In this 63rd episode, Dr. Knabb explores the often-neglected topic of gentleness from both secular and Christian perspectives. First, he reviews the newest research on gentleness in secular psychology (including its relationship with mental health and potential interventions to cultivate it in daily life). Then, Dr. Knabb offers a Christian viewpoint, before concluding with a short contemplative practice to recognize God's gentle, loving presence within for mental and spiritual health.
References
Contemplative Outreach. (n.d.). Centering prayer. https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/method_cp_eng-2016-06_0.pdf
Frenette, D. (2012). The path of centering prayer: Deepening your experience of God. Sounds True, Inc.
Gu, X., Luo, W., Zhao, X., Chen, Y., Zheng, Y., Zhou, J., & Li, R. (2022). The effects of loving‐kindness and compassion meditation on life satisfaction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Applied Psychology: Health and Well‐Being, 14(3), 1081-1101.
Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Gentleness. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentle
Niemiec, R. M., Cangemi, A., & McGrath, R. E. (2024). A new science of gentleness: Conceptual analysis and measurement. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 19(4), 712-723.
Salzberg, S. (1995). Lovingkindness: The revolutionary art of happiness. Shambhala Publications, Inc.
Wright, C. (2017). Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. InterVarsity Press.
Zheng, Y., Yan, L., Chen, Y., Zhang, X., Sun, W., Lv, J., & Zeng, X. (2023). Effects of loving-kindness and compassion meditation on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mindfulness, 14(5), 1021-1037.