Today is day 18 of my 20-day silent meditation retreat. The home stretch.
As I try and imagine what my experience will be like at this point, I am only offered words: ever-expanding silence; pure Surrender; touching the hem of God.
Deep in my heart I wish nothing but peace, harmony, and joy for my brothers and sisters. But something in me knows this future is only possible when I am freed of my own selfishness. Even as I write this, a full month before I enter into silence, I see clearly all of my sins — misperceptions, judgements, greed. The subtle ways I've made myself the center of every story.
I am willing to let these go, at any cost. I want to serve God without pretense or hesitation. I want to be made new — not improved, not optimized, but fundamentally transformed. Burned clean and rebuilt from ash.
Deep breath. Refocus.
Talk to you next week once I’ve emerged, - Ethan ॐ
Ethan Hill Owner, Yoga with Ethan
Tense shoulders Originally published on January 7th, 2024
Have you noticed what happens to your body when you anticipate a loud sound, like a firework explosion?
You flinch, right? Your face scrunches, your shoulders hike up to your ears, and you brace for impact.
A reminder: you’re carrying this same flinching tension throughout your entire day, even when there’s no firework coming.
Right now, as you read this, check in with your body. Is your jaw clenched? Shoulders raised? Breath shallow and chest collapsed? Notice how much unnecessary tension you’re holding despite being completely safe — probably sitting in bed or on the toilet, nothing dangerous anywhere nearby.
It’s madness!
Why do we do this? Because our systems were designed to shrink away (flinch) from any potential disaster. And the mind is projecting disaster constantly.
How do you escape this “perpetual flinching”? Naturally, you’ll need to terminate the incessant stream of worst-case-scenario thoughts that stalk you.
Alas, that’s pretty dang hard to do, so in the meantime try this instead…
Practice Step-by-step instructions to turn theory into healing.
When you stub you toe, you automatically take a sharp and shallow inhale. This is effectively a flinch.
The opposite of a flinch, then, is the opposite of a sharp and shallow inhale — a prolonged and deep inhale.
The opposite of a “perpetual flinch”, then, is prolonged and deep inhales throughout your day. It’s almost too easy — I know — but great solutions are often quite simple and elegant.
Try that now. 5 deep breaths, deep enough to release tension from your strung-out shoulders.
Overwhelmed by how quickly the world is speeding up Originally published on December 8th, 2024
Even the most optimistic among us are feeling the uncomfortable inertia of society hitting warp speed — myself included.
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.
Meditate Bite-sized audios to help you become the master of your mind.
No meditation this week – thanks for understanding 🙏🏻
“On the spiritual Path, it’s impossible to know how you’re doing because it’s the judger who is disappearing.” — Krishna Das Originally published on May 26th, 2025
On a typical road trip, you can look forward to a well-trodden route taking you to a guaranteed destination in a finite amount of time.
“I’m driving from North Carolina to Arizona via I-40, which will take about 3 days.”
On the trip of life, however, none of those assurances are present.
That is: not only are you the first to ever take this path, but you also don’t have a clue where you’re going, nor any idea of how long it’s going to take to get there!
Seems like quite the nerve-racking journey, eh?
Ironically, the good news is that you know you’re headed in the right direction when you end up stressing less about where you are and where you’re going. Or, in other words, when you know that God’s got you.
How hilarious and comforting this realization truly is! That only by relaxing into being lost will you be found! That only by stressing less will you fare better!
Journal Contemplative questions on the nature of inner freedom.
No journal prompt this week – thanks for understanding! 🙏🏻