire universe. I experienced life as being perfect just as it is and felt myself as a nonlocalized essence-presence wherein, instead of my usual experience of being in the world, I was having a nonmental experience of the world being in me, similar to experiences I had known at times as a child and adolescent.

This experience left a longing in me to consciously awaken and fully abide as this underlying essence. It awoke in me the strong desire to deeply understand meditation, which I would eventually study as the art and science of Yoga Nidra, practices and teachings that reveal how to awaken to our underlying unchanging essential nature (Sanskrit: Yoga), no matter the changing state of our body, mind and consciousness (Sanskrit: Nidra).

My yearning would eventually lead me to study with some of the most renowned teachers in the world and become adept as a teacher of meditation through years of personal practice and guiding thousands of students around the world during countless group classes, individual sessions, workshops, trainings, and meditation retreats.

Then, in 1971, while volunteering as a psychology counselor at the San Francisco Center for Solving Special Social and Health Problems, I had the good fortune of meeting Laura Cummings, who would become my supervisor and mentor for the next five years, training me in the art of psychotherapy. Laura had recently arrived from the far east where she'd grown up in a Buddhist community, been taught Yoga as a child by her mother and, while training to be a psychologist, had majored in humanistic psychology with the guidance of Erich Fromm and in existential psychotherapy under the tutelage of Robert Hall, a protégé of R. D. Laing. Laura was instrumental in helping me integrate my understanding of eastern spiritual principles as embodied in Buddhism and Yoga with western principles of psychology and Christianity.

Spiritually inclined as a child, having convinced my nonreligious oriented parents to support me in attending church when I was eight years old, I had spent memorable years attending Sunday services, serving as an acolyte and receiving communion on a weekly basis during my teenage years while attending church every day and twice on Sunday and being invited to read biblical passages during morning Sunday services. So it made sense to me, in 1973, while mentoring with Laura, to also consider training as an Episcopalian priest.

Following this inclination, I had the good fortune of meeting and spending the year attending weekend services with Max Pierce, a Jesuit priest and professor of religious studies at the Berkeley School of Theology.

Max had kindly agreed to serve as my mentor to help me ponder my decision to enter the ministry. Legally blind, Max invited me to drive him around the San Francisco Bay Area each weekend to attend church services where he gave Saturday or Sunday sermons. I spent weekends during the next twelve months driving Max to an array of churches, listening to him deliver sermons, interacting with an array of priests and ministers from a variety of denominations and faiths, and enjoying in-depth conversations with Max on the pros and cons of being a priest.

At the end of the year, during our final conversation, I said to him, Max, during the past year, I've delighted in our talks as we've traveling about. And of all the ministers, priests, and rabbis I've met, it seems to me you're the only one whom I believe is actually fully awake and walking the talk!

Without saying a word, Max gently nodded his head in silent agreement. I then thanked him for his graciousness in serving as my mentor, letting him know that I'd come to the decision to not enter the ministry. Instead, I would continue walking the path I was already on, integrating Eastern and Western spiritual teachings with modern-day psychology.

Some six months later, I again spoke with Max, asking his advice on whether to complete my PhD in contemplative religion or clinical psychology. Max's wisdom shined forth again when he replied, I think we've had this conversation before.

In response, I replied, Thanks, Max. I just wanted to hear you say those words. I then thanked him for his sage counsel and headed off to continue my studies in clinical psychology where I would eventually obtain dual licenses as a California marriage and family therapist (1976) and clinical psychologist (1992).

Since 1970, I've had the good fortune of traveling to and mentoring with international teachers from Eastern and Western traditions of spirituality and psychology, engaging and integrating in-depth studies, and then teaching courses rooted in the perennial wisdom offered in the traditions of Christianity, Judaism, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Mahamūdra and Dzogchen Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Sufism, Yoga, Advaita, and nondual Kashmir Śaivism. It was my sincere interest during the ensuing decades to understand the essential principles that these seemingly different traditions share.

During the 1980s, my then spiritual mentor, Jean Klein, brought my attention to a series of ancient treatises that addressed awakening to one's essential nature and realizing the peace that surpasses all understanding. One of these books conveyed a map of meditation that illuminated for me the essential principles I'd been looking for.¹ This map, along with principles I'd come to understand through the teachings of Yoga Nidra, gave me the principles and organization I'd been searching for that brought together all the great traditions into a complete, integrated, and simple-to-understand structure.

The image that best represents this map for me is of a tree with many branches, wherein the tree's trunk represents the realization of essential nature, the underlying ineffable mystery (as I like to call it) that all spiritual and religious traditions call us to experience, that has birthed each of us and the entire cosmos. Each branch of the tree represents distinct practices and understanding as found in each of the worldwide spiritual and religious traditions.

In this map, I discovered a way both understanding and helping myself and those I served resolve their human suffering and awaken to their essential nature. As a clinical psychologist interested in relieving human suffering, and as a spiritual practitioner interested in awakening and enlightenment, I found in this map the cornucopia of abundant and unchanging health and well-being and the philosopher's stone for turning lead (ignorance) into gold (enlightened understanding).

With the help of this map, and the principles of Yoga Nidra, I developed a ten-step process embedded within a thirty-eight-stage map of meditation for teaching the underlying principles of meditation, health, healing, and enlightenment, which in these years I simply called the Principles and Practice of Yoga Nidra. Then in 2004, I was invited by the US Military at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) to engage in research using my ten-step program with active-duty military suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

As I conceived the study, I was asked to change the name of my program because, as one marine aptly stated, We're military. We don't do Yoga or meditation. After much deliberation, I changed the name of my program to Integrative Restoration or iRest for short. Integrative, as the practice addresses psychological and physical issues, such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and trauma in the body and mind and helps its practitioners become fully functioning, integrated, whole, and healthy human beings. And Restorative as it helps restore innate and indestructible inner resources of joy, peace, presence, and well-being. And, ultimately, it enables us to realize our intrinsic essential nature that all spiritual traditions seek to awaken within us.

The initial research at WRAMC was successful that the iRest Program was integrated into the Deployment Health Clinical Center at WRAMC where every veteran going through the clinic had the option of undertaking iRest at part of their healing regimen. As of this writing, the iRest Program has now been successfully integrated into over seventy-five military and VA settings, as well as into hospitals, clinics, and health care and private settings in over twenty-five countries with over five thousand trained iRest Teachers worldwide.

I designed iRest as a modern-day secular and nondogmatic program based on ancient principles of contemplative meditation that grew out of my years of personal studies and practice and my work with thousands of individuals around the world. iRest encompasses core principles that make it a powerful practice for health, healing, and attaining our highest human potential where we feel our interconnectedness with all of life. And iRest teachers are trained to adapt and tailor each practice to the individual or group they're working with.

Over the years, it has been my pleasure to have students turn to me after attending an iRest class, workshop, or training, saying, Thank you for making this practice just for me. You've enriched not only my health and well-being but have deepened my understanding of my own spiritual tradition. This has been one of my deepest heartfelt desires in developing the iRest program, that it enriches each person to cherish and realize the fundamental principles within their own religious and/or spiritual tradition ever more deeply.

With respect to this, one of my fondest memories occurred at the end of a 2008 iRest Teacher Training where I received what I refer to as my certificate of good housekeeping when a student called me aside after the training and confided that she was a fundamental Christian and had not been able to find anything to object to during the training and in the iRest protocol, and that, in fact, it had helped her deepen her faith and understanding of her own religious orientation.

Which brings me full circle to highly recommending the book that you now hold in your hands, I Rest in Him, written by my dear friend, colleague, and fellow iRest teacher, Vince Arnold. It has been my honor and pleasure to know Vince and share his passion for helping students both relieve their suffering and awaken to and enhance their spiritual and/or religious faith through the teachings of iRest.

I take great solace knowing that Vince's offering here will enable many from different religious, spiritual, and/or Christian denominations find comfort, healing, and awakening through the guidance and practices that he offers here in I Rest in Him, deepening them into realizing the underlying truths offered through their faith that brings them to the peace that surpasses all understanding.² May this be so for you.

San Rafael, California

Fall, 2023

* * * * *

Amos Smith, DMin Founder of RCMR5.org, author of Be Still and Listen and Healing the Divide

I am honored to be a contributor for this book. And I am humbled by Vince's tireless devotion to its research. Any serious student of mindful awareness will find accurate and thorough citations to further their work. And any serious practitioner of contemplative arts will find the practice that is right for them…

In our time, there are many writings about advocating for the benefits of practicing meditation in its various forms. Andrew Weil, Jon Kabit-Zinn, and others have pioneered the benefits of meditation for hospital patients. It is well known now that meditation can speed up healing, relieve anxiety, increase efficiency, and curb pain.

During the time of Covid meditation's time has come. For now, numerous people across the globe become involuntary monks and nuns in seclusion. While in solitude, people ask, What do I do about this mind of mine, so easily distracted, so fickle, jumping from thought to thought, from compulsion to compulsion? Well, meditation or disciplined silence holds the ticket.

I am a member of a Quaker meeting that practices settling down into silence for an hour each Sunday during Meeting for Worship. Just today, a man in meeting said that meditation has made a world of difference in his life. He uses meditation as a tool to increase his awareness in the afternoon. Prior to meditation, the quality of his awareness, email communications, and business acumen plummeted after about twelve-thirty. Now, giving his mind a breakthrough meditation has made him exponentially more productive in the afternoon. It is like a power nap for the mind.

I have done thousands of hours of centering prayer³ in my life, starting from young adulthood. I don't say this to draw attention to myself, but to simply state the nature of my discipline, much like a violin player might state practice house logged. In my case, which I have shared in my books, centering prayer has slowly transformed the tensions in my back and jaw and shoulders. I am infinitely calmer than I was in young adulthood. In short, from a clinical perspective, centering prayer has slowly healed my nervous system.

From a spiritual perspective, centering prayer has given me the ability to quiet my mind, a precious gift! When my mind is calm, I can see more clearly what I really need in this moment, what is the best use of my time, and what adjustments I need to make in my communication with loved ones. In a word, I am more self-aware and bring this self-awareness to all I do.

When I marinate in silence for tens of hours on my yearly ten-day centering prayer retreat by day five, I feel the Real Presence of Christ.⁴ The peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6) radiates from within. This is not because of any special attribute I might have, but because like a serious violin player, I have put in the practice hours. What I call Christ or the Peace of Christ or what Quaker mystic Thomas Kelly calls the Real Presence of Christ, others will interpret differently depending on their spirituality and religious background.

What I love about Vince's book, Transforming Mindfulness, is the unique angle. He has sought from an analytical perspective to evaluate various disciplines of silent prayer and mindfulness. And he has done this in a vigorous, thorough, and disciplined way. I might add that I don't detect personal bias. Vince has strived toward an even evaluation free from religious and cultural bias, as much as this is humanly possible.

Through personal experience, Vince is simply convinced that disciplined silences and the practice of mindful awareness are profoundly beneficial. So if you are curious about the spectrum of such practices, this is the book for you. It will lift up what differentiates these practices. This is a great value of this work. Most twenty-first-century analytical types want to look before they leap into a particular practice. They want a survey that will help them discern which practice is best for them. So an excellent use of this book is to figure out what resonates with you, which practice calls you. Another excellent use of this book is for the researcher or academician to get a handle on the various practices available and thus be more informed when they the practices come up for clients or students.

My hope is that people who read the book will indeed resonate with one of the practices and start to do it!

I don't think this book is meant to be read as a catalog or a window-shopping exercise. The profound benefit of mindful awareness is in the practice, in the training of the mind, in the habitual relaxing of the nervous system. In choosing a chair and returning to it at the same time each day. Such a practice will bring numerous benefits on every level of life and work and vocation.

To truly progress and reap the benefits of silent prayer practices and mindfulness practices, discipline is required! Yet the outcome can be the healing of the nervous system and gifts of insight, which bless you and your community.

Hoquiam, Washington

Fall, 2023

On Gender Inclusivity

The earliest roots of the Judeo-Christian tradition predominantly arose from the worldviews of male teachers. In fact, those teachers are often referred to as patriarchs and Church Fathers. This is not, however, unique to the Judeo-Christian tradition nor does it preclude the fact of feminine roots. There are many references to these adepts, male and female, interspersed throughout the following pages. There are, indeed, a number of Church Mothers included!

As someone who believes in the fundamental equality of all humans, it is my heartful desire to be inclusive regarding the important contributions of men and women, especially throughout the Judeo-Christian tradition from across the globe, and regarding their unique and shared roles. My hope is that all readers feel at ease within the pages of this book. Feminine and masculine energies are both essential for a holistic spirituality.

Many Judeo-Christian adepts of monotheistic spirituality, including but not limited to the mystics, have pointed out that (a) the very nature of God includes both feminine and masculine dimensions, and (b) in Hebrew, wisdom is a grammatically feminine noun. It is well known that the personification of wisdom as feminine is a predominant motif in the Greek Septuagint, the Hebrew texts (Qumran and Masada), the Ketuvim (Judaism's Books of Wisdom), and other Ancient Near Eastern literature.

The woman's voice may also be found in many other ancient religious and philosophical texts (e.g. Greek, Roman and Stoic philosophy). Inclusivity is sometimes explicit and at other times implicit. It is with an inclusive-oriented heartful intention I have incorporated numerous references to the voices of feminine adepts of classic Christian spirituality and mindfulness. There are many other examples discerning readers will discover within the references and related footnotes.

Noteworthy examples include, Julian of Norwich, Augustine's mother, St. Teresa of Avila (one of the greatest Carmelite reformists; a nun and mystic), Clare (cofounder of the Franciscans), Catherine of Siena (the most important and influential Dominican nun and mystic), Madame Guyon, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Hildegard of Bingen, Marguerite Porete, and Evelyn Underhill.

There are, of course, more recent voices of Simon Weil, Bernadette Roberts, Cynthia Bourgeault, and Barbara Holmes that have caught my ear. The influence of the feminine voices of my iRest sisters may also be detected herein: Anne Douglas, Robin Carnes, Molly Birkholm, and Stephanie Lopez. Kamini Desai (Yoga Nidra) and Holly Rogers (my Koru Mindfulness teacher) are also present and may be discerned.

A most significant and influential feminine voice, that of Francis Skinner (my Sunday school teacher when I was but a teen), is also present. I would be especially remiss if I did not establish the fact that my mother's voice yet echoes within my heart, as do the voices of my wife, two daughters, and my two sisters! Feminine voices are also reflected within the numerous references to my clinic patients.

Together, all these voices echo and resonate within my heart. Their wisdom nurtured me as I sought to pen the words of this book. If nothing else, Mom taught me to honor all my sisters! Hence my comments on gender inclusivity.

When our male-female preoccupations fall away, all voices may be heard and become as one. Both male and female voices (and their faces) reflect the voice and face of the Imago Dei. If gender exclusivity or bias manifests in any way within the pages of this book, I only ask that the reader graciously note such imperfections as evidence that I, too, have room to grow. But please do not allow such unintentional errors to become barriers to the compassionate care I seek to convey or undermine the relationship bridges I seek to establish or overshadow any good that may be found herein.

The use of masculine nouns and pronouns intends that the text refers and applies to both males and females. The specific context, hopefully, should enable readers to know when such is the case. Whenever quoting the classic literature and other texts, of course, I defer to the original author's vernacular. I also invite readers to communicate through available channels so that I might make appropriate revisions to future editions of this work. Print-on-demand does have some advantages!

Who Is This Book Written For?

Transforming Mindfulness is a compendium of helpful information offered with an invitation to enter an exciting discussion of mindfulness and personally experience the benefits of such practices. For now, let's just say that mindfulness is about paying attention, on purpose, in the moment, and nonjudgmentally. ⁵ The materials herein will draw from ancient wisdom, modern science, and philosophical roots with the general goal to help individuals cultivate mindfulness as a personal practice, not only conceptually understood and embraced with the mind, but also holistically experienced and grounded moment by moment in body, mind, and spirit.

The goal is to welcome all dialects, including the Judeo-Christian, to the table of mindfulness. At this table, there is much to be mutually shared and learned by all, without requiring the compromise or coercion of any. Not to be distracted by stereotypes, mere conceptual constructs, or esoteric theories, I want to say up front that mindfulness is a practical skill that can be learned, practiced, and utilized by all persons in the important work of living well. In Christian vernacular, living well ultimately means living the abundant life.

As such, this book is offered with several specific groups of readers in mind (the list is not rank ordered). I have crossed paths with many such people. During our time together, I respectfully listened to their hearts.

Seekers and nonbelievers—people of no religious background, no longer active in, who practice no particular religion, or may even be members of other religious or philosophically oriented groups: As stimulating information for consideration by those who might be culturally curious as to what one Christian might have to say about contemporary mindful-oriented practices; those who may be curious as to how mindfulness might be helpful in cultivating a spirituality that may have previously seemed minimally relevant, dormant, or perhaps even absent.

Reluctant or Uncertain believers: As informative materials for individuals who may be a bit interested but are uncertain or reticent regarding participating in yoga, meditation, or mindfulness practice. They may have never ventured, or reluctantly entered, into a yoga class, or a workshop on mindfulness. They have little idea about the potential intersect between such practices and their own faith tradition, or value system. For various reasons, these individuals are unaware of, or reluctant to accept, the rationale for engaging in mindfulness-based practices that can enhance one's spirituality and overall life. They find comments about its perceived roots in mystical and contemplative traditions to be suspect or aversive. Simply stated, they find mindfulness, meditation, and contemplation to be outside their comfort zone, namely their previous experience with a dominant Western worldview and related religious culture.

Dual-belongers, religiously-fluid, or transitioners: As a provocative resource for a growing number of people who describe themselves as belonging to or sharing beliefs with more than one group of thinking friends in religious and spiritual dialogue, practice, and community; they are dual-belongers, aka the religiously fluid. Such dual relationships may be public but many tend to be private. Many consider themselves spiritual but not religious. These individuals are often less likely to participate in publicly organized or traditional religious activity. They are often more private or reserved regarding such matters. Transitioners are those individuals that started their journey within a particular tradition or community but later found their path leading them to a different one. These individuals feel drawn to another tradition as their primary community.

In cases where Christianity has become one's new tradition or where an individual is transitioning away from Christianity, this material may be of interest and, hopefully, helpful. The attached footnote may be of particular importance to persons trying to navigate such territory.⁶ This category, as it were, is not to be taken as pejorative. As with most seekers, these individuals are quite fluent in articulating a mature sense of values, insights, beliefs, and experience.

Christian believers: As enriching material to deepen the roots, broaden the array of spiritual disciplines available for practice, and holistically enhance the lives of practicing Christians, including those whose current routine of religious activity leaves them feeling spiritually undernourished and lacking vitality. At the very least, their spiritual practice seems to be missing something or may simply need to be reinvigorated; who may have already chosen to augment their lifestyle, and personal spiritual disciplines with a more holistic praxis. They recognize the importance of such practices and may have already experienced the nourishing benefits of various body-mind-spirit practices, including yoga and meditation.

However, they sense a bit of ambivalence or discomfort with some of the ambiguous concepts, teachings, or practices encountered along the way. These believers strongly desire to remain rooted within the sacred Scriptures and overall heritage of the Christian community. To make matters even more difficult, their local church has offered little but discouraging and parochial proscriptions. These believers strongly desire to grow strong and live deeply. However, they don't know where to look for supportive and reliable information regarding such matters.

Mindfulness practitioners (and those considering the pursuit of advanced mindfulness training/certification), mental health clinicians, educators, researchers, parents and students (especially college and graduate level students): As foundational materials for enhancing cultural competencies, and expanding helping skills as practitioners, mental health professionals, and clinical counselors; including all undergraduate and graduate students, but especially students interested in holistic health care, theology, religious studies, spirituality, counseling, social work, pastoral counseling, chaplaincy and other clergy programs; and educators, researchers, and even parents (it's helpful for students and parents to better understand what's being offered in elementary and secondary schools).

Those looking for insights and inspiration about mental health, the human person, and the search for genuine happiness.

Those interested in expanding their understanding of mindfulness, particularly as it pertains to the cultural, interreligious, and intra-religious dimensions. This material may provide helpful insights regarding various aspects of the Christian worldview with a glimpse into the deep roots of mindfulness-related practices found within classical Judeo-Christian spirituality.

Each of us can improve our cultural and mindfulness competencies. All people have the capacity to become more aware, hospitable, accepting, and respectful. Professional helpers and others may be equipped to teach mindfulness in culturally competent ways that comport with and draw from the needs, values, and beliefs of an expanded audience. In all marketplaces, including but not limited to education, counseling, business and sales, success depends on one's ability to speak the language of an expanded audience, to wit, the customer. Otherwise, the product will not be effectively deliverable, and everyone loses the gold. This is equally true regarding mindfulness practice and protocols.

As you read these materials, please keep in mind that the Christian community is a broad, diverse, and constantly changing group. It is neither monolithic nor homogeneous. One cannot speak for all Christians. Agreement and disagreement are a common part of all diverse communities! The Christian focus found herein is not meant to be argumentative, dogmatic, or intended as an apologetic for Christianity.⁷ It reflects the personal perspective and discoveries of the author's lived experience, interpreted through the primary lens of the Judeo-Christian tradition. The materials are respectfully offered and intended as food for thought and discussion at the table of mindfulness. Speaking and listening from the heart, seasoned with grace, is always recommended. It's also a good way to read.

Scriptural references are also interspersed throughout the following chapters as potential anchor-points, points of inquiry, and points of resonance for all who welcome wisdom, wherever it may be found. Such citations may mean more to readers who accept the authority of scripture as God's Word. The citations may speak differently to those who have no such commitment. Readers are encouraged to simply notice the verses that may call their attention or, perhaps, generate aversion. It is important to mindfully notice all responses. Simply pause and gently hold your reactions in awareness before continuing with your intention to read.

Helpful resources are included in the form of footnotes, Appendixes, a Glossary, and a comprehensive References section at the back of the book for a more careful engagement by all who are interested in deepening their experience of mindfulness and contemplative practice. Both theoria (thinking) and praxis (practice) are addressed to further a thoughtful, comprehensive, academic, and possibly experiential-based conversation regarding mindfulness. Inquiring minds and brave hearts will, hopefully, find intriguing roots and fountainheads of refreshment in the discussion of mindfulness and related practices found herein.

While the holistic implications of mindfulness are centrally acknowledged and explored throughout this discussion, the spiritual dimension is particularly affirmed. Spirituality is what holds all of life together. Life wholly lived is a holy experience. Any separation of body-mind-spirit or secular-sacred, as addressed herein, is intended for discussion purposes only. Such conceptual distinctions represent fragmentations of an inseparable, interconnected, integrated, and nondual existential whole. Unrest often arises whenever and wherever this fragmentation is not integrated or restored to its original essence of oneness (unity, union). The spiritual adepts speak often of this union. May their voices be heard.

In particular, three vital objectives are in the forefront of Transforming Mindfulness:

Where spirituality is absent, introduce it.

Where it is present, enhance it.

Where it is dormant, awaken it.⁸

Mindfulness holistically understood, appropriately recontextualized, and regularly practiced throughout the lifecycle does exactly that! Many voices testify to this fact and to the fact that it is a holistic therapeutic that is potentially integrative, restorative, transformative, and even transcendent. As such, spirituality serves a critically important role in any contemporary dialogue regarding mindfulness and its related practices and protocols.

While this reflects my lived experience, please don't just take my word for it. Take the path of mindfulness. But note on such a journey, tired and hungry sojourners sooner or later find themselves seeking sustenance at a table. Their hunger is often the very impetus for the seeking! The good news is provisions have already been made for your journey as well as a reservation for you at the table. I invite you to kick back in a comfortable chair, kick up your feet, if you prefer, and rest a bit. While you're doing so, I also hope you will enjoy reading Transforming Mindfulness. Take your time.

* * * * *

Love after Love

The time will come

when, with elation,

you will greet yourself arriving

at your own door, in your own mirror,

and each will smile at the other's welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat.

You will love again the stranger who was your self.

Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart

to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored

for another, who knows you by heart.

Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,

peel your own image from the mirror.

Sit. Feast on your life.

—Derek Walcott, Caribbean poet and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature

Come to the Table

We all start on the outside

The outside looking in

This is where grace begins

We were hungry, we were thirsty

With nothing left to give

Oh the shape that we were in

Just when all hope seemed lost

Love opened the door for us

He said come to the table

Come join the sinners who have been redeemed

Take your place beside the Savior now

Sit down and be set free

Come to the table

—Sidewalk Prophets, An American contemporary Christian music band

Run to the Roar

A man went lion hunting in a forest where, meeting with a woodsman, he