“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:16 Fasting isn’t self-torture; it’s an ancient spiritual practice that improves our health while cultivating our intimacy with God. In remembrance of Christ,Continue reading “Intro: Christian Diet/Fasting”
Category Archives: Introductory Lessons
Intro: Christian Mindfulness, Gradual Approach to Silence [Part 3 of 3]
In our last post, we talked about the form of mindfulness prayer known as Centering Prayer and we went through the step-by-step process of this type of prayer. However, a lot of people find it hard to achieve Centering Prayer right off the bat. For those unfamiliar with this type of silent prayers, we recommendContinue reading “Intro: Christian Mindfulness, Gradual Approach to Silence [Part 3 of 3]”
Intro: Christian Mindfulness and Centering Prayer [Part 2 of 3]
“The vigilant monk is a fisher of thoughts” – St. John Climacus, 600 CE Please read the first post to understand some of the terms we will use in this conversation. The PraXis routine is to do 20 minutes of light exercise followed by 10–20 minutes of Christian Mindfulness, also known as contemplation. CHECK OUTContinue reading “Intro: Christian Mindfulness and Centering Prayer [Part 2 of 3]”
Intro: What is Christian Mindfulness? [Part 1 of 3]
PraXis explores evidence-based wellness practices in exercise, diet, and mindfulness as they relate to the ancient Christian tradition of askesis or spiritual training. Wellness addresses two core chronic health problems in America: heart-related disease, and mild anxiety and depression. In this post, we’ll introduce you to practices that contribute to our emotional and mental health, whileContinue reading “Intro: What is Christian Mindfulness? [Part 1 of 3]”
Intro: Wellness as spiritual practice
PraXis might be a strange concept to some Christians. We combine ideas of spiritual growth with a conversation about how fitness, food, and your thoughts and emotions lead to health and peace of heart. The word praxis is just Greek for practice. The idea of spiritual practice, distinct from liturgical worship, was foundational to theContinue reading “Intro: Wellness as spiritual practice”
Intro: U.S. health crisis, “salvation” and a Christian view of wellness
“Your Faith has made you well.” Luke 17:19 Too often we forget that the English word salvation, is actually a translation of the Greek word soteria, used in the New Testament. In Greek, the word applies to more than protection from harm, but also to health and well-being through Christ: the Healer (soter). The medicalContinue reading “Intro: U.S. health crisis, “salvation” and a Christian view of wellness”
Intro: Christian exercise?
“Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy: 4:8 PraXis is about urging Christians to practice healthy living in mind, body, and Holy Spirit. We do this through diet, fitness, andContinue reading “Intro: Christian exercise?”
Intro: áskesis and mind, body and spiritual striving
“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” 1 Cornin. 9:25 CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT CLASS OFFERINGS We draw our inspiration from the ancient Christian tradition of asceticism. Asceticism is practiced by spiritual people all around theContinue reading “Intro: áskesis and mind, body and spiritual striving”
Partner with the PraXis wellness experiment
PraXis began as a theological field education project produced in cooperation with the Vancouver School of Theology at the University of British Columbia, BC, Canada. We seek sponsoring parishes and parachurch organizations who wish to explore the idea of incorporating evidence-base wellness and Christian spiritual practices. PraXis is a conversation about approaching spiritual practice andContinue reading “Partner with the PraXis wellness experiment”
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