Initially, I had just planned to explore the event. No exact plan when I arrived late afternoon on the second day and wandered around the festival’s spacious venue. It wasn’t me, I thought at the time. Didn’t feel connected.

On my first night in the hotel room, I scanned the program. And 120-minute breathwork sessions drew my attention. I imagined them as meditations that focus on breathing. No more. But the 120 minutes seemed to be challenging. I used to meditate, but thirty minutes were the longest. It has been harder to find time recently, though. In Japan, the place I live now, long meditation classes are also hard to find.

I joined three breathwork sessions — one dynamic and two shamanic, one a day. Drumming music played during the shamanic session increased my self-awareness, while free body movement during the dynamic session felt as if releasing my emotions. Before joining breathwork, I expected it would help reset the rhythm of my mind. But surprisingly, they showed me more than just peace. Especially the first session—it awakened me.

Four or more facilitators guided dozens of participants. We inhaled through our noses and exhaled from our mouths. Most importantly, we were instructed to make a sound, “AAAAAA…”, as loud as we could as we exhaled. Other participants started shouting. I didn’t know if it was soundproofing or not. But it was at the far end of the venue, quite isolated from the other ones. Screams filled the closed room. I tried, but as if a rope tied up my larynx, I could only hiss. My voice was stuck in my throat. That was what made me realize something was blocking my chest. That thing seemed to hinder the air in my chest from flowing free. Like when I strained when constipated, my shoulders tensed up. I massaged my chest with my fingers, hoping it would help release the blockage. Shrieking and wailing kept sounding from others. Still, I didn’t whimper. But tears streamed from the corner of my eyes, wetting my earlobes and the tips of the hair around them. I didn’t know why. I didn’t think of the reason.

I don’t remember how many breaths I had let out, maybe dozens or even hundreds, when the air started pouring into my nose and out of my mouth, like water running after the pipe’s limescale had been scraped off. All the air that had been blocked in my throat and chest streamed out till nothing remained. I could breathe in and out longer. Inhaled and exhaled without breaks. Along with my exhalation, I shouted, joining in with the others (I can’t recall the last time I had shouted that loudly). My tears were like water currents. Many others sniffled. So, no worry that others would see me cry with wonder.

After the session ended, I didn’t join other sessions. I went for lunch and returned to the hotel. Lay on my bed and sensed vibrations that remained in my body. I felt lighter as if I had received a deep-tissue massage. Lots of blockages had gone. I didn’t know (still don’t know now) where the blockages had come from. I might have had anger or woe that I had suppressed. My habit of holding back tears might have hardened the obstructions even worse. I didn’t think of the reasons. I just wanted to enjoy the gliding breaths.

That day, I learned how important it is to express emotions. I realized that voicing my mind and feelings brings serenity.

Photo Credit

Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash

First published at Medium

Guest Author Bio
Kartika Lestari

Kartika Lestari is a former academic who started writing more seriously in 2021. She loves writing memoirs and personal essays, and keeps improving her craft through some courses, such as UCLA Extension for Memoir Writing. Now, she is completing her first memoir about how discovering the truth about his father’s past has broken down the barrier that for decades had seemed to block her love for him.

Find more about her on rkartikalestari.com and her stories on medium.com/@rkartikalestari.

Whether you are looking to start a new business or seeking a new career, understanding the dynamics of convergence is very empowering. It can position you to capitalize on upcoming opportunities, which are usually exciting and financially rewarding. I describe how I was able to take advantage of convergence in the article, “If you can’t find a job, try creating your own opportunities”.

Many of the greatest business ideas and inventions have been driven by a convergence between an emerging market need and the availability of a solution for that market need. When brainstorming how to position yourself for this alignment, asking the core foundational questions covered in our guide on what a new business must achieve will help ensure your venture is market-driven from day one. Using technology as an example, when a technology becomes sufficiently affordable and available to address a growing market need, we reach a conversion point and a huge window of opportunity.

When the window first opens, there are not many competitors so margins are healthy. As the market matures, more competition enters the fray, margins begin to erode and the market becomes saturated. Navigating these shifts requires businesses to stay agile, transforming their static web properties into dynamic, highly optimized assets. Partnering with a dedicated agency for custom WordPress plugin management and core development ensures a business can pivot quickly when a market shifts.

Consider YouTube for a moment. Suppose that 15 years ago you had thought about doing what YouTube does today. It would not have worked because fifteen years ago, most people connected to the infant internet with low speed modems. It would have taken all night to transfer a video. PC’s were much slower and the applications to make videos were available only to a select few. Moreover, the price tag to host such a service would have been astronomical primarily because of the enormous data storage requirements and bandwidth costs.

On the other hand, if you had carefully looked at the market and the developing technologies, you would have seen that faster modems were on the horizon promising significant increases in connection speeds. In time, these speed increases would lead to low cost high-speed internet access. You also might have noticed that Yahoo Chat, MSN and ICQ were taking off like wildfire. So was instant messaging. This was the birth of Virtual Social Networking. Add to this faster PC’s, inexpensive video applications, affordable cameras and reasonably priced high-capacity hard drives. Now you have all the makings of a convergence. A window opens and entities like YouTube and Facebook jump into it. Do not doubt for one minute that some organizations like these were not looking ahead to this convergence and preparing for it.

Convergence happens all the time. Positioning yourself to take advantage of a convergence is always a good idea. An example today would be solar energy, or photovoltaics. Many factors play into this convergence. The price of solar panels is slowly coming down. They are becoming more efficient at producing energy and are smaller than previous versions. The price of oil, gas and hydro are all going up, as is their impact on the environment. Ultimately, solar energy offers the potential for clean energy at a much lower cost. The market size is enormous. Essentially, every roof in the world represents a potential sale. It wasn’t that long ago that Bill Gates said; “a computer on every desktop”. Today, someone out there is saying, “a solar panel of every rooftop”. If they aren’t, they should be!

You don’t need to start a huge company to take advantage of convergence. Perhaps you are a sales rep looking for a new career or a technician seeking a new challenge where you can apply your skills. Keeping an eye on technology developments and emerging markets that are one, two and five years out is a smart thing to do. If you see something that interests you, then spend some time every day researching this emerging market. Become well versed in all of the potential solutions that might address this market and then start talking about it. You will be seen as an expert or perhaps even a visionary and will be very well positioned to jump into that window of opportunity in whatever capacity you choose.

Photo Credits

Feature Picture Of Solar Panel – Some rights reserved by moondabor

Originally posted May 29, 2009 at synaptici

You’ve decided to start a business. That’s great! Now you need to ask yourself some very important questions. To start with, exactly what does your business do? Why have you chosen to do it? How are you going to do it? These may seem like simple questions but .when you break them down and answer them adequately, you have a blueprint for success. For many modern entrepreneurs, translating that blueprint into a secure digital footprint via professional WordPress web development services is the critical next step to gaining market traction.

Again, the three key questions are what, why and how.

It goes without saying that if you can’t answer the ‘what’ question, then you won’t be starting a business anytime soon! Where many companies fail is in not addressing the ‘why’ and the ‘how’. When you are considering starting a business, the ‘why’ is the more important of the two.

Just because you think it’s a great idea doesn’t mean everyone else will.

Assuming that everyone will love a new product or service is the cause of many business failures. You may have a great idea, and it may be something that you can benefit from, but does it represent value to me? Why would I or anyone else want it?

To illustrate the importance of answering the ‘why’ question, I offer you the following stories.

The Misguided Painter

You’ve just moved from California to an older suburban area on the East Coast. It consists of thousands of homes that are over 60 years old. Many of them are in dire need of painting. Having lived in California for many years, you fell in love with the salmon pink color schemes common to so many homes in that part of the country. As you drive the streets of your new neighborhood, you believe that it would look so much better by painting every house in those Californian hues.

You decide to start a painting services business. After purchasing your tools and registering your business, you start by painting your own home as a showpiece. Having done a beautiful job that reflects the quality of your work, you create some expensive brochures and begin promoting the look you believe everyone should have. The only problem is, older heritage style homes really don’t suit that look. As hard as you try, you can’t generate much interest.

Your answer to the ‘what do you do’ question was:

I paint homes in Calfornian hues and do high quality work.

Your answer to the ‘why do you do it’ question was:

Because I love the look and everyone else will too.

Meanwhile, another entrepreneur starts a painting company as well. You notice that their company is busy painting many homes. You wonder why they are doing so well but the answer is simple.

Their answer to the ‘what do you do’ question was:

I provide high quality painting services. I will also provide color consultation but ultimately the customer will decide on the color scheme.

Their answer to the ‘why do you do it’ question was:

Because I live in an area of old heritage homes that need painting. I walked the streets and surveyed dozens of people by asking if they would be interested in an estimate and a relatively high percentage said yes. I checked to see how much competition I would run into and found very little.

In other words, they did it because there was a market need for that service and not many people offering it. This is called being “market driven’. Do your homework and carefully study the market you intend to serve.

It is much easier to fill a market need than it is to create one.

However, if you want to create a market, there are clever ways to do it. The following story describes one such approach.

The Clever Gardener

This story happens in the same suburb where the painters live, but a few decades earlier.

A woman has noticed that many of the lawns are overgrown and many of the trees are in desperate need of pruning. As well, the lawns are browning and the flowers wilting for lack of watering. She had recently read about an upcoming technology that will automate the watering process and believes that many homeowners would want the convenience of these new sprinkler systems. Only thing is, it’s an upcoming technology that is currently too expensive and not readily available.

Having given this idea a lot of thought, she decides that perhaps a good approach would be to start a gardening business. If she does a good job, when sprinklers become affordable, she will have an instant clientele.

She does her research and discovers that there is not much competition. There are sufficient homeowners interested in a gardening service to justify starting a business. She feels she can offer her services at a price that will be fair to the customers and profitable to her. Starting with an old pickup truck, a lawn mower and her own gardening tools, she slowly builds up her business. Every day, she faithfully spends time reading about gardening in order to increase her knowledge and refine her skills. As well, she keeps her attention on sprinkler technology and begins to build relationships with the companies that are developing this new way of watering yards. She also makes sure that her beautifully landscaped property is a living showcase of her talents.

Eventually, sprinklers become affordable. Leveraging the relationships she has formed, she becomes a sprinkler re-seller and places her first order, which she will install in her own yard. After installing the system, she sends all of her clients an invitation to attend a BBQ at her home. It’s a ‘thank you for your business’ event and she will also be giving out some exotic bulbs and tubers as gifts.

Arriving at her home, the first thing her clients see is a sprinkler system strategically watering every inch of her front yard. Soon after, the sprinkler heads recede into the lawn. Now the flowerbed sprinklers sputter and begin gracefully spraying a fine mist over her plants. For hours, she entertains her clients all the while answering questions about the hot topic, her sprinkler system.

She sets the timer for her front yard sprinklers so that they will roar to life every morning just before everyone is heading off to work. Every car that drives by sees the sprinklers effortlessly watering her yard and it isn’t long before her phone is ringing every day with requests for quotes.

Her answer to the ‘what do you do’ question was:

My primary business will be to offer quality gardening services.

Her answer to the ‘why do you do it’ question was:

I have done my research and there is a market. I believe that I can provide an excellent service and build a sizable clientele. This will position me to eventually provide and install sprinkler systems, which are an emerging technology that will soon be available and affordable.

Our clever gardener saw that a window of opportunity would soon be available. She could see that there would be a convergence between an existing market and a developing technology. Starting a company to capitalize on an upcoming convergence is a very good idea. We see this exact dynamic playing out today in the ag-tourism sector, where localized platforms like the Farm and Market Trail seamlessly connect independent regional growers directly with modern, conscious consumers.” You can read more about the dynamics of convergence in the article Seeing The Windows of Opportunity.

I would like to leave you with one last thought. If part of your answer to the ‘why’ question is that you love what you do, that is a very good thing. It is not a mandatory, but I can assure you that those who love what they do and do it with passion will often succeed over those who do not share that enthusiasm. Why start a business if you’re not going to enjoy what you do?

I hope that this article will prompt you to ask the right questions, do your market research, and avoid making costly assumptions. I wish you every good fortune as you start your new business!

Photo Credits

Old Truck © Chris Holt
All Others © Gil Namur
First Published at SYNAPTIC I

Live Aqua’s lush lobby with waterfalls

Live Aqua Punta Cana, an adults-only oceanfront resort with 347 rooms, is considered boutique size as it sits close to several well-established and much bigger properties along the magnificent Uvero Alto beach, a 45 minute drive from the Punta Cana airport. Non-stop flights from Canada are increasingly common. We flew direct from Halifax. Senior management admitted to us that when they built the resort the culinary reputation of the Dominican Republic was not five star. Live Aqua and its parent company, Fiesta Americana, were determined to make a difference. Ours was just a four-day visit but we saw ample evidence of that commitment.

Our Club room in one of the eight, three-story buildings along two sides of the lush, landscaped property was typical of the enhanced quality. Large, with a king bed, plenty of storage space, excellent air conditioning, multi-channel TV and a well-stocked fridge, it boasted one of the most complete bathrooms we’ve seen. The sink was extra-wide and included large, thick, fluffy bath towels, Moulton Brown toiletries and locally produced bar soap. The shower could accommodate a small family with twin rain showers plus a traditional nozzle. In the stateroom, sliding glass doors led to a terrace with a plunge pool and a swim out pool along the full length of our building. High tech wristbands were required but they were convenient, opening both our door and safe. Housekeeping, which kept the room immaculate, usually came twice a day but on two occasions our turn was missed.

Our building was about halfway between the elegant main lobby with its adjacent complex of restaurants and bars and the superb beach. Both were within a five minute walk along a covered walkway. Uvero Alto Beach with its soft, golden sand, stretches for three miles along the Atlantic side of the country. Sargassum (seaweed) was not a problem while we were there but any small amounts that accumulated were quickly scooped up by resort staff. The water was not as crystal clear as we recently experienced in the Turks & Caicos but a gentle slope and 26C temperatures made it ideal for swimming or wading.

Minimum seaweed on wide, golden sand beach

Live Aqua Punta Cana has a staff of 700 with 150 dedicated to the culinary side. We could see the clear improvements in cuisine and service since we last visited this proud Caribbean nation several years ago.

A resort buffet is usually a good indication of the overall quality of its food. We were very impressed with Liberi, the large, never crowded buffet on the first floor of the main building. It was better than the buffets we’ve had at much larger resorts. Both breakfast and lunch had a wide variety of traditional, well-prepared fare and Dominican specialities. There was plenty of fresh fruit and fresh tropical juices plus the output of a skilled pastry chef. Each area of the buffet was well-stocked with tempting food choices. Except for the carving stations it was self-service with common spoons and tongs but, surprisingly, there was a scarcity of hand sanitizing stations. However, we stayed healthy and saw no evidence of sickness among other guests.

Carving station and Dominican specialities in the buffet

In addition to the buffet, Live Aqua Punta Cana had six specialty restaurants and we did our best to sample all of them. They were among the best we’ve ever enjoyed in the DR or Mexico. One of our favourites was the beachside Miraflores Cevicheria featuring fresh fish and other local ingredients. Standout dishes for us were the seafood ceviche and the fried fish taco. Other highlights included Seishin, the Asian teppanyaki restaurant, where we chose tasty menu items like dragon rolls and tempura shrimp with fried rice and the Huzur Mediterranean restaurant where we enjoyed fresh mahi mahi. Two restaurants featured surprisingly tender beef – the French restaurant, Chez Rose, with an excellent beef bourguignon and the Italian, Sospiro, with beef Tagliata di manzo cut into thin strips.

Wine, beer and cocktails were complimentary throughout our visit with an emphasis on Spanish wines. Non-alcohol Dutch beer was available but, unfortunately, non-alcohol wine has not yet reached the resort. Beach lovers were also well served by bar waiters roaming among the oceanside palm trees. One waiter prepared us a custom frozen passion fruit and rum cocktail. And room service, uncommon in resorts, was available anytime. Dominican coffee was excellent throughout the resort, especially at the Cool Fever café in the main building. Its pastries were outstanding.

Friendly efficient drink service at the beach

Live Aqua Punta Cana had a laid-back atmosphere with a quieter ambiance than the nearby giant resorts. As seniors, we were especially pleased. But there were still plenty of diversions and entertainment including daytime fitness classes, rum tasting, mixology, cigar making and cooking lessons plus evening touring shows like a Michael Jackson lookalike and DR Circus acts. The spa and fitness center were both spotless and well equipped. We enjoyed a joint pedicure.

A joint pedicure at the spa

The median age at Live Aqua Punta Cana appeared to be in the 40-50 range. But management confirmed our observation that guests ranged from the low 20s to the high 80s as the mix of quiet and active made it equally appealing for all ages.

A few more photos from our trip. Click to enlarge and start a slide show.

Photo Credits

All photos by Sandra and John Nowlan – All Rights Reserved

Repetitive Skin Touching and Picking

It is common that stress related behaviours are carried out because they feel soothing in the moment; however, skin health can be seriously affected through habits like touching the face and picking at loose skin. It may go unnoticed, but our hands carry lots of bacteria which easily transfer onto the face when touching it. The bacteria can cause infection and inflammation. Continuously picking at a spot damages the skin barrier and can cause scarring after the spot has healed.

Some people experience acne excoriée from this behaviour, which is a condition where the picking of blemishes worsens breakouts and prolongs recovery. Stress can also cause hormonal changes, which in themselves can trigger breakouts, making this cycle even harder to break.

There are various strategies that can be implemented to help prevent repetitive skin touching and picking. To keep hands busy, stress balls or fidget tools can be used, using pimple patches to protect spots, and just becoming more mindful in general of stress triggers to intervene early.

Lip Biting and Licking

Another behaviour which is developed through stress is repetitive lip biting or licking. This habit may feel comforting at the time; however, it results in the saliva stripping the natural oils of the lip, which weakens the skin barrier and can leave the skin dry and cracked.

Using cosmetic products like lip gloss on dehydrated lips can make the sensitivity worse over time, it is important to prioritise nourishing the lips before applying lip gloss by using a lip balm. Alternatively, using a lip gloss formula with hyaluronic acid and shea butter can be considered to skip the lip balm step. Finally, applying a lip mask overnight can also repair dry lips while you sleep. It is particularly important to hydrate and protect lips in cold or dry environments.

Excessive Cleansing and Exfoliation

When stress has caused skin issues, it is common to excessively cleanse and/or exfoliate in an attempt to address the skin problems quickly. However, this actually does more harm than good by stripping away the skin’s natural oils; similarly to the lips, this will weaken the protective barrier. When the barrier is weakened, it leaves the skin sensitive to dehydration, redness and worsening breakouts. This behaviour can result in the skin issues appearing worse than they did before.

The encouraged approach is to limit exfoliation to just once or twice a week and use a balanced cleanser that avoids stripping natural oils from the skin. If the skin has already been damaged by excessive cleansing and exfoliation, prioritising products which have ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid will help to restore moisture and support the long term health of the skin, especially during periods of stress.

Irritating Cosmetic Ingredients

When the skin barrier has become damaged due to stress hormones directly or behaviours as a response to stress, the skin becomes sensitive and therefore more likely to be reactive to irritants such as fragrances or harsh ingredients. It is important to check the ingredient labels when using products during these periods where your skin is more sensitive, even products you previously used, as they may now cause irritation too. In addition to looking out for harsh ingredients, it is also good to look out for supportive ingredients such as aloe vera or niacinamide, to soothe inflammation and rebuild the barrier.

Neglect of Basic Skin Care Needs

Stress can affect people in different ways; for some, the behaviours can be quite the opposite of what we have previously discussed. Mental overload can make simple self-care routines feel overwhelming, leading to steps of a routine being missed, such as cleansing or moisturising or sometimes skipping the routine altogether. This lack of care can show up in a number of ways, such as dehydration or accelerated signs of ageing.

A simplified routine is often the most sustainable when self-care routines feel overwhelming. A simple cleanse, moisturise, and SPF in the morning, then cleanse and moisturise in the evening, is perfect for a simple routine. Focusing on consistency as opposed to an overcomplicated routine will make a noticeable difference.

Conclusion

Stress behaviours can quietly impact your skin over time. What feels like innocent picking and deep cleansing can turn into more serious skin issues. By replacing these behaviours with nurturing routines, you give your skin the chance to repair itself. Remember, consistency is better than aiming for perfection to restore your skin health and improve your overall wellbeing during periods of stress.

Photo Credit

Photo is from pexels

Guest Author Bio
Cathy Fletcher

Cathy Fletcher is a retired physiotherapist based in Manchester, UK, with a rich 40-year career in the NHS. After navigating the challenges of divorce and retirement, Cathy discovered a new purpose: empowering individuals over 50 to live their best lives and uncover new passions. Her personal journey through these significant life changes has fuelled her commitment to sharing insights and experiences with others in similar stages.

Instead of considering which option is better in an objective context, it’s important to look at subjective considerations that will ultimately have a much bigger influence on fit quality.

In this article, we take a look at what most parents get wrong when considering the difference between private and public schools.

Overview: Why Private School Is Not Definitively Better

Maybe it’s the price tag that gives parents the wrong idea. After all, if you’re going to spend $10,000+ per year per student, then you must surely be getting something good for your money, right? Not necessarily.

Private schools often have fewer resources than public schools. Some of these resources are tangible—for example, it’s not at all uncommon for a mid-level parochial school to lack even basic technological infrastructure that has been present in public schools for decades.

There can also be personnel-related deficiencies. For example, many private schools don’t have psychologists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, or even school counselors.

What your money generally buys you is exclusivity and environmental conditions that often tilt statistics in favor of private schools, at least in regard to testing. What do we mean by this?

Most students attending private schools come from higher-income households with more significant levels of parental involvement. Both income and parental attention are major drivers of academic success. It naturally follows that students in a private school setting will often test a bit higher on average than students in the public school setting.

It’s not that private school is better or that its students are inherently more capable—it’s that a higher percentage of students in that environment already meet the background conditions that are predictive of academic achievement.

You can help secure similar outcomes for your own student not by enrolling them in private school, but by taking a more active role in their education.

That’s also not to talk you out of private school options, however. It’s simply to contextualize results. There are good reasons to consider private school—they’re just not always easy to measure.

Are Private Schools Safer and More Supportive?

Assessing student safety is admittedly difficult in that it’s not always easy to have a complete idea of what takes place in a school without first-hand experience. Rates of disciplinary incidents are not typically publicly available in either scenario. That said, studies indicate little difference between the safety of public versus private schools, particularly at a school-wide level.

Again, the most common indicators of at-risk students are not the school itself, but social factors, household income, and parental involvement.

In terms of support, the numbers are actually a little clearer, and they tend to favor public schools, where student-to-instructor ratios are sometimes superior—particularly when paraprofessionals and specialists are added to the tally. Granted, this factor is a little more volatile and will be very district-dependent. Some school districts in the public sector do have very out-of-whack personnel-to-pupil ratios.

That said, the number has been trending in the right direction for many years now. In the 1950s, the student-instructor ratio in public schools was nearly 30 to 1. Now it’s closer to 15 to 1, even in public schools.

It’s very possible in both environments for students to receive more individualized attention. And in some public schools, the support value is arguably better because they have more resources designed to engage students.

Stop Focusing on School Type

Arguably the biggest mistake that parents deciding between private and public schools can make is to focus on the category of the school over its specific value offerings. Don’t view it as a contest between private and public, but instead, this school versus that school.

It’s very possible that a private school will have more of what you’re looking for. None of what we’ve said to this point is anti-private education, but merely reflective of the fact that many people underestimate the resources in public education.

You have to keep in mind that the quality of instruction between two options is nearly identical. It’s not that private schools get better teachers. In fact, many of their positions are actually slightly less competitive because they tend to offer lower compensation.

The only reason to prioritize private education simply for the fact that it is private is in the case of parents who are looking to provide their children with a religious education. Catholic schools remain the most prominent private education option in the country. This owes to a combination of factors, including the fact that parochial schools are more affordable than secular forms of private education.

In all cases, however, they are considerably more expensive than the free public school option.

Which Option Is Right For You?

Deciding between private and public school is ultimately a very personalized choice, not to be taken lightly. If you are struggling to decide, consider arranging to meet with the principals at all of the schools available to you. They should be able to answer questions, address concerns, and so on.

Ask them not just about testing scores, which can paint an incomplete picture of a school’s quality, but also about student-to-teacher ratios, social resources, clubs, and extracurriculars. These factors will have a much bigger overall influence on your child’s experience.

Photo Credit

Photo is by Cottonbro Studio on Pexels

Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren

With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.

With The Art of Motherhood, Elisium Art brings together a deeply thoughtful exploration of what motherhood feels like rather than what it looks like. This collection reflects the strength, care and lasting influence of a mother. It reminds us that no love or sacrifice exceeds hers, even if we only come to understand it fully over time.

The more I Blossom

Where Everyday Moments Become Meaningful

This collection does not look at motherhood through grand or dramatic expressions. Instead, it focuses on emotion, memory and the small, everyday gestures that stay with us for a lifetime.

It gently shows that motherhood is more than just a role. It is an energy, a presence and something that quietly shapes who we become. Each artwork feels familiar, almost like a memory you did not realise you were holding onto.

Five Artists, One Shared Emotion

At the heart of this are five mother artists. Sylvia Barrero, Carolina Piedrahita, Himani Pasricha, Karishma Wadhwa and Gloria Jaramillo. Each one brings a very deeply personal perspective to the idea of care, strength and connection.

Their works differ in style but come together very seamlessly.

• Sylvia Barrero creates very rich and expressive worlds filled with vibrant colours and floral symbolism where healing and transformation feel completely alive.
• Carolina Piedrahita uses geometry and structure to express balance, unity and coexistence. She turns form into a very beautiful language of connection.
• Karishma Wadhwa explores very quiet emotional landscapes around home, belonging and community through layered textures and very natural tones.
• Himani Pasricha brings a very meditative calm with intricate dot work. Her work reflects inner growth, feminine strength and a journey towards freedom.
• Gloria Jaramillo adds a very spiritual dimension where colour and movement express feminine energy as something universal and deeply transformative.

Together, they create a narrative that feels both very personal and shared at the same time.

Blooming

Original Artworks: Created by Mothers

What makes this collection especially powerful is that the artworks are not just inspired by motherhood they are created by mothers themselves.

Each piece carries lived experience, shaped by real emotions, memories and personal journeys. This brings a level of honesty and depth that cannot be replicated. The artists are not observing from a distance; they are expressing something they have felt, navigated and continue to understand in their own way. That authenticity quietly flows through every artwork, making each piece feel deeply human and sincere.

Across the collection, some artworks explore nurturing and protection through soft compositions, while others express strength and transformation through bold colours and layered textures. There is a natural balance between vulnerability and resilience, allowing different versions of motherhood to exist together.

Art That Becomes Part of Your Space

These artworks are not meant to be observed from a distance. They are meant to live with you.

Some pieces bring warmth and life into shared spaces, while others create calm in quiet corners. Over time, they become much more than just art on a wall they turn into reminders of love, memory and where you come from.

DNA Tree

Mother’s Day Gift Boxes: A Thoughtful Extension

Alongside the artworks, Elisium Art introduces a series of thoughtfully designed Mother’s Day gift boxes that translate these emotions into something tangible and lasting.

Each box carries a distinct feeling:

The Memories Box celebrates nostalgia and captures quiet, intimate moments that stay forever.

The Becoming Box reflects growth and the evolving journey of motherhood, honouring who you’ve become through her influence.

The Eternity Box celebrates a love that never ends but continues through you.

These are not just gifts, but meaningful expressions that stay long after the moment has passed.

Photo Credits

Photos are by Elisium Art – All Rights Reserved

Guest Author Bio
Manasvi Vislot

Manasvi is an art writer at Elisium Art, specializing in cultural storytelling, traditional art forms, and contemporary visual movements. With a focus on heritage revival and global artistic narratives, she explores how historical techniques like Pichwai and other devotional traditions intersect with modern design, identity, and evolving art markets. Her writing blends research, aesthetic insight, and thoughtful analysis to make art accessible to collectors, creatives, and cultural enthusiasts worldwide.

That matters more than people sometimes realise. A young person doesn’t build confidence from one big speech or one perfect day. It grows when they know someone will listen, notice their effort, encourage their interests and still show up when things are unsettled. If you’re supporting a child in any way, those small moments add up.

1. Give them something steady to lean on

You don’t need to make every day identical. But you do need to be consistent in the ways that count. That could mean keeping routines simple, being calm when they’re stressed, or doing what you said you’d do.

When a child knows what to expect from you, they can relax a bit. They’re not wasting energy guessing your mood or wondering whether support will disappear. That sense of steadiness gives them room to settle, trust and think beyond what’s happening right now.

2. Notice what they’re good at

It’s easy for young people to hear correction more often than encouragement. That’s why it matters when you point out what they do well.

You might notice they’re funny, patient, creative, determined or good at making other people feel included. Say it. Don’t save praise for big achievements. Sometimes a passing comment about how well they handled something can stick with them for much longer than you’d expect.

That’s part of why foster care associates focuses so strongly on supportive environments where children and young people can feel safe enough to grow in confidence and start looking ahead.

3. Take their interests seriously

A stronger future often starts with a small interest that someone bothered to notice. If a young person loves cooking, drawing, fixing things, gaming, animals or helping other people, there may be something worth encouraging there.

You don’t have to turn every hobby into a life plan. Just show them that what they care about matters. Ask questions. Help them try new things. Give them the sense that their future can be shaped by more than what’s gone wrong before.

That matters even more when a child has had disruption in their life. The value of support through change and challenge is often tied to exactly this feeling of being known, encouraged and taken seriously over time.

4. Stay supportive when life gets messy

It’s one thing to be encouraging when everything is calm. It’s another when routines change, emotions run high or a young person seems distant. That’s usually when your support matters most.

Big changes such as a new school, new home, exams or simply growing up can knock confidence. During those times, keep the message simple: you’re still here. Sometimes that means talking. Sometimes it means backing off a little while staying available. Either way, the consistency matters.

5. Say something when you see progress

A lot of progress is quiet. It doesn’t always look impressive from the outside, but it still counts. You might notice things like:

• trying something new without giving up straight away
• speaking more openly than they used to
• putting effort into school or college after a difficult patch
• handling frustration a bit better than last time

When you point out those changes, you help them see growth for themselves. That can make it easier for them to keep going. That lines up with the way family relationships and support can shape confidence, security and long-term wellbeing over time.

Support like this doesn’t need to be grand or clever. It just needs to be real and repeated. If you keep showing up, keep listening and keep reminding a young person that they have strengths worth building on, you’re already helping them create a stronger future.

Photo Credit

Image by Edward from Pixabay

Guest Author Bio
Sally Giles

Sally Giles ran her own successful importing business for many years. She’s now living the dream as a freelance writer, walking her dogs through the forest most days.

Oceania Allura tied up in Bermuda

We were aboard the 1200 passenger, all-balcony Oceania Allura, launched less than a year ago, the newest in the upper premium cruise line’s fleet of eight mid-size vessels. When we boarded in Miami we were immediately impressed by the bright, modern atrium, generous use of marble in public areas and our 290 square foot stateroom. Our balcony room had an array of perks uncommon on most cruise ships – floor to ceiling sliding-door windows , a luxurious Tranquility mattress with thousand thread sheets, twice-daily housekeeping, free still or sparkling water, free sodas in our mini-fridge, free room service, plush cotton towels, robes & slippers (two sizes) and a giant interactive TV including a wide variety of free movies. The bathroom was very generous in size with bars of Italian-made Aquamar soap and a shower big enough for two that included regular and rainforest nozzles. All guests have free wi-fi but it was frustratingly slow at times.

A comfortable 290 square foot stateroom

Once we settled into our stateroom we wanted to explore the many dining options on Allura. To its credit Oceania does not charge for any of its four specialty restaurants although reservations are required but easy to confirm (and you can book more than once each cruise). Unlike the ultra-luxury (and more expensive) lines, alcoholic drinks are not included but drink packages (including non-alcohol wine and beer) can be purchased.

We tried all the specialty restaurants at least twice and were impressed by the level of service from the staff and creativity in choice and presentation. In Jacques, the signature restaurant overseen by celebrity and Michelin-starred chef Jacques Pepin, we enjoyed Brittany Duck Breast with Grand Marnier sauce and a Sea Bass Filet for two enclosed in puff pastry. Delicious and decadent! The restaurant was a bit noisy with a scalloped faux-brick ceiling that reflected sound. At Red Ginger, the Asian restaurant with appropriate dark woods and red accents, culinary highlights included Spicy Duck and Watermelon Salad, Miso Glazed Sea Bass, Lobster Pad Thai and Seven Spice Crusted Lamb Rack. Pampered guests are even offered a choice of chopsticks.

An appetizer plate at Red Ginger

Many cruise lines include an Italian restaurant and Allura’s Toscana is outstanding. Served on Versace china, our favourite dishes included Lobster Tagliolini with Garlic and Chili Peppers, Octopus Carpaccio, Dover Sole and a flavorful, tender Osso Buco. Fresh bread was offered with a choice of a dozen or more varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Extra-cost steak houses are now standard on many cruise lines so Allura’s no-additional-cost Polo Grill turned out to be a very happy surprise. We savored its Thai Barbeque Pork Ribs, Surf & Turf (Lobster and Beef Filet) and Grilled Pluma Iberico de Bellota (choice pork from Iberian pigs fed on acorns). Desserts included a creative swirled Baked Alaska.

A choice of many types of olive oil in Toscana

Allura’s main dining area, the Grand Dining Room, has an opulent, all-white interior with elegant chandeliers that match the sophistication of the specialty restaurants. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included a wide variety of favorites (including limitless lobster and fine beef cuts). Oceania was among the first cruise lines to adopt “anytime dining” (6:30-9:30) for its main restaurant and we found it to work well with very few lineups for a table. Service in the Grand was usually excellent except for one occasion when we were served by inexperienced waiters who were new to the ship. The difference in professionalism was startling.

The opulent Grand Dining Room on Allura

Many guests chose to eat all their meals in the Terrace Café buffet. We could soon see why. The selection of fresh, imaginative dishes was extraordinary for a mid-size ship and a mainly self-service venue. The food choices usually matched those in the Grand Dining Room with an additional carving station and grill for lobsters or steak. Those decadent breakfast croissants we mentioned earlier were just one of the creations prepared by the ship’s twenty pastry chefs and seven bakers. The selection of fresh fruit, especially at breakfast, was the best we’ve ever seen – raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, even kiwis in abundance.

Fresh croissants and other pastries every morning

Two other, smaller restaurants must be noted. The poolside Waves Grill featured American favourites like sandwiches, burgers and shakes while the health-oriented Aquamar Kitchen turned out nourishing treats like smoothies, poke bowls and avocado toast. Both were open for breakfast and lunch.

It took us several days before we discovered a “forget-the-calories” treat on Deck 14. The Crêperie on deck 14 is new to Oceania with sweet indulgences including crêpes Suzette, various waffles, sundaes, Italian ice cream and sorbets. Another popular daily indulgence was the traditional Afternoon Tea, served in the bright Horizons Lounge, also on Deck 14. Music was provided by the resident pianist or the delightful Bright String Quartet. This talented ensemble also entertained each evening before dinner but in a narrow space on Deck 6 with limited seating. We wished the group had been placed in the spacious atrium so even more guests could enjoy the classical music.

The elegant atrium on Allure

The 1200 seat, single level, Allura Lounge was our main entertainment venue with comfortable seats and spectacular technical effects. With minimal slope, it was sometimes difficult to see the whole stage but the evening shows we saw were very engaging. The singing, comedy and magic acts were well received but were outshone by the three Broadway-style production shows featuring the ship’s seven-piece band, four vocalists and eight dancers. The most effective of the three was on our last full day with a show called “Our World”, an international musical journey featuring national costumes and familiar tunes.

Destination talks, entertaining enrichment lectures (rum, pirates, Bermuda Triangle, battleships) and daily trivia hosted by the cruise director were all well-attended diversions in the Allura Lounge. The ship also boasts a surprisingly large, comfortable library and a Culinary Center with daily hands-on cooking classes by dedicated chefs.

Daily cooking classes

As much as we appreciated the layout of the Oceania Allure, its comfortable staterooms plus the high end entertainment and enrichment programme, it’s the cuisine that stood out. As the line’s president has stated, “Food is the foundation of Oceania. It’s the very core of our business.” With more modest pricing than the all-inclusive, ultra-luxury lines, Oceania provides good value and is becoming the cruise line of choice for serious foodies.

On the last evening, chefs and cooks lined up to thank the guests!

IF YOU GO

Arriving in Miami, or any cruise port, a day in advance of sailing is always a good idea. In downtown Miami we stayed at the comfortable and convenient Elser Hotel and Residences. The cruise port is just a short drive away. www.theelserhotel.com

A few more photos from our trip. Click to enlarge and start a slide show.

Photo Credits

All photos by Sandra and John Nowlan – All Rights Reserved

From modern office spaces to residential interiors, water features are increasingly being used not just as decorative elements, but as tools for shaping how a space feels—and how people experience it.

The Science Behind Why Water Feels Calming

The calming effect of water isn’t just anecdotal. Researchers in environmental psychology have spent years studying how natural sounds influence human perception and mood.

A study published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2017) examined how indoor water sounds affect people’s perception of their environment. They found that the presence of water sounds significantly increased perceived calmness and pleasantness, while also making intrusive background noises feel less disruptive. Participants consistently rated spaces with water features as more natural and restorative compared to those without.

Similarly, a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology looked at how natural sounds—particularly water—contribute to what researchers call “restorative environments.” The findings showed that water sounds can help reduce perceived stress and improve overall environmental satisfaction, especially in settings where unwanted noise is present.

Together, these studies reinforce a simple but important idea: water doesn’t just change how a space looks—it changes how it’s experienced.

A Natural Solution to Indoor Noise

One of the most practical benefits of moving water indoors is its ability to mask unwanted noise.

Unlike artificial white noise, which can feel mechanical or fatiguing over time, water produces a dynamic, non-repetitive sound pattern. This variability helps soften sharp or distracting background noises—like conversations, traffic, or HVAC systems—without drawing attention to itself.

Research shows that when water sounds are introduced into an environment, people perceive competing noise as less intrusive, even when the overall sound level hasn’t changed significantly. In other words, water doesn’t eliminate noise—it reshapes how we hear it.

This makes indoor water features particularly effective in:

• Open-concept homes
• Offices and collaborative workspaces
• Waiting areas and lobbies
• Multi-family living environments

Biophilic Design and Cognitive Comfort

The growing popularity of indoor water features is also closely tied to biophilic design—an approach that emphasizes incorporating natural elements into built environments.

Water is especially powerful in this context because it engages attention in a gentle, effortless way. Unlike screens or artificial stimuli, which demand focus, moving water provides what researchers describe as “soft fascination.” It gives the mind something to register without requiring active effort.

This concept is closely related to Attention Restoration Theory, which suggests that natural elements help the brain recover from mental fatigue. While much of this research focuses on outdoor environments, the same principles apply indoors when natural elements—like water—are thoughtfully integrated.

More Than Visual Appeal

While the visual elegance of a wall-mounted fountain or water wall is undeniable, its impact is inherently multi-sensory.

The sound of flowing water creates a subtle acoustic layer. The movement introduces rhythm and continuity. In some environments, water can even slightly influence humidity, contributing to overall comfort in dry indoor spaces.

These combined effects help create environments that feel grounded, balanced, and intentional.

Designing with Water in Mind

Incorporating moving water into an indoor space doesn’t require a large footprint or a dramatic installation. Even modest features can have a meaningful impact when placed thoughtfully.

Key considerations include:

• Sound profile: A gentle trickle versus a more pronounced flow
• Placement: Areas where noise masking or visual focus is most beneficial
• Scale: Matching the feature to the size and function of the space

When done well, a water feature becomes less of an object and more of an environmental layer—something that quietly shapes the atmosphere of the room.

A Subtle but Powerful Shift

Creating a calming indoor environment isn’t about eliminating stimulation entirely. It’s about replacing harsh or distracting inputs with ones that feel natural and balanced.

Moving water does exactly that.

By combining sound, motion, and a connection to nature, it offers a simple, research-supported way to transform how a space feels—making it not just more beautiful, but more livable.

Photo Credits

Photos are courtesy of the author

Guest Author Bio
Justin Combs

Justin Combs is a contributing author and design consultant with a focus on integrating architectural water features into interior environments. He works with homeowners, designers, and commercial spaces to incorporate custom water elements that enhance both aesthetics and atmosphere. Learn more about interior water feature design at Adagio Water Features.