We have made it to the finals days of the challenge! I want to first start by expressing gratitude for all whom have participated. I am inspired and filled with joy watching everyone’s journey. From our in person sessions, to the daily posts, and our live (sometimes technology challenged) sessions, I’ve been truly blessed by this community. As we wrap up the challenge, I want to post a couple questions for the group. Please use the comment section below to answer. 1. What has been your biggest takeaway? 2. What has been the biggest hurdle to overcome? 3. Did your “why” change through the practice? 4. What would you give as a tip or suggestion for someone starting back at Day 1? Again, thank you all so much. Let’s enjoy these last couple days of the challenge! Also the 30th day lands on a live class session if everyone can make it?! See you on the mat, Daniel

Thank you for the patience everyone! Yesterday ended up being a day of rest and reflection. As we enter into the 20 minute practice I wanted to refocus on the why of this journey. As we have felt and seen, there is a peaceful place within each of us. This place we visit ultimately leaves a mark on us every-time we practice. We can hear it in each-others voices. We can taste it in each bite. Why this peaceful and calm version of us is important, is not just for our own, but for those around us. Introducing, the ripple effect or entrainment. By us finding the calm center, we are putting that energy out into the environment around us. You can see this effect when you are non reactive around a reactive child or pet. The energy can be felt, and ultimate invites synchronicity. We are giving light, love and peace to the world around us. And it is good, Daniel.

Stretched last night before bed. I am trying different times to see what works best for me. Stretched and meditated this afternoon. I am a work in progress.

We had a great question earlier in class, and wanted to expand on it. What are the different practices by the various monks? We will be able to continuing exploring this answer endlessly, but I want to talk about some of my favorites. So, to start, monks around the world utilize different techniques to achieve there zen like states. How they can be peaceful and beyond content with so little. You can hear it in their voice, and see it in the way they move. One of my favorites, is the idea of fasting. One of our loudest internal voices, is the voice of hunger. Now, let me preface by stating that fasting is not for everyone and or at least not for everyone all the time. Through fasting, the body’s voice of hunger, eventually subsides and gives way to more clarity. For those whom have tried, you know the clarity I’m talking about. It’s like our brain kicks into a new gear of focus. Next, I really enjoy the idea of detachment. To separate ourselves from the urge to hold on. Holding onto material, outcome, or feelings. The amount of peace that comes from it is hard to relate. We have been told to let go, or to surrender, but I can promise you, once you do, it is peace in its highest expression. We will continue expanding through this question, but for now I invite you to explore. There are 10,000 paths to the top of the mountain, and the fun can be from trying new routes along the way. Daniel.

I came across a cd titled Mountain Splendor. I don’t remember buying it, I concluded that it must have been part of a raffle basket I purchased sometime ago. After my stretching today I put the cd on. The cd consists of harp music with soft sounds of birds and streams and other such sounds in the background. I found to be a helpful aid to my meditation and it was relaxing.