«The Mindful Catholic» by Gregory Bottaro

Whether we are carrying out routine life behaviors, trying to pray, or conversing with others, the way our minds work significantly impacts how well we function. But many times we may feel like our mind has a mind of its own.



• You fall into bed exhausted at the end of the day, craving a good night's sleep, only to have your mind race in a million directions.

• Prayer is an exercise in futility, full of distractions and wandering thoughts.

• In the midst of a conversation, you suddenly realize you haven't heard a word the other person has said.

• You arrive at a destination with no recollection of how you got there.

These all-too-common occurrences are examples of how our minds can seem to be completely out of our control. We end up merely going through the motions day after day, feeling anxious and preoccupied. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Dr. Greg Bottaro explains how mindfulness can help us become aware of the present moment and accept it. Catholic mindfulness is a way to practically trust God more in our lives. Instead of separating faith from day-to-day life, mindfulness helps bridge the gap so we can feel the sense of safety and peace God intends us to have.

Following the simple exercises in this book, you'll discover how mindfulness can help you be more present to everything in your life from a trip to the grocery store or relaxing with friends to listening more attentively to a homily or meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.