Meet Nadia Bess, who has made it her mission to help others find joy in exploring the world through unique and authentic experiences. As the founder of Besst Travels, Nadia’s expertise and extensive knowledge of luxurious accommodations extend to a special niche: ethical wildlife encounters.

Being a mom to rescue dogs herself, Nadia loves animals and recognizes that ethical wildlife viewing opportunities bring much-needed funding to wildlife conservation and rescue efforts worldwide. For instance, when you stay at most safari lodges, a portion of your payment will be used to fund anti-poaching efforts, veterinary care, and rescue and research operations.

Here, we’ll delve into Nadia’s recommendations for animal encounters where you can indulge in an unforgettable getaway.

1. Swimming with Otters: About an hour away from the coast north of San Diego, CA, Nurtured by Nature is absolutely worth the drive. “The day I spent at this animal sanctuary and otter rescue was one of the highlights of my life!” recalls Nadia. In the four hours you spend here, you will learn about and meet many rescue animals, from kangaroos to sloths to chinchillas.

The last portion is what makes this place famous – the otters! You will get in a pool to go swimming with the otters, which is a high-energy, laugh-inducing playtime. The best part of this visit? The cost of your visit also funds Make-A-Wish children to have the same experience.

Note: An experience this amazing is very in demand! They open their calendar one year in advance (typically in November in the year before but confirm in advance), and the reservations sell out a few hours after they go live. If you couldn’t snag one a year in advance, try following them on social media and checking their website regularly! Cancellations happen and get posted online.

1. Pink Dolphins, Manatees, and Sloths: Aboard a luxury river cruise operator, such as Aqua Expeditions, you will sail down the Amazon in Peru, with prime wildlife viewing opportunities as this region hosts more than one-third of all recorded animal species in the world. Among them, the pink dolphin is a truly special animal you may encounter.

Only found in the Amazon River basin, zoologists believe they may have evolved to be pink to blend into the red mud along the riverbed. In fact, they are born gray and slowly turn increasingly pink as they age, and they become more pink when they are excited. Manatees and sloths can also be viewed during your visit along the Amazon.

1. Ferret Training: At Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, guests can attend the Ferret School, the first of its kind. Ferrets are friendly and highly intelligent beings, which originally allowed them to be trained to hunt rabbits. Adults and children (ages four and up) can learn the basics of ferret training at Gleneagles before racing their ferrets through a racetrack that resembles their natural burrows.

Ferrets not your thing? You can also participate in gundog training classes, as well as falconry and hawking at this property.

1. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: Many seasoned travelers are aware of the opportunity to Gorilla Trek in Rwanda, but very few know about the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience available in Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda.

With this experience, you will view a Chimpanzee family from a safe distance away, watching them hunt, feed, play with the children, interact, rest, and even build a new nest. While in Uganda, you can also participate in traditional safaris, where you can view tree-climbing lions, white rhinos, and Nile crocodiles, among many others. You can also participate in Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or tack a Uganda visit after visiting Rwanda.

These are just a few examples of the amazing wildlife encounters available throughout the world.

With Nadia Bess as your trusted luxury travel advisor, you can embark on unforgettable journeys with your beloved pets by your side. Nadia’s expertise and recommendations open up a world of possibilities for luxury travel experiences observing animals worldwide. Start planning your next adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Reach out to Nadia today on Instagram to receive personalized recommendations and expert advice on planning your next luxurious getaway with wildlife encounters. For more travel ideas, visit Nadia’s travel inspiration page and get ready to explore the world.

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Students pay for higher education to solve their productivity problem. At least, that’s the assumption that the human-capital model makes. But if that’s true, shouldn’t higher education be getting cheaper? After all, the digital revolution has electrified our lives with access to computing. The internet revolution has loudly thundered and stormed with access to information. Youtube videos, published lecture notes, pirated textbooks, and Wikipedia pages have all expanded affordable access to knowledge. By 2003, I could watch alongside actual MIT students by logging into MIT OpenCourseWare. By 2008, I could practice along with Khan Academy. By 2023, I could have a conversation with ChatGPT to help me understand anything I might have missed.

In the realm of learning, never before has so much been so accessible, to so many, and for so little. In a world of abundant online information and virtual teachers, what problem does a college education really solve? Can’t students get more productive on their own? If technology is doing more with less, then computing and internet technologies should allow people to achieve more than before with less schooling than before. So why is the West stagnating in precisely the opposite way? Why are we growing less and schooling more?

Compare the 21st century with the 19th century. In the 1800s, Abraham Lincoln famously taught himself the law with borrowed books. Michael Faraday unraveled the secrets of electro-magnetism with little formal schooling. Likewise, George Boole never went to college. Nevertheless, he fused math and logic in an irreversible way. Imagine what any of those autodidacts would have been able to accomplish today. Framed differently, where have all the self-taught geniuses gone? If learning is getting more accessible, why does the cost of traditional higher education keep going up?

The simple answer has been staring us in the face. Higher education generally, and elite higher education specifically, isn’t really about productivity improvements. You wouldn’t know it from the conventional chatter in Washington, but productivity gains are not what students are paying for. Instead, higher education today is largely about job market signaling. This is why Harvard advertises dropouts like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, when traditional logic would suggest that they should do the opposite. This is why the media was so obsessed with then-candidate Senator Obama’s Harvard Law degree. This is why people fight so fiercely over so few elite college seats, with bribery, donations, and fraud all on the table.

Of course, the signaling thesis is not so novel as one might fashion it to be. Indeed, the connection between job market signaling and education is an old insight, first published by economist Michael Spence in 1973. Still, it’s an insight that has not been developed in nearly enough depth. Why does our society depend on this method of signaling when offered all of the others? In what other sector does an entity formed in 1636 continue to dominate all else?

During World War II, American pilots had trouble communicating with their radio-telephony equipment. Signal strength was often weak. There was often static and plenty of background noise. The engine and propellers were incredibly loud. The lack of clarity in communications was deadly serious. Miscommunication could lead to dire consequences, such as misidentifying friend from foe. It was within this context that researchers at Harvard’s psycho-acoustic lab made a major breakthrough. Essentially, these researchers figured out that if people listening in for a message had no idea what to expect from the message they received, it was often difficult for them to decipher what had been communicated amidst all the noise. However, if listeners knew to listen for only one of a few different options, they could perceive the message even with high noise levels. This is why pilots began limiting their messages to weird words like Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie. By limiting the range of options to a standardized set of sounds, communication was once more possible despite the noise.

The first job market is also a noisy environment, and in a globalized labor market it is increasingly noisy. There is also deep information asymmetry in the first job market. Job applicants know themselves much better than hiring managers do. Some job applicants overplay their experience on their resumes. Other applicants offer irrelevant information in interviews. Sometimes, there’s just so much information to perceive, that hiring managers are rightly overwhelmed. As George Miller taught us in the 1960s, there are bandwidth limits to human perception. Labels like Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford are for job applicants what words like Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie are for pilots. Prestigious degrees allow job market applicants to communicate with employers, just as a standardized alphabet allows pilots to communicate with listeners. Still the question remains, of all the ways to signal, why do we cling to the college channel?

The answer is network effects. Languages have network effects. It’s why we all speak English and few of us learn Esperanto. Esperanto might be a superior language, but no one else speaks it. Therefore, why should I? The prestigious degree hierarchy is just another form of language. It’s one I decide to learn, because everyone else already knows it.

Especially in the elite college market, rankings like US News’ offer a largely stable alphabet with which to compare job applicants. Relative prestige allows employers to infer that the Havard graduate is more desirable than the Haverford graduate. If every applicant had to be considered without such a filtering mechanism, how would decisions get made? Consider the noise in a globalized labor market with many different peoples, with many different social bonds, and very different backgrounds. The prestige hierarchy that US News helps create has exceptionally powerful network effects of a kind even most Silicon Valley businesses might be jealous of.

Importantly, the massive network effects lock-in elite college degrees have in job market signaling is a problem for all efforts to dethrone Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Princeton. The range of prestigious signals accepted by our society has been locked into by network effects. We can’t expect too much change to come from without this market. Instead, it has to be restructured from within.

And restructuring the market is vitally important. Price-fixing, seat scarcity, admissions scandals, corruption, legal debates, political and racial polarization, all of these and more are downstream disruptions that an elite college market structured as a cartel necessarily causes. A privileged few have a monopoly on signaling, and how they allocate that signaling becomes more and more violent over time. If the market isn’t restructured now, it may soon be too late.

Follow Sahaj Sharda on Twitter as he leads a campaign to break the college cartel.

The post The Prestige Paradox: Why Elite Degrees Matter appeared first on INSCMagazine.

A talented and inspirational artist who’s taking the art world by storm. Not only is she studying arts and liberal arts, but she’s also gracing the stage in notable plays in professional theatres. With her captivating performances, she’s transfixed audiences and earned critical acclaim for her work.

In attributing to society and cultural representation and in lead up to Purple Day, (a LGBTQ event and mental health awareness day for youth), she’s also using her platform to openly talk about her journey in ‘coming out’ as a bisexual/queer woman.

It takes a lot of bravery to publicly share such a personal aspect of one’s life, but Shojai is doing just that. Through sharing her story, she’s helping others to feel ‘seen’, heard and validated in their own experiences. She’s proving that being true to one’s self is a beautiful thing, and it’s possible to pursue your career and educational aspirations in an open way and be proud of who you are.

Jasmin most recently performed in a diverse number of small roles in Michael Gow’s AWAY by TheatreWorks, Melbourne (interning through COLLARTS). In addition her most recent Directorial Stage piece: ‘Like Stars Exploding’ staged in a Comprar cialis generico barato en españa theatre festival in Wollongong, Australia last week.

The post Jasmin Shojai: Influencing The Normative Boundaries? Meet The Ex-Playboy Supermodel Turned Creative Artist, Pursuing A New Challenge In Theatre & Liberal arts appeared first on INSCMagazine.

With unwavering expertise and an athlete-centric approach, Dr. Ben has become a highly sought-after medical professional in the realm of sports. His remarkable contributions have not only impacted individual athletes but have also elevated the standards of care in prestigious events and organizations.

From the USATF Pan AM U20 Championships in Puerto Rico to the 2022 World Athletics World Outdoor Championships for Track and Field in Eugene, Oregon, Dr. Ben has been a trusted presence, providing invaluable knowledge and skills to support the well-being of athletes.

However, his influence extends beyond individual events. Through his acclaimed clinic, Alpha Sports Performance Medicine, Dr. Ben has spearheaded “Athlete Recovery” services at renowned events like TFX and BCS Classic. Over 1,000 athletes have experienced the immense benefits of his expertise, ensuring optimal performance during these high-stakes competitions.

It comes as no surprise that multiple Olympic medalists have chosen Dr. Bumguardner as their go-to provider during events and training camps, placing their trust in his exceptional care.

Having worked closely with the United States Olympic Committee at the Colorado Springs training center, Dr. Ben eagerly anticipates his upcoming rotation in Lake Placid this September. These experiences have solidified his aspirations of joining an Olympic staff team—an ambitious goal that reflects his unwavering dedication to providing top-notch care to elite athletes.

Not content with merely delivering excellence in his field, Dr. Ben has taken on the influential role of Texas Event Coordinator for the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council. In this prestigious position, he plays a vital role in upholding and advancing the highest standards of athlete recovery and emergency medicine at athletic events nationwide.

Beyond his impact on athletes, Dr. Ben has played a significant role in shaping the future of sports medicine. Parker University, where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, has recognized his exceptional expertise and mentoring abilities by selecting him as an externship site for graduating Doctors of Chiropractic. This acknowledgment speaks volumes about his commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals in sports medicine.

Dr. Ben’s influence extends beyond his professional achievements. Through collaborations with outstanding individuals such as athletic trainer Christie Lee-Coad and Dr. Dru Lopez, he has gained invaluable experience in the world of BMX, track and field, and emergency medicine. The mentorship, kindness, and humility he has encountered along the way have shaped his skills and enabled him to provide unmatched expertise and compassion to athletes.

As athletes strive for greatness, they can trust Dr. Ben Bumguardner’s exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to their well-being. His significant contributions to sports medicine have left an enduring impact on the sporting community, profoundly influencing numerous lives and empowering athletes to reach their utmost potential. With Dr. Ben in their corner, athletes can rest assured that they are receiving exceptional care from a true leader in the field of athletic healthcare.

The outstanding reputation of Dr. Ben’s clinic, Alpha Sports Performance Medicine, is a testament to the fact that the path to optimal performance and athlete recovery starts here!

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In his best-selling book “The Prosperity Project: Building Abundance And A Map For A Life Well Lived,” he guides people to build their unique formulae of finding happiness, purpose, and prosperity. John has shared a pyramid of prosperity in his book, which includes six factors: health, wealth, relationship, adventure, growth, and legacy.

If you want to be happy and content in your life, the well-being of both your mind and body play a huge role. Health is the first and foremost factor; without it, you have nothing. After health, the next most important thing is financial stability and sound relationships. After years of experience as a wealth manager, John has figured out that you need to be more relaxed about money to be happy at your core. Moreover, your relationship with people around you must be in order and help you grow. He believes everyone should be mindful enough to create healthy boundaries and eliminate toxic relationships. John refers to these three factors as ‘The Big Three,’ or you can call them the fundamental requirements for a happy and fulfilling life.

Once you successfully create the right balance of health, wealth, and relationships, you move on to growth, adventure, and legacies. John explains that when people surpass these three stages of prosperity, they are motivated to follow their passions and put effort into achieving their life goals. They like making memories, going on adventures, and spending quality time with their loved ones.

And lastly, he believes that how people remember you show the life you have lived. True happiness and prosperity are when you are willing to be kind and generous with the people around you. And if your existence has benefitted even a soul – that makes all the difference.

John’s book can be life-changing and bring clarity to those confused and seeking guidance. Click here to learn more about his take on life and true prosperity.

The post Life Coach John Lohrenz Strives to Help People Find Purpose, Prosperity, and Happiness in Life appeared first on INSCMagazine.

Set to formally unveil her new collection during Season 8 at RISE NYFW September 8th, Whittaker’s TOXIK was recently given their official stamp of approval from the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in being formally recognized as a fashion brand to showcase their line in New York.

Born and raised on a Midwestern farm, Whittaker has shadowed and learned under famed designers such as Gianna Versace in college and dressed the likes of fashion supermodel, Victoria Henley. With what is expected to be a groundbreaking and much-talked about collection debut, Whittaker is on the cusp of something special with TOXIK.

Below is my Q and A with Jerra as we discuss TOXIK, the rise of trans models, NYFW and her upcoming shows in Milan and Paris.

Who Is She?

First off, congratulations on all of your recent success at TOXIK, and also officially being recognized by the CFDA, what do you feel are some of the reasons behind the rise and growth of your brand?

Thank you, and thanks for this interview, I am humbled and absolutely taken aback by all of this.

I think the biggest reason for our growth is amazing photography and a commitment to public relations and solid marketing strategies. The plan has always been two seasons of name building to create that expansion space within the industry, then fully launch the brand on an artistic platform.

RiseNYFW is just that platform.

Big enough to put on a quality well managed show, centered around artists and the actual fashion industry. Lena and Christopher’s company is amazing because they make the designers the driving force behind their collections. It’s less about the distraction and more about getting the collection in front of the press, the buyers, and the public.

Define TOXIK. What makes it stand out as a fashion line, brand and identity?

Wow good question indeed. TOXIK was my vision from a very young age, quality cutting edge garments that make you want to wear them. I honestly believe we stand out because of solid trend research, a working real life experience of the history of the fashion cycle, and the ability to push the artist edge in every design.

Artistic stagnation kills a design house as fast as being too over the top avant garde. You have to find that balance that blends both together and moves fashion forward. I learned that early on and it’s fundamental in fashion design.

Who were your influences growing up as a designer? Who has helped shape and influence you now and why?

Okay, so I grew up in the Midwest on a farm and family was and is everything. My Great Grandmother Nina and her Sister, my Great Great Aunt Mabel were instrumental. They taught me to hand sew, cut fabric, and the basic of design. My Home Economics teacher Linda Witter introduced me to sewing machines and I loved that class. Later in college, I shadowed Gianni Versace in South Beach, for my design class. That experience was instrumental in my training and early career.

Up to this point, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment and success as a designer?

This is an interesting question. I have had a lot of wins in my career. Most recently, Toxik was selected to dress supermodel Victoria Henley for her events. I have been fortunate to dress my amazing friend, Actor and Recording Artist Daniel DiCriscio from Los Angeles as well.

I am working with another musician for some stage looks as well. My biggest accomplishment has been giving back to others and sharing ideas with others in the industry. I love to see others win too. It makes my heart happy to see people succeed and build themselves into their own life picture.

As a trans woman in the fashion industry, and with the rise and acceptance of LGBTQ+ models and influencers in the industry, what are your thoughts on this growing trend?

I knew we would go there, and this is another good question. I am a transsexual woman. I live my life everyday like anyone else, just a lot happier now as just Jerra, after medically transitioning years ago.

I just try to blend into the tapestry of life, just being me. I don’t live the “trans label”, labels are for garments and caned goods. I just do not reside at the trans address. I do know this, we are all just people getting through this thing called life.

I don’t see things like gender identity, race, color, ethnicity or any of that. I just see people for their character, ability, and how they treat others. The queer community has been and always will be part of the human experience. I do honestly believe that what we are witness to is more people feeling comfortable living their true lives, not hiding and scared for being themselves.

Looking back to the 80’s and 90’s, Lauren Foster (first trans woman to appear in Vogue) and Caroline Cossey (first trans Bond girl) were early transsexual women in the industry that are extremely successful today. As far as the rise and acceptance of queer people in the fashion industry, we have always been there, unfortunately political parties like to drag the queer community and spread misinformation.

You’ve done shows now in New York and at NYFW, it sounds like you have some exciting new things on the horizon! What should fashion lovers expect from TOXIK this fall?

Trade secrets time…I hear through the rumor mill that spring is going to bring the Pantone Color, Apricot to the scene. As far as Toxik, cutting edge new looks with big bright colors. You know I love to make fun garments and club dresses are my go-to look every season.

I mean no women has ever uttered the words “I have too many cute club dresses”, I am not sure that is even a thing. Now, I am not giving away the farm here, as far as my collection, but expect Fun, Sophisticated, and a little avante-garde twist by using some fashion fabrics in very new ways. I guess people will have to come to the show and see this collection.

Any future projects, goals and shows coming up?

The future is so exciting!!! I can share that Toxik is working with Victoria Henley on a shoot in Milano, Italy, then Toxik will showcase in Paris, France in late September.

The schedule keeps going through December, we will showcase in Toledo, Ohio, at the Flaunt Fashion Fundraiser for Equality Toledo, then December we wrap up in Gulfport, MS with Magnifique.

Any final thoughts on the growth of TOXIK, the future and what your long-term goals and vision for the line are?

As far as goals, short term is to get this collection sold, long term is to secure a bigger facility and bring on associate designers to help shoulder the load next season. I think getting some more ideas in the mix is vital to making the brand progressive. I would love to acquire a some key equipment that would move Toxik into a full design and pattern maker.

Those are big ticket items that will come with time. Toxik’s growth is inevitable I do believe. That growth will be internal at first, steady is a key word here. No need to over extended right now, and definitely not expand to quickly. I want to see this grow from love and quality not quantity.

The post New York Fashion Week 2023: Q & A With TOXIK Fashion Designer Jerra Whittaker appeared first on INSCMagazine.

In fact, statistics show that 80% of all traders quit within the first two years, 40% quit after only one month, and only 7% remain after five years. Talk about a tough gig!

So, what’s causing all these trade failures? Well, trading isn’t as straightforward as the movies make it seem. Unlike The Wolf of Wall Street, trading in the market is not as simple as “buying low and selling high.” – trust me, most day traders end up losing their hard-earned money. Why? Simply put, trading is not just about graphs and numbers; it’s like playing a high-stakes game of chance.

And if you are interested in picking up the mental game of day trading, your best bet is to study with David Capablanca,  the industry’s foremost expert.

Imagine being able to sense the pulse of risky stocks with just a glance and going from $29,000 to $800,000 in just three years through day trading. Well, that’s David for you. Not only is he a savvy- investor, but he also helps aspiring traders learn trading through his podcast, The Friendly Bear.

The Grim Reality of Trade Failures:

According to David, many factors, including unrealistic expectations, a lack of market experience, and impatience, play a role in trade failures. And we couldn’t agree more.

For many new traders out there, the goal is to get super rich overnight – without giving themselves enough time to learn, study, and analyze the market algorithms. (P.S. Wall Street and the Rogue Trader do not count as research sources.)

As David puts it, “You’re not here to make a story or something out of a Hollywood movie happen to you. Your goal is to get profitable, one way or another.”

For example, most traders have been stuck under PDT for years and are unwilling to take the risk of making a large profit. They usually lack the discipline required for day trading – meaning they’re willing to take on more risk than they can handle or are not ready to take any risk at all.

Escaping Failure: The Light at the End of the Tunnel:

After every dark tunnel, there’s a ray of hope, and with David, we have the entire lighthouse at our disposal. No matter what the statistics say, it’s still possible to trade successfully if you are willing to put in the time and energy and develop the right set of skills.

Here are some of the keynotes from David – make sure to save them for future use.

1. Have Realistic Expectations: Understand that trading is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time, dedication, and patience to become an expert in the game. “Traders – they start with over PDT money and expect to make money within 3 or 4 months; that’s not how it’s done“, explains David.
2. Research and Analyze: You can never learn too much about the stock market, so read up on some of the basics before diving in headfirst. Also, always take the time to understand a chart or index – look at it from different angles and try to analyze its movements.
3. Apply What You Learn: Educating yourself is important, yes, but you know what’s more important? Apply what you learned. According to David, there’s a lot that you learn after putting money on the line and analyzing and journaling your trades and your feelings through the trades.
4. Be Open To Risks: Day trading involves risks, and to be successful, you will have to be open enough to take them. Understand that you can’t play it safe all the time.
5. Be Persistent and Keep a Winning Mindset: You need to keep your head on straight and your eyes on the prize if you want to succeed. Keep a positive attitude always, and don’t let small losses get you down.

His current win ratio, which was verified and audited by Business Insider, is over 90%, and his six brokerage accounts have winning ratios that range from 92% to 97.57%.

So, if you want to make it big in the stock market, take these keynotes seriously, put them into practice and see for yourself.

Moreover, David is a co-founder of the Conscious Trading Academy, an institution dedicated to empowering traders with a holistic education centered around developing mental resilience and embracing an ethical approach to trading.

His commitment extends beyond profit-making; he aspires to nurture traders who embody both skill and integrity in their trading practices.

David along with Sam Daghash the co-founder and mindset coach at the Consious trading academy will be hosting their first conference in LA on the 16th of September 2023 where they will unveil the foundations for building trading success.

Tickets are available on https://www.conscioustradingacademy.com/

Tune into the Friendly Bear podcast or join David Capablanca’s Conscious Trading Academy and start trading like a pro today.

The post Mastering the Markets: How David Capablanca Helps Traders Succeed and Beat the Odds appeared first on INSCMagazine.

And risk-taking? That’s what separates the winners from the losers. It takes guts to take risks, but the rewards can be immense.

One true embodiment of these qualities is Ludmila Padre Cardoso, having lived these traits in her professional and personal life. In her professional life, Ludmila worked for more than 15 years in the financial market, managing teams in large banks and companies with commercial activities.

Ludmila’s journey to success is not a typical one. She did not follow a traditional path, nor did she take the easy route. Instead, she relied on her persistence, dedication, and willingness to take risks to achieve her goals. Ludmila bid farewell to her life in finance, trading in the comfort of a steady paycheck to test the uncertain waters of the beauty industry. It was a daunting decision to leave the familiar behind and embrace the unknown, but she was determined to pursue her passion.

With each step forward, she faced obstacles that tested her resolve, yet she refused to give up. Through sweat and tears, she discovered an unshakeable strength within herself and uncovered a talent for beauty that had been dormant all along. Now, as she looks back on her journey, she knows that taking that leap of faith was the best decision she ever made.

Today, she is a shining example of how hard work, focus, and determination can pay off in ways beyond our wildest dreams. “Life is a constant battle, but with persistence, dedication, focus, and risk-taking, I was able to overcome my struggles and achieve my dreams,” says Ludmila.

It’s not easy to be persistent when you are facing rejection after rejection or to stay dedicated to a goal when everyone around you is telling you it’s impossible. But Ludmila knows that success does not come easy. And she did so, by moving to England with limited resources and without any social or family support. “You have to keep pushing yourself and not give up. That’s when the magic happens,” she advises.

To achieve greatness, you must have focus. Ludmila understands the importance of this, saying, “There are always distractions and obstacles in life, but you have to remain focused on what you want to achieve.”

However, it’s not just about persistence, dedication, and focus. Risk-taking is essential as well. Fortune favors the bold, and Ludmila is a testament to that. Despite her successful career in the financial market, she made a career transition in 2019 to become a dermo-pigmentator, a reference in the beauty market in Brazil. She recognizes the uncertainty of taking chances, but also their growth potential. As Ludmila says, “Taking risks is scary, but if you do not take them, you will never know what you are capable of achieving.”

As we navigate the ups and downs of life, figures like Ludmila inspire us to be bold, determined, and disciplined. Let us remember that success is not a destination but a journey, and with the right mindset and attitude, anything is possible.

She is now one of the best dermo-pigmentators in Brazil, and her work is internationally recognized. In her personal life, Ludmila has shown persistence and dedication by working hard to achieve her goals.

If you work in the beauty segment, transform your career with Ludmila’s latest course on Dark Circle Neutralization, now available in English on the Hotmart Platform. Moreover, explore her incredible work in the field of dermopigmentation. Visit Ludmila’s website today to read her story and witness the stunning results of her expertise.

The post Persistence, Dedication, Focus, and Risk-taking: The Four Pillars of Ludmila Padre Cardoso’s Success appeared first on INSCMagazine.

One could argue that the aforementioned factors have greatly contributed to a collective breakdown of societal norms and values, as well as the disintegration of wellness and one’s own mental well-being. Despite all of these, there is now an overdue and renewed focus on building a more positive life, protection of one’s own energy and focus. One such individual who is helping in addressing these issues in her own way is Vanessa Ferlaino.

Ferlaino, who is a multi-award-winning author of Human, speaker, producer/host of The Human Challenge on the Fireside App, founded by Mark Cuban and Falon Fatemi, is also a philanthropist and founder of The Being Human Foundation, and certified 200hr meditation instructor on Insight Timer. If there is anyone who could provide any form of expert insight into wellness, it would be her.

Below is my Q and A with Ms. Ferlaino as we talk about the current state of mental health in this country, where our society and culture is now due to it and how we can change, heal and grow from it.

How would you describe the current state of mental affairs and wellness?

Industrialized and commoditized, but on the brink of a breakthrough.

Mental health is certainly not as stigmatized as it once was, and many organizations are stepping up, but, as we live in a capital system, we are seeing mental health and wellness become industrialized and commoditized.

This means two things:

Firstly, this capital system perpetuates the notion that “something is wrong with us” and we will always need some product or service to “fix us” because we “always need to be fixed”. This goes against the whole intention of mental wellbeing which, from a mindfulness perspective, is really about honouring who we are as a “whole” and what we perceive to be as “imperfections”.

To truthfully embody our wellbeing in a mindful way is to accept who we are for “what” we are, for “how” we are, for “why” we are, without needing to “fix” things; we simply are aware of how things make us feel physiologically, physically, psychologically in the body, and honor that experience, and over time and consistent mindfulness, that experience changes to something more joyful.

Secondly, it also means that much of the cultural significance has been lost, and I think the more we are exposed to stories and hardships of police brutality, racism, etc. The more we can see how cultural dynamics are suppressed, the more we want to understand cultures, perspectives, ways of life, philosophies to contribute to a system that is more equitable.

With this comes the acknowledgment that there are many voices that are not heard, that do not have the opportunity to be heard. And so, we can then ensure that we are in our communities or even organizations (ex. from a diversity, equity, and inclusion perspective) giving these members the space and time to tell us what they need, so it can be implemented without imposition.

The breakthrough comes from our growing awareness as a society of our susceptibility to these dynamics and our ability to see that many organizations have the privilege of hiding behind a facade of “diversity equity and inclusion” and “wellness”. This has only increased our expectations of organizations to act truthfully and intentionally. And so, we turn to those people that are taking action to do things differently and lead by example in their communities, whether it be non-profits or even small local businesses, which is what we want.

When we support these community organizations, we are more likely to see direct change in our communities and support many of the cultures that are consistently repressed. Thus, our wellbeing becomes less commoditized and industrialized, and more authentic, intentional, and about working together for our collective well being.

What do you think has contributed to the proverbial psychological breakdown of our society and culture.

I witness a lot of unrest in our world right now. Socially, equitably, and even technologically. We are tired of the structure of society, and I think we’re in a place where most of us now see it and understand it better than before. Many of our parents and grandparents did not have the technology and education to fully understand the lattice system we live in, but we are now in a time where that is different.

We have access to information, stories, news, from all over; we have the ability to communicate and connect with each other instantly and whenever we want. We are exposed to so much more and quite frequently, to the extent where we are inundated with it.

Yes, it can be overwhelming, and yes, while it has helped in this regard, I do simultaneously believe that technology and social media is also partly responsible for this psychological breakdown we experience; it is quite easy to project things we are not, the life we think we are living versus the life we are actually living, the desire and attachment to material things and “chasing likes” versus “valuing connection”.

On the one hand, we are able to see more of the world, but it has been at the expense of authentically interacting and experiencing the world; technology has changed the way we communicate with each other, the way we value each other, and our experiences of the world and life. So somehow, while the authenticity of what we experience is challenged through how social media is shaping our communication, by sheer accessibility to data and information, it has also given us insight into our individual worth in society, as well as our collective worth as a society — and the current system does not serve us.

And  now, we know the system does not empower us.

We have broken down because we want change.

However, because we don’t see or know the path forward when we are in a state like this, we tend to just continue to give in. We do the same old because it’s all we know, all we’ve been taught to know, and here we are…

What we need to remember is that we have the power to create that difference.

If we can be mindful of what we put out into the world around us with every word, every glance, every step, even every thought, we would be actively contributing to the creation of a society where we can all thrive.

This is the force of creation and destruction.

What drew you to create the Human Challenge show?

The Human Challenge LIVE on Fireside was created for that exact purpose. To explore the human challenges in today’s world — a world where the lines between technology, social media, and life continue to be blurred, and the challenges of being human because of those things, how our innate ability to be human, the human experience itself— and how we experience the human experience — has evolved. Ultimately, we ask how we can challenge ourselves to be human for the greater good, amongst it all. If we can offer different perspectives and different conversations, hopefully we can encourage people to challenge what they know, ask themselves and others questions, and be a bit more intentional in what they contribute to the creation of their own life and the world around them.

I chose the Fireside app to host the show because of its interactive ability… on this platform, audiences can tune in live and actually participate in the show! They can be brought on the stage with the guests and speak with the experts and me! It’s incredibly intuitive and there is access to so many other channels … it is the next wave of experiencing entertainment! If you can’t tune in live, you can also watch it on-demand on the app or listen on your favorite podcast channel.

How would you best describe “the full human experience “

To live the full human experience is to embrace every part of who you are — every up, every down, every high, every low, and all of the in between… to ride the wave of the full human experience.

To embrace it is to accept it all for what it is… to live in a state where we can be open to all of that we feel, to attend to it, to honor and respect it for what it is. All of these things that make us human — to feel, to laugh, to hurt, to cry, to speak and think… This is the human experience. And when we are mindful and attentive to all of these components of life, we are reminded that life is worth living — not for the material things, but for life itself.

The specifics for each of us will be different; we are all on your own journey. But we will experience the same things in different context — pain is pain, loss is loss, happiness is happiness, joy is joy, love is love… this is the human experience.

This can be challenging sometimes … it is hard to be open to tougher and more raw emotions and experiences … fear and ego try to protect us…. But even opening ourselves up to that, acknowledging that that protection is also an attempt of love, and embracing the fact that it is a challenge can still allow us to continue to embrace the full human experience…

I am a certified 200hr mindfulness meditation instructor… in our circles, we talk a lot about “holding space” for all of this that arises — the many contradictions, the many oxymorons, the many things that create beauty, wonder, amazement, curiosity, are the same things that can also create our suffering… how do we hold space for it all? To hold that space is to allow and to embrace for it all, and that is to hold space for the full human experience.

The true magic with this is that once we honor this in ourselves, we honor this in each other.

Because we are all human. We are all finding ways to hold space for it all, and as humanity, we should be grateful that we have each other to lean on when we need more space.

To elevate one of us is to elevate each of us. It is to elevate all of us.

For those who don’t know, tell us about your organization, The Being Human Foundation

The Being Human Foundation acts at the intersection of mindfulness and meditation; arts and culture; and community activism. At our core, we believe these three pillars are what empower us individually and collectively. Through mindfulness and meditation, and exploring its vast cultural origins, we can develop what is termed “unity consciousness”, the acknowledgment of the interconnectedness nature of humanity. Through the general celebration of arts and culture, we can celebrate each other, and experience the lives of others, to find ways to bring different communities together. Lastly, we can give back to our communities to enhance this collective feeling of unity consciousness and build that structure of society we are all interested in changing.

We are getting excited to share some new initiatives we are finalizing, but we are currently partnered with The Lab of Meditation to support community mindfulness meditation sessions. We are grateful for any contributions. You can support the foundation by donating on our website at vanessaferlaino.com/thebeinghumanfoundation or indirectly by purchasing my book, Human, on Amazon. 5% of book sales go to the foundation.

As a certified 200 hr meditation instructor, what tips would you have for someone hoping to get more into it and seek better wellness for themselves?

Turn inward. When we decide to be aware of this journey we are on (because we are already on this journey, so we never “start” it… the only thing that “begins” is our awareness of it), it seems daunting. Many of us don’t know where to begin, and then we’re left exploring the multitude and overwhelming options in an industrialized community.

But all you really need is you.

To be truthful to yourself. To be open to yourself. To be there for yourself.

So turn inward.

Gently close your eyes.

Find the breath.

Feel it move through your nostrils and down into the lungs and back out.

Feel the expansion of the abdomen when you inhale, and the compression when you exhale.

Feel the space you have created within.

This is the space to hold it all.

The space for all to arise and pass as needed.

When you are overwhelmed, uncertain, lost, or experiencing any other tender moment, find your breath. That is your anchor. Use it to find that inner union in the body. When your body and breath are in harmony, your mind follows suit.

Much of our thoughts are stories that we have been conditioned to believe. Most times, these are just patterns that we’ve outgrown, just haven’t realized it. When we calm the mind, we see thoughts for what they are and realize we don’t believe many of them and most are just reactions and patterns that we’re used to having. It takes time to see this, so I offer it here as a gentle reminder when things might be tougher and you may need some extra comfort or reinforcement.

When the mind is calm, we have space to feel. It can be overwhelming … and that’s ok. It is actually a great thing when things come up — and they will! They arise because they need to be released. And the release continues to create more space. It is a cycle. Things will come up for you. Be patient with yourself. Remember you don’t have to address any of it — it is really about holding space and allowing for it to be there. To witness it and let it pass. For anyone who has experienced trauma or other deep mental health, please take care to practice with a guide or teacher who is trauma-informed.

This is the true importance of self-care. When things come up and pass, be mindful to how you feel after. Tired. Drained. Exhausted, but maybe still energized? Take care of yourself. Drink water. Eat your favorite foods that fuel you. This is self-care — the “commitment to yourself when things are hard.” These words I borrow from my friend, Hiro Demichelis, founder of the lab of mediation and consultant to the UN Peace on Purpose Project. She shared these beautiful words on Episode 1 of my show, The Human Challenge, LIVE and on-demand on Fireside.

Finding your community is also important, especially if you choose meditation as your course of action. I personally love the Insight Timer app… you can access many free meditations and join communities with your favorite guides. You can find some of my own mindfulness meditations on the app as well.

So in summary, for anyone seeking to fully acknowledge their well-being and make more conscious actions around their well-being, meditation and self-care are what i offer to you  Meditation is best practiced in the morning, first thing, on an empty stomach. And then self-care as needed. And be sure to take some to find your community thru the many tools and events and groups available.

Any final thoughts and comments you wish to add about mediation, seeking wellness and being human?

And take it slow. Pause.  Breathe. When mindfulness goes beyond meditation; mindfulness is really about that — staying mindful. Being aware of what is coming up. Tending to our emotions and feelings and thoughts, slowing down, and finding insight as to why they are there. Through that insight, we free these old belief systems, thought patterns, and conditioning, and create our well-being.

So slow down. Before you act or speak or move. Just pause. Find the breath. Find joy. Find freedom.

Special thanks to our friends at Publicity Today, Ms. Vanessa Ferlaino for their help, time and assistance during this interview.

The post Vanessa Ferlaino: Q & A With Founder and Philanthropist Of The Human Challenge appeared first on INSCMagazine.

IATE has now partnered with a globally accredited university that offers a master of Arts in Authentic Tantra’. In a world where government-accredited Tantra schools focused on sexual healing are scarce, it stands out as the most credible and accomplished institution in the field of comprehensive sexual well-being. This partnership is a testament to Devi’s commitment to providing top-notch education in Tantra and sexual healing.

Devi is also a certified meditation and Reiki practitioner and is internationally recognized for her work in the field of healing through lineage-based Tantra. According to her, recent research suggests that the roots of Tantra can be traced back 10 -12 thousand years ago in the Indus Valley, which is now located in Pakistan. This area was once home to a flourishing and mature civilization founded by people who had migrated from Ethiopia, Nubia, and Sudan. The people who cultivated and developed Tantra were called the Dravidians, the original inhabitants of the Indus Valley Civilization.

The core belief of animism, which was a prevalent spiritual philosophy of that time, was that all life is sacred. This philosophy was the fundamental belief system that Tantra grew out of. The Dravidians, who developed Tantra, originally worshiped the mother, the goddess, and women, the female divine, who govern and carry the life, force, and energy in the body and give birth to new humans.

It is believed that the roots of Tantra became interwoven with the Vedic tradition about 5000 years ago due to a series of migrations from the north into the area of the Indus Valley Civilization. The genetic, linguistic, and archaeological evidence confirms that Tantra is rooted in the traditions of the African people, specifically in Ethiopia, Nubia, and Sudan. This is an important finding, as it is not commonly discussed in most Tantric teachings but is essential to understanding the practices taught.

The Dravidians, people from the Eastern borders of the African continent, were the first to develop and cultivate “Tantra” as a spiritual philosophy. It is believed that this philosophy was later incorporated into the Vedas when the Aryans invaded their society about 5000 years ago.

In essence, Tantra is a spiritual philosophy that has roots in the African diaspora. It originated from the Dravidian culture, a part of the Indus Valley Civilization, and was based on a harmonious and matriarchal society. Because of this, the ethical practice of Tantra can help individuals cultivate a deep respect for all living beings.

For more information about Tantra and Devi Erickson’s work, follow her YouTube channel, Authentic Tantra Education, and visit her website.

The post The African Roots of Tantra: Uncovering the Origins of a Sacred Practice with Devi Ward Erickson appeared first on INSCMagazine.