Meditations on Healthy Living

John 7:30 At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.

Matthew 26:18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near, I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as JESUS had directed them and prepared the Passover.
[New International Translation] (See also, Luke 22:10-11; Mark 14:13-14)

Summary

John 7:30 and Matthew 26:18 illustrate the fact that JESUS’ death on the cross was part of the GOD’s Divine plan. It was not something that was accidental, unplanned or that just happened. Just as JESUS’ birth was foretold and predicted, so was HIS death. It was preordained. As the passage from John 7:30 shows, even those who wanted to do HIM harm, could not, unless GOD willed it to be so. No one could touch HIM, until HIS appointed time. In Matthew 26:18, Jesus states that HIS “appointed time is near.” In other words, HE knew what would happen. He knew what HE would endure. HE knew and still chose to do the FATHER’s WILL. HIS life was not taken; but rather, HE gave up HIS life freely, in obedience to the FATHER and out of love (See John 3:16) for all of us. JESUS kept an appointment on a cross---just for you and for me.

Romans 5:6 put it this way:
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. [New Living Translation]

MINDFUL/MEDITATION WALKING
Many people believe that meditation or mindfulness involves sitting or being still. In “The Basics of Walking Meditation,” WebMD describes the benefits of meditating or practicing mindfulness while walking.

According to WebMD, a walking meditation involves paying attention to your body’s movements, your surroundings, and your feelings and thoughts. According to WebMD, practicing mindfulness can:

  • Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Improve focus – by focusing your attention on a single thing.
  • Improve memory – allowing your short-term memory to work without interruption from intrusive thoughts.
  • Improve emotional regulation- training your mind to focus your attention on positive emotions rather than negative emotions.

WebMD notes that a walking meditation may be changed to suit a person’s individual needs but states that a traditional form of walking meditation usually involves slow, purposeful steps in a small space.

WebMD suggests the following steps:

  1. Find a quiet space – indoors or outdoors about 25 feet long or 10-15 steps.
  2. Relax – be aware of your body and posture, including:
    1. Standing up straight- without stiffening your back.
    2. Relax your shoulders.
    3. Distribute your weight evenly over your feet.
    4. Clasp your hands behind, in front of you, or let them hang by your sides.
    5. Relax your gaze and drop slightly.
    6. Breathe through your diaphragm.

3. Be mindful of your standing position –

    1. Feel your feet touching the ground.
    2. Be aware of the weather conditions (sun, breeze, etc.)
    3. Be aware of sounds.
    4. Is your body tense anywhere.
    5. Examine various parts of your body – by mentally feeling various parts of your body.

4. Take your first step

    1. Slowly step forward with your left foot as you inhale.
    2. Walk with purpose feeling each step as your foot slowly touches the ground or floor.
    3. Feel your weight shift as your foot touches the ground (heel to toe) and as you shift your weight to pick up the other foot. Again, move slowly as you step forward.
    4. Focus your mind. You may need to reel in your mind. Focus on one of your senses—your feet touching the ground, your breath in your nose or belly, the sound of your body moving, etc.
    5. Pause – After you have taken about 15 slow mindful steps, pause, take a deep mindful breath. Turn around and walk the path again. Practice this for 5 to 10 minutes.

See, “The Basics of Walking Meditation,” https://www.webmd.com/balance/the-basics-of-walking-meditation

OTHER MEDITATIONS THIS WEEK

On Good Friday, Meditate on one or more of the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross:

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”
Luke 23: 34
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with ME in paradise.”
Luke 23: 43
Speaking to Mary and John,
“Woman, behold your son!”
“Behold your mother!”
John 19: 26, 27
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Matthew 27:46
Mark 15:34
“I thirst!”
John 19: 28
“It is finished!”
John 19: 30
“Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.”
Luke 23: 46

On Resurrection Sunday - REJOICE! And, BE BLESSED!