Lately I’ve noticed how often people say, “I’m stressed out.” It’s a simple phrase, yet it carries a heavy weight. Today, I want to explore how our self-talk shapes that experience—and how meditation can help us change the way we relate to it. I understand this feeling well. Many of us do. It can be difficult to keep our perspective steady and our hearts open when life feels demanding. But even in those moments, we have a powerful tool available to us: the way we speak to ourselves. Self-talk is not about denying reality or pretending everything is fine. It is about gently shifting our reference point. The words we choose influence how we experience what is happening. When we say, “I’m stressed out,” it often carries an undertone of defeat, as if the stress defines us. In truth, what we are usually experiencing is something more accurate: we are managing many responsibilities, emotions, and goals at the same time. That is not failure—it is effort. A small change in language can create a meaningful shift: - Instead of telling yourself, “I’m stressed,” try acknowledging, “I’m doing the best I can under a lot of pressure.” - Replace “I’m overwhelmed” with “I’m managing a lot right now.” These subtle adjustments restore a sense of autonomy. Rather than identifying as a stressed person, you recognize yourself as someone moving through a challenging moment. That perspective opens a path forward. This is where meditation becomes essential. Meditation trains us to observe our thoughts without immediately believing them. It creates space between the feeling and the story we attach to it. Over time, we learn to notice the stress response without being ruled by it. The emotions are real, and they deserve compassion. But how we relate to them determines whether they consume us or simply pass through. By becoming more mindful of our inner dialogue, we begin to reshape our experience from the inside out. A calmer, steadier voice within leads to a calmer, steadier life.

Please, let me know what we thought of the breathwork practice in the comments. Thank you all, Daniel

I felt called to create another recording! A shortened but fun practice! Stretching, breathwork, and a meditation on gratitude. Something I am feeling a lot these days. Thank you for the support and breathing with me through the tech challenges. Enjoy the video. Reminder that the 30 day challenge starts tomorrow. See you on the mat, Dan

We had a great question in class yesterday about the different body positions we can practice in. The one in question was lying completely flat on the back. Now, it can be done of course, but the challenge will be remaining focused (not falling asleep) during the meditation. To remedy the call for a little more comfort during our practice, I present a back supported seated position. I will include a picture from my practice today at the Spa. Here you can see I am seated in an arm chair, but what you might not be able to see is the small pillow behind me at mid back. This allows me to keep the spine straight while sitting in the cushioned chair. I really encourage this type of meditation if you are: a.) Finding seated position on the floor to be too challenging… at this beginning part of the journey. Again, with the stretching practices, I know this will become easier over time. b.) You are practicing new or more dynamic breathwork routines. This ensures comfort and safety during the practice. Giving our bodies grace and comfort as we grow through these practices will unlock new levels of mindfulness. Quote of the day: "Meditation is a surrender, it is not a demand. It is not forcing existence your way, it is relaxing into the way existence wants you to be." - Osho

Imagine yourself, sitting there in lotus pose, breathing a sigh of relaxation, as you allow the stresses of life just melt away🧘🏽🧘🏼‍♀️. Your body and mind have released the overwhelming tension, and now you are firmly planted in a state of Zen. Sounds great, right? But Dan, where do I begin? I can’t sit still for more than a couple minutes, never mind the idea of trying to clear my brain of its constant dialogue of thoughts. Don’t worry, like any other skill in life, this one just takes a little practice. And what better way to commit, than to join a community of people all working on the same goal. This Free 30 Day Challenge is for you, if: 😔You find yourself struggling with mood swings ⚡️You’re experience low energy/motivation 💪🏽Your muscles and body are holding tension 🏎️You feel overwhelmed from life’s to-do list 🧘🏽You want to improve you existing practice What you will need: ✅ Yoga mat or soft floor space ✅ Water bottle ✅ Meditation pillow or block (optional but recommended) ✅ 1-20 minutes a day to practice. The “rules” of the game: ⏱️ Each week we will add more meditation time, starting with the first week 5 minutes. Each week will add 5+ minutes, reaching 20 minute sessions by the final week. ✔️We will hold each-other accountable by posting daily here on the community Challenge page. It can be what we felt, a picture of our practice space, or anything that shares our practice with the group. 👏🏽 As a group, we will cheer each-other on and celebrate the journey together. What I will deliver: ⭐️I will post daily in the challenge group, a prompt for that days practice. ⭐️ I will guide us through different breathwork techniques, meditation practices, and stretching routines ⭐️I will host live events every Sunday (recorded also, so you can watch whenever time allows) ⭐️Answers to any and all questions When will the challenge start? Monday, January 12th. What do I need to do to get entered? Comment on this post. See you all on the mats 🧘🏽🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏽‍♂️ Daniel