Congratulations to winner Jim from Oregon who went to Maui for a Hawaiian retreat with Ram Dass and friends. Here's what he had to say about the experience...

Propeller: How did you find out about Propeller and what type of actions did you complete to earn points towards winning this experience?

Jim: I really have no idea how I found out about Propeller, I would say that Propeller found me. I don't know if it was an email advertisement, a posting on Facebook or Linked-in or what, but when I saw it I was intrigued. I poked around the site and found the Love, Serve Remember Foundation. My wife and I are familiar with Ram Dass and I thought this would be a good place to donate. Then I saw that the retreat was part of a giveaway. At that point I purchased a Be Here Now tee-shirt to give as a gift. From the purchase I applied all of my Propeller points to entering the contest thinking that if I won it would just be icing on the top of doing a good deed. Then I won – I was blown away, I didn't believe it at first.

Propeller: What was the highlight of the retreat?

Jim: The people we met. It did not matter if they were participants, presenters or behind the scenes people, everyone was kind, welcoming and friendly. There were people from all over the world, young and old, first timers like us or seasoned Ram Dass devotees and all seemed to become instant friends. Everyone was wonderful and the teachings and music were fantastic! The food and the venue were also highlights. I ate more on this trip than ever because I didn't want to miss a meal. Everything was so tasty and being able to eat it with the view of Napili Bay in the amazing Hawaiian weather, who could ask for more?

Propeller: Did you meet Ram Dass?

Jim: Yes, I got to meet and interact with Ram Dass on several occasions. He was often in the audience for events and other speakers and he was very approachable. One time he was sitting alone and I had a few minutes to talk with him. While I did most of the talking he was fully present with me, he listened to me and heard me, and it was a blessing to have met him. Finally, I and everyone else got a moment with him during the both the mala ceremony and the closing swim in Napili Bay. The energy that Ram Dass, the other teachers, and all the participants generated was both fantastic and memorable.

Propeller: What was the best part of the trip to Hawaii?

Jim: While I wish we could have stayed longer and seen more of the islands than just our small resort area, I don't think I missed much. The weather while there was fantastic. The sunsets were beautiful and memorable. The ocean was so inviting and warm enough that I could swim at any time day or night. Hawaii I will be back.

Propeller: Why is Love Serve Remember Foundation so important to you?

Jim: Ram Dass' life story is so iconic and relatable particularly to people in my age demographic. His message has been consistent and clear for decades while continually remaining relevant.  As I grow older along with my family and friends his message on having both a good life and a good death is even more relevant to me. Supporting and spreading Ram Dass' philosophy and teachings and his legacy on healing and loving is simply a good thing.

Learn more about the Love Serve Remember Foundation by visiting their profile on Propeller. Thanks to everyone who participated.