First Annual 108 Challenge
It all started with an idea from YFFR Advisor and CFO, Eric Brenneman, that he would complete 108 sun salutations in full firefighting bunker gear in an effort to raise funds for YFFR programs. This idea snowballed into YFFR's first annual 108 Challenge, which culminated on June 28th, 2020. (Check out Eric's 108 sun salutations here.)
Why 108?
The long and short of it is that in traditional yogic teaching 108 represents the universal oneness of the mind, body, and outer world. That's deep, but it becomes more tangible when you start to pay attention to all the places it comes up in the modern world today. It's like another version of the golden ratio.
From "The Universal Synchronicity of 108" written by Jeff Scult:
Distance between the earth and the moon = 108 times the moon's diameter.
The distance between the earth and sun = 108 times the sun's diameter.
There are 12 constellations and 9 arc segments in astrology, 9X12 = 108.
Sanskrit (not used in YFFR, but traditional language of yoga) has 54 letters each with a masculine and feminine = 108.
According to Ayurveda (Hindu medicine), Chinese martial arts, and South Indian martial arts there are 108 pressure points in the body.
The first manned space flight lasted 108 minutes
108 stitches on an official baseball
In 2016 the Chicago Cubs won the World Series after 108 years and the win came in the 10th inning with 8 runs.
Where Do The Proceeds Go?
Proceeds raised from the 108 Challenge fundraiser go towards providing First Responders and Military with access to our YFFR online training tool and app, the YFFR Cyber Academy, at no cost to them.
Learn More about the YFFR Cyber Academy and sign up here: https://bit.ly/YFFRcyberac Anyone can sign up for the Cyber Academy to enjoy access to video and audio practices using the YFFR Protocol anytime, anywhere, right in the palm of your hands.
The YFFR Protocol is evidenced-based to enhance the lives and performance of first responders. Together through the 108 Challenge, we raised funds to get first responders and military the tools they need to process stress, build resilience and enhance performance through the field-tested methodology of Yoga For First Responders®.
"One of the most important changes that I think I experienced is a more effortless mindfulness. As a first responder myself, I knew that there had to be something I could do to bring myself out of the excited state of getting a call in the middle of the night, but I didn't know what or how. Being mindful of what is going on around me, and knowing how to control my mind, body and breath has been a game changer." - Dana, Firefighter/EMT
2020 108 Challenge Results:
$10,625 raised, benefitting 200+ First Responders & Military nationwide
$10,625 raised (and counting! We have some funds still rolling in) to support first responders and military across the country. These funds translate to roughly 210 First Responders who will gain free access to the YFFR Cyber Academy online training tool and app for a full year.
We couldn't have done it without YOU. Leading up to the culmination of our first annual 108 Challenge at the end of June, we saw more support than ever from grassroots donations to the individuals and teams who took the challenge to support YFFR and our mission to help first responders and military nationwide.
In the photo collage above, you can see a glimpse of all the different 108 Challenge ideas we saw our contributors complete. Here are just a few of the ways people chose to take on the challenge and make it their own:
108 Cognitive Declarations (Mantras)
108 Squats
108 Box Step Ups
108 Second Plank
108 Sun Salutations
108 Paintballs Fired in a Friendly Match
108 Letters of Gratitude to First Responder Departments
108 Dutch Letters Baked and Shared with First Responder Departments Locally
We can't wait to see what you come up with in 2021. We hope to hold a physical 108 Challenge Day event next year for participants to join together in camaraderie (details TBD).
To everyone who participated in and donated to our first ever 108 Challenge, THANK YOU. Your support is making a difference in the lives of First Responders & Military nationwide.
