Episode 6: All About Mindfulness with Dr. Fernando Garzon

In this episode of The Dr. Jonathan Hoover Show, we dive deep into the topic of mindfulness—what it is, how it affects our lives, and how Christians can engage with it in a faith-centered way. Dr. Fernando Garzon, a clinical psychologist, ordained pastor, and faculty member at Regent University, joins the conversation to unpack the science and spirituality of mindfulness.

We explore how mindfulness can enhance focus, emotional regulation, and spiritual connection—and how it differs from secular and Buddhist practices. If you've ever wondered how Christian mindfulness fits into mental health and daily life, this episode is for you!

👉 Topics Discussed: ✅ What is mindfulness? ✅ How does technology fuel "mindlessness"? ✅ The neuroscience behind mindfulness and attention ✅ What does it mean to be "non-judgmental" in mindfulness? ✅ The difference between Christian mindfulness and Eastern traditions ✅ Practical ways Christians can incorporate mindfulness into daily life ✅ The connection between Psalms of Lament and mindfulness ✅ The power of surrender vs. acceptance

📌 YouTube Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the episode 00:58 - Meet Dr. Fernando Garzon 02:38 - What is mindfulness? A simple definition 03:11 - The impact of technology on attention and presence 06:03 - Mindfulness and the Christian perspective on judgment 08:07 - Automatic thoughts and their effect on emotions 09:50 - How grounding techniques relate to mindfulness 12:52 - The challenge of mindfulness and faith traditions 14:19 - Can Christians practice mindfulness? 16:16 - Mindfulness in Christianity: Biblical meditation and focus 19:18 - Psalms of Lament: A biblical case for mindfulness 22:28 - The importance of surrender vs. acceptance 26:26 - How mindfulness becomes richer with faith 29:01 - Practical ways for Christians to start mindfulness 34:20 - Nature walks and mindfulness in Jesus’ teachings 36:47 - How psychology and Christianity intersect 41:17 - How Regent University integrates faith and psychology 45:22 - Final thoughts and resources

📖 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind; it’s about being present and aware. 2️⃣ Technology can drive mindlessness, making intentional focus more important than ever. 3️⃣ Non-judgmental awareness in mindfulness isn’t about moral relativism—it’s about learning to pause reactivity and respond wisely. 4️⃣ The Bible has a rich history of mindfulness-like practices, such as Psalms of Lament and Christian meditation. 5️⃣ Surrendering to God is a more powerful alternative to mere acceptance when dealing with overwhelming experiences. 6️⃣ Christians can embrace mindfulness while staying rooted in their faith—mindfulness is a tool, not a belief system. 7️⃣ Practical mindfulness for Christians can include scripture meditation, nature walks, and grounding techniques with faith in mind.