The hidden meditative method Jesus practiced

You may be feeling stress from various things like your money or career (here’s some ways to fix that)

According to the Gospels, Jesus went up to the mountain to pray on multiple occasions, including:

Before choosing his disciples

Luke 6:12 says, "In these days he went into the hills to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God". After praying, Jesus chose his twelve disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot.

Before the Transfiguration

Luke 9:28 says, "Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray". While praying, Jesus' face became radiant and his clothing became dazzling white.

Before his arrest

Jesus is said to have prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives on the night before his crucifixion.

 When he perceived he was about to be taken by force

Jesus withdrew to the mountain to pray when he realized the crowds were about to take him by force to make him king.

I think there's a hidden thing to this too we might be missing. Isn't it interesting that it doesn't highlight for us instances where he went into the city to pray? Although we know he did as he attended synagogue, which would include prayers. But the fact remains, going to places of solitude and mountains and wilderness to pray is a constant theme.

Forest Bathing

“Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a therapeutic practice that involves being in a natural setting and immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. The goal is to be calm and quiet, and to focus on the present moment.

While I'm not saying Jesus specifically practiced forest bathing, we do see Him in nature praying quite a bit. I think there's something to that.

Forest bathing can have many health benefits, including:

Improved mood

Improved sleep quality

Reduced stress levels

Lowered blood pressure

Lowered heart rate

Lowered levels of harmful hormones

Here are some tips for forest bathing:

Turn off your devices

Slow down

Take long, deep breaths

Stop, stand, or sit

Smell what's around you

Be observant and look at nature's small details

Avoid thinking about your to-do list or daily life

Forest bathing was developed in Japan in the 1980s after scientific studies showed that spending time in a forest could improve concentration and memory, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress hormone levels. (Here is a free training on how to heal your hormones)

How Nature Helps Our Bodies Fight Cancer

Did you know that spending time in nature can help our bodies stay strong and healthy? Trees and plants give off special chemicals called phytoncides that can make us feel better and boost our immune system. These phytoncides, found in trees like pine, cedar, and fir, can help our bodies produce natural killer (NK) cells—special cells that fight against things that make us sick, like cancer cells.

 What are Phytoncides?

Phytoncides are chemicals that trees and plants release to protect themselves from bugs and germs. When we go into a forest and breathe in fresh air, we also breathe in these helpful phytoncides. Scientists have found that when people spend time in forests, their NK cells get stronger, helping their immune system fight against cancer and other diseases.

How Does Nature Make Us Healthier?

Studies have shown that being in nature can help our bodies and minds in many ways:

1. Increases NK Cells: When people spend time in forests, their NK cells get a boost. This means their immune system is stronger and can fight off sickness better.

- Read about it here

2. Reduces Stress: Nature helps us feel calm and happy. Just being around trees and plants makes us feel less stressed. This can also help keep our bodies strong.

3. Makes Us Feel Better: When we’re in nature, we can enjoy the sounds of birds, the fresh smell of the forest, and the beauty of the trees. All these things together make us feel better and healthier.

How Can We Enjoy Nature More?

There are lots of simple ways to enjoy the benefits of nature and phytoncides:

1. Go for Walks in the Park or Forest: Try spending time walking or playing in places with lots of trees. Even short trips help!

2. Have Plants at Home: Growing plants indoors or around your home is a great way to feel closer to nature.

3. Take Nature Breaks: If you’re indoors, go outside to breathe in the fresh air and relax.

Why Nature is Important

Nature has amazing benefits that help us stay healthy and happy. The air in forests is full of phytoncides that can make our immune system strong and help us fight off sickness. Spending time in nature can help us relax, make us feel happier, and keep our bodies strong.

Let’s all try to spend more time outside, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of nature. It’s a simple and fun way to stay healthy!