Wow, do I have a story for you! I'll try to keep it brief:
Wednesday was my 28th birthday, and I had a full day of fun planned: hiking, acro yoga, friends, beach, dinner, kirtan... ...until my bike wouldn't start! D'oh! 🤦🏻♂️
Thanks to years of meditation, I only felt about 10 seconds of frustration before my mind rebalanced. I thought, "There must be a reason for this. God's got me."
After a quick fix at the bike repair shop, I took an unexpected detour with a friend to a nearby cafe. There, she mentioned an incredibly special and enlightened man she had met on the island. No joke—as she was telling me this story, he pulled up on his scooter to join us. We did not plan for this.
For what it's worth, he was one of the most beautiful humans I have ever seen: dark hair, a beard, radiant white eyes and teeth, young, Scottish, and filled with divine wisdom and love. The moment I saw him, tears bubbled up.
We instantly hit it off when I found out he also practices Kriya Yoga (the lineage I'm part of). We locked eyes, and he telepathically communicated that his direct guru is none other than Mahavatar Babaji. If this name means nothing to you, trust me — it's a big deal.
Fast forward, and he invited me to India for Kumbh Mela (a massive holy festival that happens every twelve years, drawing 20+ million Hindu pilgrims to bathe in the Ganges). I immediately accepted and bought my plane ticket.
Later that evening, he handed me this gift and note:
"Happy Birthday Dear Brother, Guru & Masters wished for us to meet on this Holy day. This is a gift from all of us. Eternal Love, X"
I CANNOT EXPRESS HOW MIND-BLOWING THIS WAS! The Holy Science had been at the top of my reading list for over a year, but I kept putting it off. How did he know to bring this book on his voyage to Thailand — and gift it to me!? Did my gurus break my bike to make this meeting happen!?
Anyway...there's more to the story, but that would require a much longer explanation of what gurus are and their role in a disciple's life. Maybe I'll share the full thing with you one day.
I hope you enjoy this week's {Body} • {Mind} • {Soul} Newsletter and have a beautiful Sunday, - Ethan ॐ
Ethan Hill Owner, Yoga with Ethan
Coconut Water
Whether you’re rehydrating, healing, or seeking nourishment, coconut water is a simple — yet profound — addition to your diet.
Coconut water is a natural powerhouse of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals (including potassium, magnesium, and B-complex vitamins). Its unique composition closely matches human plasma, making it exceptionally bio-available. This makes it ideal for athletes, those with active lifestyles, or anyone recovering from illness.
Rich in bioactive enzymes, coconut water also supports digestion, boosts metabolism, and balances pH levels. It strengthens the immune system, helps prevent kidney stones, and promotes cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and improving circulation. Its high cytokinin content provides anti-aging, anti-cancer, and anti-thrombotic benefits.
For skin health, coconut water hydrates and soothes when applied topically. It’s also beneficial for neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and seizures, as well as blood sugar disorders, adrenal issues, and reproductive health. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties help eliminate pathogens in the gut and support overall detoxification.
To maximize benefits, pair coconut water with other healing foods like parsley or spinach, as it enhances their nutrient power.
Practice
When buying coconut water, only get it if it’s clear or very slightly tinged with pink. It’s a misconception that deep pink or reddish coconut water is beneficial—in fact, this is a sign that it’s rapidly oxidizing and going bad. Also avoid any coconut water that contains natural flavors, citric acid, or sweeteners such as agave nectar or refined cane sugar.
I feel overwhelmed by how quickly the world is speeding up. Question submitted by: Gwen D. from Charlotte, NC
You are not alone; even the most optimistic among us are feeling the uncomfortable inertia of society hitting warp speed — myself included.
First suggestion is to consider your pacing and stride amidst the rapid change.
Imagine two identical marathoners, both running 6 minute miles. The first relaxes their muscles, opens up their gate for a longer stride, and shifts their center of gravity forward. The second stays tense, quickens their feet, and pumps their legs twice as hard to keep up.
Which version do you think is more sustainable?
In other words, the more you resist the global accelerating flow — and its accompanying dissolution of old structures — the more effort you will need to stay above water. Loosen your grip on what you believe the future should be and trust that, so long as you are selflessly serving others, you will thrive in this time of transition.
Of course, this is easier said than done, so when you do inevitably find yourself overwhelmed, I recommend re-attuning yourself with the slow pace of nature (without any electronics nearby). Stand near a tree or body of water, close your eyes and feel the weight of your body, the ground beneath your feet, and the air that fills your lungs. Remind yourself that, while the world may be moving, you are still.
Lastly, consider incorporating a splash of amish philosophy into your life. Choose only to embrace technology that align with simplicity and separation from the distractions and pressures of the outside world. You will be much more peaceful for having done so.
“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.” — Pema Chödrön
Seen from a high vantage point, experiences don’t happen by accident — they come as teachers, carrying lessons that are (occasionally) wrapped in discomfort and pain.
Don’t believe me? Really reflect on the things you are struggling with today as compared to this time last year.
Notice how, although the external circumstances may have changed, the internal patterns of (as examples) doubt, fear and frustration have all remained the same.
Again: it’s not necessarily the experience itself that’s instructive; it’s your feelings towards the experience that is. And until you heal the infected wounds of shame and lack, your bad luck will repeat itself in endlessly varying forms.