Good day, Steemians!

If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you. - unknown

I live at @quinneaker's visionary ecovillage the @gardenofeden.
Living in community is awesome -
except when it's not.
Part of being a conscious community means
we are bound by honor to challenge dysfunctional beliefs
that do not support the greater good
of this planet and extended human family
...and many people raised in the matrix have seriously dysfunctional,
unconscious beliefs and a blind spot towards them.
Pointing it out can be uncomfortable for both parties,
as it is often met with denial, defensiveness, projection, avoidance, blame, and even hostility,
but that's just another layer of the onion to peel back.
If low standards aren't addressed, how will we improve as a community?
My fellow Steemians, I have to tell something to tell you
that I have avoided touching
for fear of offending someone/for fear of being unpopular,
but it's eating me up and fuck it all because that's just my own weakness
and ultimately I serve Truth:
Many people involved in cryptocurrency
are excited about the revolutionary potential it holds for the financial system,
but do you really think a revolution will be so easily compartmentalized?!?!
The ENTIRE economy has to shift!
Consumers must wake up to the FACT that
shopping at stores supports the global military industrial complex.
Whether you're paying in SBD, BTC, or USD,
whether you're buying video games for Christmas presents,
or canned goods for a homeless shelter,
or new clothes for a single mom,
shopping at stores supports the global military industrial complex.
Mega corporations use dishonorable and destructive production practices,
expendable packaging, petroleum dependent distribution, and government subsidies,
plus there are many layers of regulations and taxation -
these elements fuel the war machine.
Shopping at stores supports the global military industrial complex,
including airstrikes on babies, the weapon of rape, pillaging our planet, and outright murder.
Consider the resources that are consumed in operating a store;
consider the taxation of every single employee and customer.
If you shop at stores, this applies to you!
I hope someone deeply considers this.
I hope opening a dialogue changes consumerism.
I hope you understand without your ego throwing up walls to deflect responsibility.
I hope you are better for it. I hope I am better for it.
I hope you still reward my post.
I hope I stop caring what other people think and start living with unwavering dedication
to the highest good of ALL to shine an example like @quinneaker sets.
I hope that Steemit will recognize the dedication and commitment
embodied at the @gardenofeden, including but not limited to what it really
means to have abstained from the convenience of shopping at stores for a decade.
A better way is not only possible, but easy and abundant and fun - we are living proof!
With that said, I'll give you some yoga now,
as that will definitely make us both feel better.

This is Half Bound Lotus Forward Fold

AKA Half Bound Lotus Intense Stretch

AKA Ardha Baddha Padmotthanasana in Sanskrit

(ardha = half, baddha = bound, padma = lotus, uttana = intense, asana = pose/posture)

On some days you nail it, and on some days this hip opener/forward fold/inversion can be a challenge even for established practices.

Physically, this pose releases tension stored in the hips,
including the chemicals responsible for emotions like fear
that lock up in the psoas muscle.
It squeezes the internal organs, improving digestion
and igniting the metabolic fire that is key to invincible health.
The pull of gravity is a welcome release as the head
hangs below the heart,
encouraging fresh, vitalizing, prana rich blood to
easily wash over the brain.

The balance challenge of standing on one leg
encourages sharp focus;
there's no time to worry about what's next
when you're trying not to fall over right now.
There's no time for judgment when you're laser focused.

One leg takes half lotus while the other roots firmly into the Earth.
The lotus is a respected spiritual symbol,
because it rises up out of the depths of mud
each day to blossom unblemished;
each night it withdraws back to the muck.
It represents awakening and enlightenment
and emerging unstained from the surrounding filth.

How to HALF BOUND LOTUS FORWARD FOLD:

• From standing, inhale and lift the left knee. Breathe here if you need to steady your balance.
• Keeping the right leg strong, root down through the four corners of the right foot.
• Exhale and bring the left foot to the crease of the right hip.
• With an inhale, wrap the left arm behind the back and clasp the left foot. If you don't reach your foot yet, rest the back of the left hand along the lower back.
• Extend the right arm straight up.
• Exhale and fold forward from the hips, following the right finger tips all the way to the floor with the eyes.

Breathe in, breathe out. 

Breathe in, breathe out. 

Breathe in, breathe out.

💛 Sara!
I have thanks to give:

• Thanks, Universe! 
•  Thank you again and again and again and again and again and again and again, Quinn!!! I am a stronger, more honorable, more honest, more capable, more responsible, more considerate person for learning from your example.
• Thank you, @everlove!!!!!!!! Ohmygod WHAT IS THIS LIFE?!?!?! So grateful you're here to share the glory!
• Thank you to m'ladies @inokalrutz & @kotamdickson - sending you snuggles!
• I'm so grateful for this little corner of cyberspace to air my grievances. Thank you and Happy Festivus to all of the @steemit brains - thanks for creating and maintaing this place!