The Rise of Wellness Practices in Law Enforcement—Solid Ground or Sinking Sand?
- Sep 4
- 6 min read
Opinion Piece
by Chaplain Christi Hall
I’m pro-wellness and pro-evidence. My concern is the foundation and long-term fruit.
September 2025
I recently received an email that caught my attention:
"New announcement-'Trauma-Informed Certificate for Coaches': Learn to be an Embodied and Trauma-Informed Somatic Breathwork Instructor. For a limited time, get the special pre-sale price this week only… Breathwork is currently a highly sought-after modality."
This is not surprising. Across the country, law enforcement agencies are bringing in instructors to teach officers about wellness—covering everything from yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to somatic breath release.
The idea is simple: law enforcement professionals face high stress and trauma, so they need tools to regulate their nervous systems, calm their minds, and build resilience. There’s a growing buzz around these practices. But like any trend, they need to be approached with discernment.
What Is Somatic Breath Release?
Somatic breath release is a practice designed to help people release stored stress or trauma in the body through controlled breathing patterns. Advocates say it helps calm the nervous system, process trauma, and bring emotional release. Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation are often taught alongside it as part of holistic wellness programs.
From a purely physiological perspective, there is evidence that breathing exercises and mindfulness practices can reduce stress and help officers reset after difficult calls. But when you dig deeper, the spiritual philosophies attached to these practices raise questions—especially for Christians.
The Dangers If Misapplied While not explicitly addressed in Scripture, practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, and somatic breath release can become spiritually dangerous depending on how they are applied.
Reliance on self over God: When peace and healing are sought through a technique rather than through God, it becomes a form of self-reliance. Scripture warns of worshiping the “creature rather than the Creator.” (Romans 1:25 )
Emptying the mind: Biblical meditation is about filling our minds with God’s Word (Psalm 1:2; Joshua 1:8), not emptying them. Some forms of meditation and breathwork risk opening a door to false ideas about God and life, rather than truth.
Replacing the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised His followers the Comforter, the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). True peace comes from God’s Spirit working in us (Galatians 5:22), not a by-product of a breathing technique.
Connection to unbiblical mysticism: Practices tied to yoga or Eastern spirituality can pull participants into belief systems that conflict with God’s truth and distract from Christ.
The Beauty of God’s Breath Scripture tells us that God Himself breathed life into humanity (Genesis 2:7). Every breath we take is evidence of His sustaining power. In fact, the Hebrew name of God, YHWH, was written without vowels.
Ancient rabbis (teachers) noticed that when spoken without vowels, the name itself sounds like breathing—inhale (YH), exhale (WH). That means each breath can be a reminder that God gives us life with every inhale, and with every exhale He removes what we don’t need—fear, anxiety, and the weight of the world.
This perspective shifts the focus. Breath isn’t about self-reliance or mystical power; it is a gift from the Creator. When used this way, breathwork can become a spiritual act of worship, anchoring us to the truth that “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). While God’s design for breath reminds us of His nearness, not every wellness approach points us back to Him. Some programs, though well-intentioned, are built on philosophies that can lead us away from a Biblical worldview.
Case Study – Discernment Matters
For example, I know of a trauma-intensive program that has become very popular among law enforcement officers in my state. Several deputies I serve have attended and reported that it helped them process trauma. They said they were sleeping better, felt less angry, and are encouraging other officers to attend. Their hearts are in the right place—they want to heal, and they want others to heal.
But when you look deeper at the foundation of the program, red flags appear. The teaching is built on the idea that “you have God within you, and you are the only one who can heal yourself.” On its website, the program openly blends mythology, meditation practices, and the writings of philosophers and mystics that do not align with scripture. It draws from “A Course in Miracles,” a book that directly contradicts God’s Word by claiming humanity can save itself. This centers the self as savior; Christianity centers Christ as Savior
That message may sound empowering on the surface, but it is not biblical. As Christians, we know true transformation comes from the Holy Spirit, not from reaching deeper into ourselves.
Here is the danger: when someone says, “This helped me,” that testimony can be a powerful draw for an officer who is desperate for relief. But temporary relief is not the same as eternal healing. As chaplains, officers, and leaders, we must carefully weigh not only the effectiveness of a resource but also the worldview it is built upon. Relief built on sand will not last.
It is up to us as chaplains, Christian officers, and leaders to point those who need help to tools that, when paired with discernment and the right focus, can be beneficial with the right foundation.
Potential Benefits in the Right Context Not all aspects of breathwork, yoga, meditation, or mindfulness are inherently bad. When approached through a biblical framework, they can support both physical wellness and spiritual focus. This is supported in Colossians 3:2; Philippians 4:8.
How can we start with the right framework?
The body as God’s temple: Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Caring for them through healthy breathing and calming techniques can be good stewardship. ( 1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
Scientific tools for stress: Controlled breathing lowers heart rate, reduces cortisol, and can help officers calm down after a high-stress incident. Used wisely, this can create space for prayer, reflection, and seeking God’s voice.
Yoga with the right focus: Yoga is beneficial when practiced as stretching, balance, and strength training—not as a form of spiritual enlightenment. It is not wrong in itself. The key question is: what is the focus?
Mindfulness based on God: Meditation is life-giving when it focuses on God’s Word, not emptying the mind to find “truth” or relative morality within yourself.
Breathwork with a focus: Controlled breathing is effective when the focus is on the One who gives us breath and life, not on trying to master our own body through our own power. (Psalm 150:6; Acts 17:25 )
Intention matters: If the goal is worship and aligning with God’s presence, slowing down your breathing can become an act of stillness before Him (Psalm 46:10).
Breath as worship: Remembering that each breath carries His name can turn even a wellness exercise into a declaration of reliance on God, not self. (Psalm 150:6)
I encourage Law enforcement officers to seek out scientifically supported modalities that promote healing, such as breathing exercises, physical fitness, or trauma-informed therapies. These can be wonderful tools for resilience.
Just remember to ask questions: What is the foundation they are built on? What are they really trying to teach you? While these techniques can help, the ultimate healer is the Lord.
Techniques may steady you for a moment and even provide relief and hope, but only Christ is the solid ground that will last when the storms come. That’s why asking the right questions matters.
Questions for Building a Solid Foundation
Before engaging in any new wellness trend, especially those promoted in law enforcement, consider these key questions:
Is this practice pointing me toward God or toward myself?
Does this technique bring me closer to God, or does it focus on me trying to heal myself apart from Him?
What is the philosophy behind what’s being taught? Does it align with God's Word?
What is their motivation to help me? (the founders behind this technique, or those presenting this technique)
Building on Solid Ground Jesus told the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24–27. One built on rock, the other on sand. Both faced storms—but only one foundation stood. Wellness practices in law enforcement can be helpful tools for your physical body and emotional well-being, but if they become your foundation, they are sinking sand. True resilience, healing, and peace are found in Jesus Christ alone. Techniques may help regulate your physical body, but only Christ can bring deep healing to the soul (Psalm 23:3)
Final Thought Wellness in law enforcement is important. Physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness matters. Stress is real, trauma is heavy, and officers need tools to survive and thrive. But no matter what new trend comes along—breathwork, yoga, meditation, or the next big thing—the ultimate question remains: What foundation is this built on? If it points us to Christ, it can be a helpful tool. If it pulls us away from Him and pushes us to rely only on ourselves, it won’t last. Let’s be people who build on the rock, not on sand. P.S. If you’re not a Christian, that’s okay. We want you to get help that lasts. We all have a spiritual aspect to our being, and we encourage you to consider what you are building your life on — and what truly provides lasting help. To explore biblically grounded, proven options for law enforcement wellness, here are a few free resources that you can find on the Chaplains and Heroes website:
Mighty Oaks Foundation – a 5-day peer-led intensive program for trauma healing and spiritual renewal
Bless the Badge Ministries – peer-led conferences and marriage coaching designed for law enforcement families
Reboot Recovery – a 12-week peer-led trauma recovery course
These are solid places to begin building—not on shifting sand, but on a foundation that lasts.
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