The Role of Religion & Spirituality in Mindfulness for Black American Communities

Mindfulness practices are growing in popularity, but they don’t always land easily in every cultural or faith context. This review examines how religion and spirituality influence how Black Americans view, accept, or resist mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). Incorporating those perspectives may make mindfulness more meaningful, engaging, and respectful. What the Study Looked At The authors conducted a scoping review (a wide survey) of qualitative studies where samples were over 75 percent Black American adults. They wanted to see: • How Black American participants perceive mindfulness in relation to their religious or spiritual beliefs • Where they feel harmony or conflict between mindfulness and spirituality • What adaptations they suggest so mindfulness fits better within religious/spiritual life They searched across major databases and ended up with 18 studies meeting criteria. Key Themes: Harmony vs Conflict The findings were mixed but illuminating. Several themes emerged: • Complementarity vs conflict: Some viewed mindfulness as complementary to faith (it deepens their spiritual life), while others saw potential conflict (mindfulness seen as secular or foreign). • Cultural language & framing: Participants suggested using language familiar to their faith communities, for example integrating scripture, religious metaphors, or theological concepts. • Faith-based settings as delivery platforms: They proposed offering mindfulness in churches or places of worship so the setting feels safe and trusted. • Spiritual tailoring: Adjusting content to respect religious practices or avoid clashes (e.g. emphasizing that mindfulness is not religion, but a tool) The review emphasized that although mindfulness is broadly accepted, religious/spiritual concerns can be barriers or opportunities depending on how programs are framed. Why These Adaptations Matter These insights point to deeper truths about cultural relevance: • Faith is central in many Black American lives, so ignoring it risks alienating participants or creating inner conflict • When mindfulness is introduced without sensitivity, participants may reject it or only partially engage • Adaptations do not mean diluting the practice — they mean making it accessible without disrespecting core traditions • Thoughtful design can turn mindfulness into something that supports, rather than competes with, spiritual identity Practical Suggestions for Mindfulness & Spirituality Integration From these themes, here are some suggestions to design or practice mindfulness more inclusively: • Use religious or spiritual language or metaphors familiar to the community (e.g. “resting in God’s presence,” “stilling the soul”) • Offer mindfulness sessions in faith-based settings (churches, religious centers) • Let instructors or facilitators acknowledge and allow discussion of religious concerns, doubts, or tensions • Clarify that mindfulness is a tool, not a belief system, giving space for faith traditions to remain primary • Include practitioners or leaders from the community’s faith traditions to increase trust and cultural resonance Mindfulness doesn’t have to be “dry” or disconnected from faith. When it’s offered with cultural humility and spiritual sensitivity, it can become a bridge — not a barrier — for people whose religious life is a deep part of identity.