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The interior of Erykah Badu and Desa Potato Head at the Epic Feeling festival in Bali

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@sharpenedbamboo

As the morning light brilliantly dawns a brand new day over the ethereal skyline of Sunset Park at Potato Village in Balihotel guest Robyn Hillman-Harrigan quiets her mind during a meditative respiratory session with Fa’ Pawaka and Gato Latex at the Merasa Festival.

“I think breathing is something we easily take for granted. I practice breathwork regularly at a gym near my home in Melbourne. As a black woman born and raised in New York and very hyperactive, I find this practice really grounding,” explains the Australian financial therapist, adjusting her yoga mat.

The interior of Erykah Badu and Desa Potato Head at the Epic Feeling festival in Bali
Badu during the “Morning Wood” rising ritual – @sharpenedbamboo

The hypnotic ambient sounds of the bonang (an Indonesian instrument made of small gongs) coupled with the crashing beach waves nearby fill the crisp, rising air, creating an inviting mood for the twenty session participants. It’s about adjusting your lifestyle, centering your respiratory, Hillman-Harrigan as he goes on to notice, this was no easy task. However, she found balance by visiting Indonesia in her travels.

“Here in Bali, people pay more attention to ceremonies, community and rituals, which is a large difference from the West – because in the here and now you might have to decelerate. Breathing teaches you quite a bit about unhealthy habits and the healing that is required to center, prioritize and optimize your well-being.

– an Indonesian word that loosely translates to “experiencing or being aware of emotions or sensations” – is the most appropriate description of the festival, whose 2024 edition is curated by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Erykah Badu and the majestic Potato Head Center founded by Ronald Akili. The progressive week-long program combines practices related to health, music, fitness and creativity, while reinventing ideas about well-being and the restorative tools that may guide the human journey.

The interior of Erykah Badu and Desa Potato Head at the Epic Feeling festival in Bali
“Being truly welcome in this land [of Bali] this is a big deal for me – because then I can speak freely and walk as quietly or as strongly as I want,” explains Erykah Badu about her reference to Balinese culture and people. – @sharpenedbamboo

For Badu, harmonizing with nature and yourself on the “Island of the Gods” and working with the right partners is a key aspect of the experience at Potato Head, recognized as one of The 50 best hotels in the world and well-known in global hospitality circles for promoting sustainable practices throughout its properties that protect the environment and encourage local tourism.

“This retreat is not wellness; This is just . You start your wellness journey when you decide to get healthy – and you start it one small thing at a time. It could be the words you choose to let into your mind or making sure you maintain your boundaries. You can start this journey at any time, at any time, and you can start over again at any time,” explains Badu during a morning meeting with ESSENCE. The Merasa festival program intuitively reflects the generosity and kindness woven into the delicate fabric of Balinese culture. There is not any competition for the best performance – just the calm presence of a community that encourages you to simply come as you might be. From curious beginners to more experienced practitioners, participants from around the world gather at the annual event to experience a big selection of activities and sessions.

The interior of Erykah Badu and Desa Potato Head at the Epic Feeling festival in Bali
Led by Bruno Sitton and friends, “Resonance: Music Guided by Transformational Meditation” is a guided meditation journey combining the realms of music composition, sound, healing, breathwork and visual storytelling. – @pierrezylstra

An invigorating electric yoga session challenges novices and yogis of all skill levels to maneuver in harmony with the electronic frequencies of a “fractal” – a mathematical term used to explain geometric shapes containing a posh structure of scales. Disconnecting from the pace of the world and celebrating the human form is simple with the Intuitive Movement Workshop: a non-judgmental zone where dance also serves as a transformative, communicative tool of expression. The light vibration session becomes a sanctuary for exploring deeper levels of consciousness as class members meditate on specially crafted waterbeds with vibration speakers, complemented by a synchronized, awe-inspiring light show. Guests could even satisfy their curiosity with a fireplace ceremony, a cleansing ritual held in the Bamboo Garden on the property.

Through this undeniable connection between nature and nurture, Badu, a licensed Reiki healer and doula, honors the people of Bali as a community that continues to be rooted in its traditions and that actively chooses to live well by showing others. “It was just family. I used to be greeted with a temple blessing. They wrapped me in a sarong and gave me flowers, rice and water, leading me to every temple that represented one of the elements,” he recalled. This deep admiration for place and space is a mirror that reflects the values ​​and teachings of the festival. From song and dance to the selection of workshop leaders, bringing together the local and regional community is a crucial feature of maintaining the authenticity and sanctity of the experience.

“It’s not a race or a hierarchy. “Being truly welcomed into this land is a big deal for me – because then I can speak freely and walk as quietly or as strongly as I want,” he says. Her own signature floating ritual session, cheekily called “Morning Wood”, provided a deeper understanding of the seven chakras and their role in our day by day lives. But it’s greater than just commemorating moments of silence. Her magisterial aura during the session encouraged us to create an area where we will find freedom, help transform our energies, recognize that consciousness without conscience is dangerous – and that as elemental beings we’re conduits for the balance and change we frequently desperately seek.

In a technology-driven era of staying connected to an evolving, noisy world, the culture of noise has develop into the norm of every waking life. It is a phenomenon that may only be rivaled by the constant pursuit of material success. An artist, musician and environmental activist from Thailand ATTENTIONwho led the “Water Vibrations” metamorphic sound meditation session, appreciates the Merasa Festival as a joyful opportunity to attach with several like-minded individuals doing deep intuitive work, but still appreciating art and appreciating the modern world.

The interior of Erykah Badu and Desa Potato Head at the Epic Feeling festival in Bali
During the Merasa Festival in Bali, “Pasepan: Fire Ceremony with Tjok Gde Kerthyasa” is a cleansing ritual and conversation about the transformative element of fire at the Bamboo Garden in Desa Potato Head, Indonesia. – @adrian__morris

“Merasa taught me that whenever I feel lost in life, all I have to do is close my eyes to return to a state of peace,” she says. He notes that many individuals have been conditioned by societal expectations to place the needs of others before their very own. This often results in neglecting one’s own well-being and personal development. “Everyone’s energy and spirit will always reside deep within my soul, assuring me that I am safe and supported. It helped me realize that everything I need is already within me.”

Despite her success co-curating the Merasa festival and understanding the “gift of pause” as a essential element of healing journeys, Badu reflects on the state of society that suppresses the magic of Black women and girls who consistently navigate spaces of violence, fear and unbridled grief, and the seek for reassurance. in the form of self-care as an empowering tool. The glint of sadness in her reflective eyes is quickly replaced by one fiery, defiant command.

“Don’t wait for them, Black girl. You don’t need permission to be beautiful, to have strong will, to maintain balance, to be kind to yourself. I think this is the problem. We think we need permission,” he argues thoughtfully. “You are already all the things you desire to be. Practice this on bad days. We’re here, we’re managing it, and we do not need anyone to inform us about it anymore. Shine for no reason. I offer you permission – if you happen to need it.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

How to drastically reduce the risk of dementia after 55 years of age

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About 1,000,000 Americans are expected to develop dementia a yr until 2060, about twice today, they announced on Monday.

This estimation is predicated on a brand new study, which showed a better risk of life than previously thought: after 55 years of age people have up to 4 out of 10 opportunities to develop dementia – in the event that they live long enough.

This is a sobering number, but there are steps that folks can take to reduce this risk, similar to controlling hypertension and other bad health problems. And it isn’t too late to try even in middle -aged.

“All our research suggests what you do in the middle age, it really matters,” said Dr. Josef Coresh from Nyu Langone Health, who co -author of the research in Nature Medicine.

Dementia is just not only Alzheimer

Taking more to remember the name or place where you place the keys is typical in old age. But dementia It is just not a standard part of aging – it’s a progressive loss of memory, language and other cognitive functions. The aging is just the biggest risk, and the population is getting old quickly.

Alzheimer is the commonest form, and the quiet changes of the brain that ultimately lead to it might begin 20 years before the appearance of symptoms. Other types include vascular dementia, when heart disease or small impacts impair blood flow to the brain. Many people have mixed causes, which suggests that vascular problems can exacerbate Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Measuring risk from a certain age compared to the potential remaining period of life can lead to public health and medical examinations.

“This is not a guarantee that someone will develop dementia,” warned Dr. James Galvin, a specialist in Miami Alzheimer’s University. He was not involved in a brand new study, but said that the findings match other tests.

The risk of dementia differs from age

Earlier studies were estimated that about 14% of men and 23% of women would develop a form of dementia during their lives. The Coresh team analyzed newer data from the American study, which has been following heart health and cognitive functions of about 15,000 elderly for several many years.

Importantly, they found risk changes over many years.

Only 4% of people developed dementia aged 55 to 75, which Coresh calls a key 20-year-old window to protect brain health.

In the case of individuals who experience common health threats to 75, the risk of dementia then increased – to 20% at the age of 85 and 42% from the age of 85 to 95.

In general, the risk of dementia after 55 was 35% for men and 48% for ladies, summed up scientists. Cash noticed that girls normally live longer than men, the most important reason for this difference. Black Americans had a rather higher risk, 44%than white people at 41%.

Yes, there are methods to reduce the risk of dementia

There are some risk aspects that folks cannot control, including age and whether you’ve got inherited a gene variant called Apoe4, which increases the possibilities of Alzheimer’s late life.

But people can try to avoid or no less than delay health problems that contribute to later dementia. For example, Coresh wears a helmet while cycling, because repetitive or severe brain injuries from failure or falls increase the risk of dementia later in life.

Particularly essential: “What is good for your heart is good for your brain,” added Galvin with Miami. He calls people to exercise, avoid obesity and control blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.

13 influential women Delta Sigma Theta Borority, Inc., which inspired us all

For example, hypertension can disturb the blood flow to the brain, the risk not only in the case of vascular dementia, but additionally related to some of the Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly high levels of blood sugar, poorly controlled diabetes, is related to a cognitive decline and destruction of inflammation in the brain.

Galvin also said that be socially and cognitively energetic. He calls people to try hearing aids if age brings hearing loss, which might stimulate social insulation.

“There are things that we control over, and those things that in my opinion would be very important to build a better brain as aging,” he said.

___

The Associated Press Department of Health and Science receives support from the Science and Educational Group of the Medical Institute Howard Hughes and the (*55*) Wood Johnson Foundation. AP bears the sole responsibility for all content.

(Tagstranslate) @Ap

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Health and Wellness

Jury awarded $310 million to parents of teenager who died after falling on a ride at Florida amusement park – Essence

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Sun Sentinel/Getty Images

The family of Tire Sampson, the 14-yr-old who tragically died on an amusement park ride in Orlando, Florida, in 2022, has been awarded $310 million in a civil lawsuit.

Tire, who was visiting ICON Park along with his family on March 24, 2022, fell from the FreeFall drop tower. Although he was taken to a nearby hospital, he didn’t survive his injuries.

Now, greater than two years later, a jury has held the vehicle manufacturer, Austria-based Funtime Handels, responsible for the accident and awarded the Tire family $310 million. According to reports from local news stations WFTV AND KSDKthe jury reached its verdict after about an hour of deliberation.

Tyre’s parents will each receive $155 million, according to attorney spokesman Michael Haggard.

Attorneys Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson, who represented Tyre’s family, shared their thoughts on this landmark decision via X (formerly Twitter). “This ruling is a step forward in holding corporations accountable for the safety of their products,” they said in a statement.

Lawyers stressed that Tyre’s death was attributable to “gross negligence and a failure to put safety before profits.” They added that the ride’s manufacturer had “neglected its duty to protect passengers” and that the substantial award ensured it could “face the consequences of its decisions.”

Crump and Jackson said they hope the result will encourage change throughout the theme park industry. “We hope this will spur the entire industry to enforce more stringent safety measures,” they said. “Tire heritage will provide a safer future for drivers around the world.”

An investigation previously found that Tyre’s harness was locked through the descent, but he dislodged from his seat through the 430-foot fall when the magnets engaged. Tire’s death was ruled the result of “multiple injuries and trauma.”

ICON Park said at the time that it could “fully cooperate” with the authorities.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Tireless HIV/AIDS advocate A. Cornelius Baker dies

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HIV/AIDS Advocate, A. Cornelius Baker


A. Cornelius Baker, a tireless advocate of HIV and AIDS testing, research and vaccination, died Nov. 8 at his home in Washington, D.C., of hypertensive, atherosclerotic heart problems, in response to his partner, Gregory Nevins.

As previously reported, Baker was an early supporter for people living with HIV and AIDS within the Nineteen Eighties, when misinformation and fear-mongering in regards to the disease were rampant.

According to Douglas M. Brooks, director of the Office of National AIDS Policy under President Obama, it was Baker’s Christian faith that guided him toward compassion for others.

“He was very kind, very warm and inclusive – his circles, both professional and personal, were the most diverse I have ever seen, and he was guided by his Christian values,” Brooks told the outlet. “His ferocity was on display when people were marginalized, rejected or forgotten.”

In 1995, when he was executive director of the National AIDS Association, Baker pushed for June 27 to be designated National HIV Testing Day.

In 2012, he later wrote on the web site of the Global Health Advisor for which he was a technical advisor that: “These efforts were intended to help reduce the stigma associated with HIV testing and normalize it as part of regular screening.”

https://twitter.com/NBJContheMove/status/1856725113967632663?s=19

Baker also feared that men like himself, black gay men, and other men from marginalized communities were disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS.

Baker pressured the Clinton administration to incorporate black and Latino people in clinical drug trials, and in 1994 he pointedly told the Clinton administration that he was bored with hearing guarantees but seeing no motion.

According to Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings, yes that daring attitude that defines Baker’s legacy in the world of ​​HIV/AIDS promotion.

“Cornelius was a legendary leader in the fight for equality for LGBTQ+ people and all people living with HIV,” Jennings said in a press release. “In the more than twenty years that I knew him, I was continually impressed not only by how effective he was as a leader, but also by how he managed to strike the balance between being fierce and kind at the same time. His loss is devastating.”

Jennings continued: “Cornelius’ leadership can’t be overstated. For many years, he was one in all the nation’s leading HIV/AIDS warriors, working locally, nationally and internationally. No matter where he went, he proudly supported the HIV/AIDS community from the Nineteen Eighties until his death, serving in various positions including the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Association of Persons with Disabilities AIDS, and the Whitman-Walker Clinic . Jennings explained.

Jennings concluded: “His career also included several honors, including being the first recipient of the American Foundation for AIDS Research Foundation’s organization-building Courage Award. Our communities have lost a pillar in Cornelius, and as we mourn his death, we will be forever grateful for his decades of service to the community.”

Kaye Hayes, deputy assistant secretary for communicable diseases and director of the Office of Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS Policy, in her comment about his legacy, she called Baker “the North Star.”.

“It is difficult to overstate the impact his loss had on public health, the HIV/AIDS community or the place he held in my heart personally,” Hayes told Hiv.gov. “He was pushing us, charging us, pulling us, pushing us. With his unwavering commitment to the HIV movement, he represented the north star, constructing coalitions across sectors and dealing with leaders across the political spectrum to deal with health disparities and advocate for access to HIV treatment and look after all. He said, “The work isn’t done, the charge is still there, move on – you know what you have to do.” It’s in my ear and in my heart in the case of this job.

Hayes added: “His death is a significant loss to the public health community and to the many others who benefited from Cornelius’ vigilance. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us all.”

Baker is survived by his mother, Shirley Baker; his partner Nevins, who can be senior counsel at Lambda Legal; his sisters Chandrika Baker, Nadine Wallace and Yavodka Bishop; in addition to his two brothers, Kareem and Roosevelt Dowdell; along with the larger HIV/AIDS advocacy community.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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