#Africa Yoga Project

[nativeyoga]

Dorcas Murunga - Yoga Teacher Shares Her Journey and Impact in Kenya

Listen to podcast for FREE here Dorcas Murunga is a yoga teacher based in Nairobi, Kenya. She is a certified yoga teacher with the Africa Yoga Project and has been an inspiration to her local community. Dorcas is passionate about sharing the transformative power of yoga and has been teaching various styles of yoga, including power yoga, yin yoga, and African yoga. She is dedicated to meeting her…

[jupiitersreturn]

Where You Could Meet Your Future Spouse -Matrix of Destiny

Look At The Number That The Red Arrow Is Pointing To!

6 - Clubs, Courses, Trainings, Social Networking Events, School, Crowded Places or Places That A Lot Of People Frequent, Cozy Places (Cafes, Restaurants, Bars), Mundane or "Normal" Places

21 - Traveling, Hotels, Universities, Business Meetings, Conferences, Any Means of Travel (Car, Bus, Plane, Walking, etc.)

7 - When You Are At Work, When You Are In The Midst Of Completing A Goal, When You Are In A Position Of Authority, Travel, New Places, First Time Being Somewhere, First Day

16 - Dangerous Environments/Situations, Protests, During Storms, In High Buildings (Sky Scrapers), Emergency Situations

10 - When You Are Making "Changes" ( i.e Changing Jobs, Appearance, Houses, etc.) Starting a New Opportunity, At A Casino, When You Are In The Right Place At The Right Time (It Could Feel Like Fate)

18 - At A Waterside Location, Unfamiliar Territory, Subconsciously or In A Dream, On A Blind Date, In A Way That You’ve Never Experienced Before (for example if you’ve never tried online dating before you could spontaneously decide to try one time and it could he the time that you meet this person)

4 - When Structure and Stability are Being Established (For Example Making A Major Purchase Like A Home or A Car, Moving, Changing Jobs For Better Pay, etc.)

17 - At an Art Class , When You Are Renewing Something, Yoga or Meditation Class, At An Inspirational or Revolutionary Event or Lecture, At A Convention or Conference (Specifically One That Is Tech Based)

19 - Places that are Warm (Cali, Miami, Texas, Africa, Jamaica, Bahamas, The Carribean, etc.) Concert, Beach, Around Kids, Places With Bright Lights, Places Where You Are Celebrating Your Success, Parties, Award Shows

11 - Places related to beauty, Places where you are meant to "show off", Courthouses, Places of Law, Banks (During Settlement Issues), Debates, Peaceful Protests and Riots,

22 - A Stroke of Fate or Destiny (Like Being In The Wrong Place At The Right Time), After Something is Complete (A Project, Schooling, etc.), Abroad, After Moving To A New Area

9 - When You Are Alone, When You Are In A Period Of Introspection, At Places One Goes For Spiritual Enlightenment, Churches, Temples, Etc.

3 - Through The Mother, Places of Creativity, Female Dominated Fields, At A Daycare or Elementary School, At A Home

15 - Sex or Night Club, Rehab Facility, AA Meeting, Jail or Detainment Facility, A Dispensary, Outreach Facility

5 - Traditionally or Organically, Through Mutual Friends, Being Introduced To Them, At College, At A Place Where One Gains Knowledge Or Is Gifted With Advice, In A Place Where One Must Conform Or Fit In

14 - Rural Areas, In The Country Side, At A Mountain or Hilltop, At A Solo Retreat, Near A Body of Water

8 - Somewhere Where You Feel Strong Or Where You Are Participating In Something That You Would Consider Your Strong Suit, Places Where You Are In Control, Places Where You Must Exercise Control

12 - When You Are At Rest or Pause (At A Red Light, Crossroads, etc) After A Break Up, After You Have Surrendered From A Negative Situation, After You Have Made A Sacrifice, When You Relinquish Control

13 - After A Big Change In Your Life Or After A Phase Has Ended, After The End of A Relationship, After You Have Moved On From Something, After A Death

20 - Jury Duty, Or At A Courthouse, At A Place Where You Or Someone Else Is Being Judged (An Interview, Audition, Crime Scene, etc.)

[mousiecat]

Coding Study Plan!

I've enjoyed learning coding at a casual pace, but I'm ready to really buckle in and focus on moving forward to build my skills. SO, here is my plan:

Routine

Learn/practice coding at least 45 minutes per week day, alternating between FreeCodeCamp, web accessibility lessons, and personal projects. I aim to post about my progress at least once per week.

I plan to solidify my HTML/CSS, move onto JavaScript soon, and then decide where to go after that :)

Details and resources under the jump!

Coding Lessons

FreeCodeCamp: Great, project-based way to learn coding!

I'm almost done with the Responsive Web Design course, which covers HTML/CSS. I have enjoyed this way more than other tutorial methods I have tried before. Instead of providing a lesson with a separate activity afterwards, the project is the lesson, and you immediately use the coding and see the direct results. Learning by doing!

I'm excited to start on the JavaScript course soon!

Web Accessibility

Here are some free resources I'll use to study web accessibility:

Wix's Web Accessibility Course (thanks to @xiacodes for posting about this!)

Altogether, the videos for the lesson total about 1hr 15 mins.

This will prepare me to take the Accessibility Specialist Certification Exam which provides a fun certificate for passing~

Accessibility Resource List from @accessibleaesthetics

Includes accessibility info that is relevant for everyone, as well as more specific knowledge for programmers, bloggers, writers, artists, and roleplayers.

I'm always learning from @accessibleaesthetics's posts! please give them a follow to learn accessibility during your casual Tumblring :)

Web Accessibility Twitch Stream with Africa Kenyah, hosted by @kitkatcodes

1hr 30 mins, can't wait to watch!

Africa Kenyah is a software engineer, accessibility specialist, and yoga teacher. Visit her website here!

[gloryholegalleryto]

Screenings: Celling Sex + INVASION

 THURSDAY, 20th February, 2020

​7PM: Celling Sex (followed by a Q&A)

8PM: INVASION

​THE 519

519 CHURCH ST., TORONTO

1st Floor - GLASS LOBBY ROOM

Join us on Thursday, 20th February, for a screening of "Celling Sex" at The 519. There will be a Q&A with the some of the creators of the film: Mesha Maloney, Katie MacEntee, Sarah Flicker, Tess Kendrick

 This is followed by a screening of INVASION, a short film about the Unist’ot’en Camp, Gidimt’en checkpoint and the larger Wet’suwet’en Nation standing up to the Canadian government and corporations who continue colonial violence against Indigenous people.

 --About--

​Celling Sex is a community-based participatory research project. Using cell-phone video-making and interviews, we learn from young women who trade sex about their harm reduction practices and access to health services. The study engaged fifteen straight and queer-identified women of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who were between the ages of 19 and 25.

​

Transactional sex is one way that people can get a range of commodities, money, food, and gifts in exchange for virtual or real interactions with them and their bodies. Some people actively choose to trade sex, whereas others find themselves in transactional relationships unexpectedly. There are many different names for these relationships: sex work, sugaring, selling nudes, having a sugar daddy, or being in a strange relationship. Young women who trade sex are often invisible to healthcare providers, but they have unique health physical and mental health needs that require attention. They may also fear and experience stigma from friends, family, and healthcare providers, which can limit their access to healthcare.

​

Bios:

Mesha Maloney is a visual artist and community worker hailing from Northern Ontario. She facilitates trainings for service providers, youth and law enforcement on domestic human trafficking. She has been featured as an impactful speaker across Canada leading discussions on human trafficking and mental health through her own lived experience.

Katie MacEntee has facilitated cellphilm workshops with communities in Canada, Mozambique, India, South Africa, and Vienna. She is the lead researcher on the Celling Sex project, has written widely on the method and is co-editor of the book, What’s a Cellphilm? Integrating mobile technology into research, teaching and activism (Sense).

Sarah Flicker’s background is in community development, public health, HIV and adolescent development. Sarah is active on a variety of community-based research teams focusing on sexual health with youth in Canada, and most recently, South Africa. She works across methodologies (qualitative, quantitative and arts-based) and seeks to partner with youth, students and allied practitioners on action research agendas.

Tess Kendrick is a second-year master’s student who is currently investigating the educative possibilities of disseminating the products of cellphilming, and participatory methods in community settings. She is interested in seeing how research project findings can be brought into everyday accessible spaces through art and relationship building.

Chrystal:

I've been called a sugar baby, goddess, goldfinger, and even other names that are similar in many ways. You can call me Cryssy. Trading sex or selling sex means that you are in a relationship that is transactional. Our study is so diverse, educational and unique - it has made it very eye-opening to me and I've learnt about a lot about other situations around me. I think the screenings and discussions are very productive and useful for sharing knowledge on this delicate topic.

Lelo:

I’m a queer non binary femme person who really likes vegan gummy bears, yoga and reading books and also I happen to trade in sex! My favourite part of this study is the freedom to exist in this space of challenging societal understandings of transactional and non transactional sex.

​

[market-sample-reports]

Sustainable Athleisure Market Size, Share, Growth Factors, Competitive Landscape, with Regional Forecast to 2031

The latest “ Sustainable Athleisure Market  Forecast | Share and Size - 2031” report by The Insight Partners offers a detailed analysis of prime factors that impact the market growth such as key market players, current market developments, and pivotal trends. The report includes an in-depth study of key determinants of the global market including drivers, challenges, restraints, and upcoming opportunities.

This market report is ideal for businesses opting to enter or excel in the Sustainable Athleisure market. This strategic market forecast not only makes businesses aware of present market scenarios but also presents future market forecasts. These insights profoundly cover Sustainable Athleisure market size, share, growth, and projected revenue in the forecast duration.

The Sustainable Athleisure market report encompasses driving factors of the market coupled with prime obstacles and restraining factors that hamper the Sustainable Athleisure market growth. The report helps existing manufacturers and entry-level companies devise strategies to battle challenges and leverage lucrative opportunities to gain a foothold in the global market.

How is the Sustainable Athleisure Market Report Beneficial for Your Business?

Figure out the Sustainable Athleisure market dynamics altogether | 2031

Inspect and scrutinize the competitive scenario and the future Sustainable Athleisure market landscape with the help of different strictures including Porter's five forces.

Understand the impact of different government regulations throughout the global Sustainable Athleisure market and evaluate the market condition in the tough time.

Consider the portfolios of the protruding players functional in the market in consort with the thorough study of their products/services.

Have a compact idea of the highest revenue-generating segment with the help of a thorough Sustainable Athleisure market analysis by our seasoned research experts.

A cost-effective way to gain valuable insights into the Sustainable Athleisure market without the need to host an independent team of researchers at their own cost.

Sustainable Athleisure Market diagrams, pie charts, regional market share maps, inventory network examination, and import/trade subtleties help you pitch investors.

The Sustainable Athleisure market report offers an in-depth analysis of the various prime market players that are active in the market. Moreover, it provides their thorough financial analysis, business strategies, SWOT profile, business overview, and recently launched products & services. In addition, the report offers recent market developments such as market expansion, mergers & acquisitions, and partnerships & collaborations. The prime market players observed in the report are Companies PANGAIA, Under Armour Inc, ABLE, Adidas AG, Vuori, Hanesbrands Inc, EILEEN FISHER, Outerknown, Patagonia Inc, Pact LLC

On the Basis of Consumer Group this market is categorized further into-

Men

Women

On the Basis of Type this market is categorized further into-

Mass

Premium

On the Basis of Product this market is categorized further into-

Shirt

Yoga Pant

Leggings

Shorts

Others

The report offers an in-depth study of every segment, which helps market players and stakeholders understand the fastest-growing segments with maximum Sustainable Athleisure market share and highest-grossing segments in the market.

The Sustainable Athleisure market is analyzed across the globe and highlights several factors that affect the performance of the market across the key regions –

North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

Europe (U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Central & Eastern Europe, CIS)

Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, India, Rest of Asia Pacific)

Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America)

The Middle East and Africa (Turkey, GCC, Rest of the Middle East and Africa)

Rest of the World

The Sustainable Athleisure market research offers revenue forecasts for every year coupled with sales growth of the market. The forecasts are provided by skilled analysts and after an in-depth analysis of the Sustainable Athleisure market trends. These forecasts are essential for gaining investment insights into the prospects of any industry.

Author’s Bio:

Akash Khilare

Senior Market Research Expert at The Insight Partners

[redballoonnews]

Archenemy of false gurus

Those who have falsely claimed to be gurus have met their match in the form of Jaf, who is from a Muslim background and who is materially and spiritually empowered.

Vishwananda is also suffering from physical pains and is currently having to approach life as a normal person as opposed to being a celebrity which is a status he was aspiring to. Not having the support of Jaf who is empowered in a worldly way means that Vishwananda has been halted in finding an outlet of materially benefitting himself and Jaf is ensuring that Vishwananda faces his karmic journey which is a reassurance to all spiritual seekers who no longer have to fear being entrapped by someone falsely claiming to be a spiritual authority. Jaf is an instrument of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and as alluded to in my last post regarding the dream, the presence of Sri Sathya Sai Baba has exposed the false gurus. An instrument of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, in the form of Jaf, through his worldly power and the manifestation of his worldly power disempowered this group where Vishwananda was at the helm of by not supporting this group who were falsely claiming to be spiritual authorities. Because of the incarnation of Sri Sathya Sai Baba they have been disempowered as they had been reliant on Jaf who is Baba’s instrument to promote their actions and to their detriment he does not support them. Jaf is of Asian origins, is tall, handsome and fair in complexion as well as reflecting physical strength and being noticeably Asian in features and exudes charisma to all who see him that those who had falsely claimed to be gurus have worshipped not to mention perhaps most importantly that he is a representative of material power; it is safe to say that he has had a godlike status with this group. The true path of Kriya yoga is under direction of Baba as Lord Muruga. For those of you who are familiar with the man who has been known as Vishwananda, you would know that he is originally from Mauritius and set up a base in Germany and claiming to initiate people into Kriya yoga charged huge fees for this. Vishwananda was arrested in Switzerland a number of years ago for theft of relics from churches. Although Vishwananda is from Mauritius which is a developing country he failed to use his status to initiate social progress in Mauritius and failed to identify with problems in this country noting the plight of those from Diego Garcia who were forced to have refugee status in Mauritius having to leave their homes owing to a construction of a military base in Diego Garcia by America in alliance with Britain. Vishwananda also received some support from those originally from South Africa who were initially from an Islamic background and Jaf took special interest in this not to mention the South African connection to me as Vishwananda would go to regions where large groups of Muslims were based as in the Emirates and Qatar and claim to be Muslim with the intent of becoming materially wealthy also projecting the notion of stereotypes in such regions. Jaf shares a sense of humour with me where one of these men who had been supporting Vishwananda, originally from the Islamic background, was someone who was at the same university as me and it is with great humour that Jaf and I noted that this man, who was at the same university as me and a student there about the same time as me was, at an emotional level, in a scenario of being disempowered. Kriya yoga has been extolled by Babaji Nagaraj who is an incarnation of Lord Muruga and Kundalini awakening that being the awakening to one's spiritual power cannot take place without the direction of Lord Muruga. Sri Sathya Sai Baba has directed followers to worship Lord Muruga by having an image of Lord Muruga at Puttaparthi as well as through bhajans where the last bhajan is always dedicated to Lord Muruga. As mentioned through the presence of Sri Sathya Sai Baba these false gurus have been exposed.

[marketinsight1234]

Global Activewear market Size, Strategy – Industry Analysis Forecast to 2030

The Global Activewear Market size was reasonably estimated to be approximately USD 448.58 Million in 2023 and is poised to generate revenue over USD 697.09 Million by the end of 2030, projecting a CAGR of around 6.50% from 2023 to 2030.

The activewear market has witnessed robust growth in recent years, fueled by a global shift towards healthier lifestyles and a rising awareness of the importance of physical fitness. Activewear, encompassing a wide range of clothing designed for sports and physical activities, has evolved beyond functionality to embrace fashion, making it a versatile and integral part of consumers' wardrobes. The market has experienced a surge in demand, with both established and emerging players vying for a share in this dynamic and competitive landscape. Key factors such as technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and the fusion of performance and style are driving the evolution of the activewear market.

The latest research on the Activewear market provides a comprehensive overview of the market for the years 2023 to 2030. It gives a comprehensive picture of the global Activewear industry, considering all significant industry trends, market dynamics, competitive landscape, and market analysis tools such as Porter's five forces analysis, Industry Value chain analysis, and PESTEL analysis of the Activewear market. Moreover, the report includes significant chapters such as Patent Analysis, Regulatory Framework, Technology Roadmap, BCG Matrix, Heat Map Analysis, Price Trend Analysis, and Investment Analysis which help to understand the market direction and movement in the current and upcoming years. The report is designed to help readers find information and make decisions that will help them grow their businesses. The study is written with a specific goal in mind: to give business insights and consultancy to help customers make smart business decisions and achieve long-term success in their particular market areas.

Get Full PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) @

Leading players involved in the Activewear Market include:

"Nike (USA), Adidas (Germany), Under Armour (USA), Puma (Germany), Lululemon Athletica (Canada), Columbia Sportswear (USA), ASICS (Japan), Reebok (USA), The North Face (USA), New Balance (USA), Patagonia (USA), Fila (South Korea), Gymshark (United Kingdom), Champion (USA), Puma (Germany), Everlast (USA), Roxy (USA), Asics (Japan), Ellesse (United Kingdom), Decathlon (France) And Other Major Players." 

Segmentation of Activewear Market:

By Product Type

Tops and T-Shirts

Sweatpants and Yoga Pants

Skirts and Shorts

Tracksuits

Sweatshirts/Jacket

Others

By Fabric

Polyester

Nylon

Neoprene

Polypropylene

Spandex

Others

By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Specialty Stores

Online Retail Stores

Others

By End Use

Men

Women

Kids

An in-depth study of the Activewear industry for the years 2023–2030 is provided in the latest research. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, the Middle East, and Africa are only some of the regions included in the report's segmented and regional analyses. The research also includes key insights including market trends and potential opportunities based on these major insights. All these quantitative data, such as market size and revenue forecasts, and qualitative data, such as customers' values, needs, and buying inclinations, are integral parts of any thorough market analysis.

Market Segment by Regions: -

North America (US, Canada, Mexico)

Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Rest of Eastern Europe)

Western Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Western Europe)

Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of APAC)

Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Israel, South Africa)

South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)

Report includes Competitor's Landscape:

Major trends and growth projections by region and country

Key winning strategies followed by the competitors

Who are the key competitors in this industry?

What shall be the potential of this industry over the forecast tenure?

What are the factors propelling the demand for the Action Figures And Statues?

What are the opportunities that shall aid in significant proliferation of the market growth?

What are the regional and country wise regulations that shall either hamper or boost the demand for Action Figures And Statues?

How has the covid-19 impacted the growth of the market?

Has the supply chain disruption caused changes in the entire value chain?

Acquire This Reports: -

About Us:

We are technocratic market research and consulting company that provides comprehensive and data-driven market insights. We hold the expertise in demand analysis and estimation of multidomain industries with encyclopedic competitive and landscape analysis. Also, our in-depth macro-economic analysis gives a bird's eye view of a market to our esteemed client. Our team at Pristine Intelligence focuses on result-oriented methodologies which are based on historic and present data to produce authentic foretelling about the industry. Pristine Intelligence's extensive studies help our clients to make righteous decisions that make a positive impact on their business. Our customer-oriented business model firmly follows satisfactory service through which our brand name is recognized in the market.

Contact Us:

Office No 101, Saudamini Commercial Complex,

Right Bhusari Colony,

Kothrud, Pune,

Maharashtra, India - 411038 (+1) 773 382 1049 +91 - 81800 - 96367

Email: sales@pristineintelligence.com

[adityarana1687-blog]

Athleisure Market Is Expected To Witness Higher Demands Till 2030

The global athleisure market size is expected to reach USD 662.56 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Athleisure is a popular category as it taps into several broad trends, including a global shift toward consumers wearing more casual clothing & seeking comfortable clothing. The rising popularity of athletic activities that require performance clothing will support market growth. True Fit’s Fashion Genome (via Direct Commerce), which analyses data from 17,000 brands and 180 million True Fit users, confirms that athleisure orders have increased by 84% since the pandemic began; sales of women’s athleisure bottoms in the United Kingdom alone were five times higher in December 2020 than in April 2020. In addition, order volumes for men's athleisure wear sales increased by 20% from the previous year.

Target’s activewear line, All in Motion, which had only been launched before the pandemic, reportedly surpassed $1 billion in sales. Despite this bleak outlook for fresh commercial opportunities, independent gear manufacturers continue to emerge. The majority of these new firms are a result of their creators’ desire for a fresh running-apparel aesthetic or their ongoing hunt for high-quality athletic apparel. According to GQ, at least a dozen new businesses have joined the market with identical origin stories in the previous five years. The British companies Ashmei and Iffley Road; the Danish brand Doxarun; and the American brands Isaora and Tracksmith, are some examples. The demand for highly comfortable clothes with sports features while undertaking any activity has increased in recent years, and wide pockets and elastic knot elements have become important products for carrying large mobile phones, purses, and a few other daily essentials. The growing utility fashion trend has spurred the demand for utility-active apparel.

Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Athleisure Market Report

Athleisure Market Report Highlights

The mass athleisure segment dominated the overall market in 2023 and is projected to grow substantially over the forecast period

The rising popularity and benefits of yoga as a mind-body fitness activity is leading to an increased number of yoga enthusiasts across the world

North America had the largest revenue share in 2023 while Asia Pacific is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030

The global industry is highly competitive owing to the presence of a large number of international and regional players that strive to innovate persistently

Athleisure Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global athleisure market on the basis of type, product, end-user, distribution channel, and region:

Athleisure Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Mass

Premium

Athleisure Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Yoga Apparels

Tops

Pants

Shorts

Unitards

Capris

Others

Shirts

Leggings

Shorts

Others

Athleisure End-user Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Men

Women

Children

Athleisure Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Online

Offline

Athleisure Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

U.K.

France

Italy

Spain

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

Australia & New Zealand

Singapore

Central & South America

Brazil

Middle East & Africa

South Africa

UAE

List of Key Players of Athleisure Market

Hanes Brands, Inc.

Adidas AG

Vuori

PANGAIA

Under Armour, Inc.

Outerknown

EILEEN FISHER

Patagonia, Inc.

Wear Pact, LLC

Lululemon Athletica

[luxuryvacation]

Beyond Destinations: The Art of Crafting an Unforgettable Experience Vacation

In the era of curated lifestyles, the traditional notion of a vacation is evolving into something more profound—an zážitková dovolená. This transformative concept transcends the conventional idea of merely visiting a destination, encouraging travelers to immerse themselves in a tapestry of unique encounters that redefine the way we perceive leisure and adventure.

An experience vacation is a personalized journey designed to awaken the senses and forge lasting memories. It's about more than ticking off landmarks on a checklist; it's about delving into the heartbeat of a place and allowing it to leave an indelible mark on your soul. Here's how you can elevate your travel escapades from a mere trip to an immersive experience vacation.

Immersive Cultural Encounters: The heart and soul of an experience vacation lie in connecting with the local culture. Rather than observing from a distance, actively participate in cultural activities. This could be as simple as joining a traditional cooking class in Tuscany, engaging in a tea ceremony in Kyoto, or dancing to the rhythm of local tunes at a street festival. These encounters not only deepen your understanding of the destination but also create authentic connections with the people who call it home.

Adventure Beyond Boundaries: While relaxation is a crucial aspect of any vacation, injecting a dose of adventure adds an extra layer of excitement. An experience vacation encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, be it through a thrilling zip-lining experience in a Costa Rican rainforest, exploring underwater caves in the Bahamas, or embarking on a hot air balloon ride over the mesmerizing landscapes of Cappadocia. These adventures become the pulse of your journey, creating stories that resonate long after you return home.

Meaningful Volunteerism: For those seeking a deeper purpose in their travels, incorporating volunteerism into an experience vacation can be profoundly rewarding. Whether contributing to wildlife conservation efforts in Africa, participating in community development projects in Southeast Asia, or volunteering at a local shelter, these experiences allow you to make a positive impact while forging a connection with the communities you visit. It's an opportunity to give back and leave a destination better than you found it.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration: An experience vacation thrives on the thrill of discovery. While iconic landmarks certainly have their allure, consider venturing off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems and secret corners. Wander through charming alleyways, stumble upon local markets, and interact with locals away from tourist hotspots. This unscripted exploration adds an element of surprise to your journey, creating a narrative that unfolds organically.

Mindful Wellness Retreats: In the fast-paced world we inhabit, the importance of wellness cannot be overstated. Many experience vacations now integrate wellness retreats into the itinerary, offering activities such as yoga retreats in Bali, meditation sessions in the Himalayas, or spa getaways in Iceland's geothermal wonders. These moments of introspection and self-care enrich your journey, ensuring you return home not just relaxed but also rejuvenated.

In essence, an experience vacation transcends the conventional and invites you to be an active participant in the narrative of your journey. It's about collecting moments, not just souvenirs, and allowing the essence of a destination to weave itself into the fabric of your life. So, the next time you plan a getaway, consider embracing the art of crafting an unforgettable experience vacation—a journey where every step is a dance, every encounter a story, and every destination a chapter in the book of your extraordinary life.

[rainsmediaradio]

Unveiling the Wild: What's New in Luxury Safari Trends for 2024

The allure of the African safari remains eternally magnetic. But for the discerning traveler seeking the ultimate wilderness experience, 2024 promises a kaleidoscope of fresh possibilities. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter itineraries and predictable game drives. Today's luxury safari scene is pulsating with innovation, sustainability, and a profound respect for the continent's breathtaking landscapes and iconic wildlife.

Unveiling the Wild: What's New in Luxury Safari Trends for 2024

- Beyond the Big Five: Embracing Niche Encounters While a glimpse of the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) will forever be a safari rite of passage, discerning travelers are increasingly seeking encounters with rarer, more elusive creatures. Think black rhinos in Namibia's Kunene region, desert-adapted elephants in Namibia's Skeleton Coast, or the elusive Ethiopian wolf in the Bale Mountains. Specialized expeditions led by expert trackers and researchers offer a deeper understanding of these endangered species and their delicate ecosystems.

Image of black rhino in Namibia's Kunene region. image by Savetherhino.org - Off the Beaten Track: Unveiling Hidden Gems The quest for untouched wilderness has led luxury safari operators to venture beyond the established reserves and national parks. Remote conservancies in Botswana and Namibia, for instance, offer unparalleled exclusivity and immersion. Imagine traversing vast, unfenced landscapes teeming with wildlife, or sleeping under a canopy of stars in a mobile tented camp that blends seamlessly with the environment. These off-the-grid adventures cater to a deep desire for solitude and a genuine connection with the raw power of nature.

Image of mobile tented camp in a remote conservancy in Botswana. image by Andbeyond.com - Beyond the Jeep: Experiencing the Wild on Foot and by Water For those who crave an even more immersive safari experience, walking safaris are gaining traction. Guided by experienced rangers, these expeditions allow you to truly feel the earth beneath your feet, smell the wild grasses, and hear the symphony of the savanna. Meanwhile, river safaris on Botswana's Okavango Delta or Zambia's Luangwa River offer a unique perspective on wildlife watching, gliding silently through channels teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and an astonishing array of birds.

Image of river safari on the Luangwa River. Image by South Luangwa - Wellness in the Wild: Rejuvenating Body and Soul Safari is no longer just about adrenaline-pumping game drives. Today, luxury experiences prioritize holistic well-being, incorporating yoga and meditation sessions amidst the wilderness, spa treatments infused with indigenous ingredients, and even stargazing with expert astronomers. Imagine practicing sunrise yoga overlooking a watering hole, indulging in a rejuvenating massage under a baobab tree, or soaking in a starlit infinity pool while listening to the nocturnal chorus of the savanna. - Conservation at the Core: Responsible and Sustainable Travel The modern safari traveler is acutely aware of the need to tread lightly on this precious planet. Luxury operators are increasingly partnering with conservation initiatives, offering guests the opportunity to participate in wildlife research, anti-poaching patrols, and community development projects. From planting trees to building fences to protecting endangered species, these immersive experiences allow travelers to directly contribute to the long-term sustainability of the ecosystems they explore.

Image of guests planting trees on a safari. Image by Safari Rally 2024 promises to be a pivotal year for luxury safaris, where exclusivity meets ethical exploration and transformative experiences redefine the meaning of adventure. So, pack your sense of wonder, lace up your walking boots, and prepare to be dazzled by the wild symphony of Africa awaiting you. Remember, the true essence of a luxury safari lies not just in the opulent amenities or thrilling encounters, but in the profound connection it fosters with the natural world and the communities that call it home. Read the full article

[unitywedding]

Honeymoon Trends for 2024

If you are planning on getting married in 2024, you might be wondering where to go for your honeymoon. The world is full of amazing destinations, but some of them are more popular than others. Here are some of the top honeymoon trends for 2024, according to travel experts and couples who have already booked their trips. - Eco-friendly honeymoons: More and more couples are choosing to travel in a way that minimizes their environmental impact and supports local communities. This can mean staying in eco-lodges, volunteering for conservation projects, or opting for low-carbon transportation. Some of the best places to enjoy an eco-friendly honeymoon are Costa Rica, New Zealand, Iceland, and Kenya. - Adventure honeymoons: For those who love adrenaline and excitement, an adventure honeymoon is a great way to spice up your relationship and create unforgettable memories. You can try activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, rafting, zip-lining, or hiking in some of the most scenic and thrilling locations in the world. Some of the best places to enjoy an adventure honeymoon are South Africa, Australia, Peru, and Nepal. - Wellness honeymoons: If you want to relax and rejuvenate after your wedding, a wellness honeymoon is a perfect choice. You can indulge in spa treatments, yoga sessions, meditation classes, or healthy cuisine in some of the most serene and soothing places in the world. Some of the best places to enjoy a wellness honeymoon are Bali, Thailand, India, and Greece. - Cultural honeymoons: If you are interested in learning about different cultures and traditions, a cultural honeymoon is a great way to enrich your mind and soul. You can visit historical sites, museums, art galleries, or festivals in some of the most fascinating and diverse places in the world. Some of the best places to enjoy a cultural honeymoon are Italy, Japan, Morocco, and Mexico. - Romantic honeymoons: Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic romantic honeymoon. You can enjoy candlelit dinners, sunset walks, cozy fireplaces, or private pools in some of the most romantic and luxurious places in the world. Some of the best places to enjoy a romantic honeymoon are Maldives, France, Hawaii, and Fiji. #WeddingPlanning #WeddingDirectory #WeddingTips #Weddings #unitytheweddingdirectory #unity #weddingdirectory #weddingplanner #weddinginspiration #weddingideas #honeymoon #planninghoneymoons Read the full article

[yogabilitymind]

Yoga Fitness Centre Near Me in NYC

Yoga is one of the most popular workouts in NYC, and for good reason. The city’s busy residents can find a moment of relaxation in this calm and serene practice. Pure Yoga offers a luxury studio where yogis can escape the hectic pace of the city.

This calming space features candlelit sessions meant to make you sweat. Choose from a variety of classes including ariel yoga and circus-inspired workouts.

Modo Yoga NYC

Modo yoga fitness centre near me is a great place to get your sweat on. It has a variety of classes, from gentle to challenging, and is accessible to all levels of experience. Its instructors are excellent, and the studio is clean and well-maintained. It also has great amenities, including lockers and showers.

Modo Hot Yoga is a unique yoga series that combines the precision of therapeutic yoga with foundations of traditional yoga in a specially heated room. The heat helps to strengthen, tone and loosen the muscles, and reduces stress. The yoga series also promotes detoxification through the skin and blood, and orients students to everyday vitality and long term health.

The West Village location is a short walk from the 14th Street subway station, and is also accessible by bus. Parking is available in the area. If you’re not able to make it to the studio, Modo also offers classes online. Their online community connects students to their favorite instructors and gives them the flexibility to practice from home.

Y7 Studio

The hot yoga studio Y7, which has locations in Flatiron, Soho, Union Square, and Brooklyn, is a sweat drippin’, beat bumpin’ candlelit yoga centre around me experience. They ditch the chanting and slow music, and instead play the latest hip hop beats. The classes are led by an instructor and are open to students of all levels. There are no mirrors in the class to encourage participants to focus more on their own practice.

Y7’s founder, Sarah Levey, was frustrated with the lack of energy and upbeat music in traditional yoga classes. She conceived of a hip-hop yoga class that would incorporate the energized beats of rap music. The result was a more challenging and fun class, which is now offered in several locations.

Financing platform Bonside recently provided $300,000 to Y7, which hopes to expand with the help of this new digital platform. The brand will also launch a new omnichannel membership, which includes synced music. The app will feature UMG’s artists, and users can purchase a digital-only or hybrid membership.

YO BK

YO BK is located in Williamsburg and offers Bikram Yoga, Baptiste Power Yoga and Inferno Hot Pilates. Kate says that offering these different forms of fitness under one roof has been a big part of the studio’s success. The studio’s students are diverse and the teachers are approachable and caring.

As her business has grown, Kate has been able to shift her focus from teaching classes to teacher training. She’s passionate about making yoga more accessible to people of all backgrounds. Her mission extends beyond her local community – she’s supporting Africa Yoga Project by holding fundraisers, hosting the Handstands, Hugs and Happiness Tour, and leading a workshop in Kenya.

YO BK offers 27 classes per week and has both 60 and 90 minute options. It is recommended that students arrive at least 15 minutes before class to register and get settled. It is also important that students dress in appropriate clothing – light, fitted exercise clothes are best.

Humming Puppy

Humming Puppy is located in the heart of Flatiron, a short walk from Union Square. Designed to support yogis of all levels, its soothing dark studios offer a quiet space for meditation and movement. The soundscape is centered around a hum that creates a deep sense of calm and focus.

The hum, recorded at Melbourne’s SoundLab by Arup, is a combination of frequencies that were designed to enhance and deepen yoga centre  practice. It also reflects the pulsation of Himalayan crystal singing bowls and promotes a sense of grounding. The brand was co-founded by Jackie Alexander and Chris Koch, who first launched Humming Puppy in Melbourne. Since then, they have opened locations in Sydney and New York City.

For those looking to get a little more playful with their exercise, the brand offers “puppy yoga” classes. During these classes, students practice traditional poses while playing with six-week-old puppies. The dogs benefit from the experience, too, as it helps socialize them before they find their forever homes.

[alliedcreation]

Hyperlocal Services Market Poised for Substantial Growth, Projected to Reach a Value of $5.9 Trillion by 2031

“Hyperlocal Services Market," The report provides a detailed analysis of the top investment pockets, top winning strategies, drivers & opportunities, market size & estimations, competitive landscape, and changing market trends. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 $𝟏,𝟒𝟖𝟒.𝟖 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 $𝟓,𝟖𝟓𝟏.𝟕 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟏, 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐂𝐀𝐆𝐑 𝐨𝐟 𝟏𝟒.𝟒% 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐭𝐨 𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟏.

𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/3849

Hyperlocal Services Industry refer to order services and goods by consumers within limited or well-defined geographic location, from where seller delivers goods in minimum time. Hyperlocal services include online delivery of goods such as food, grocery, and online services including personal care and growing, house cleaning, plumbing and lawn care. These delivery services are ordered form local services providers in nearby places, which results in decrease in delivery time and cost.

Growing smartphone user base and internet accessibility is majorly driving the growth of the hyperlocal service market. The market is also being driven by changing lifestyle and willingness to adopt with technological changes. Furthermore, consumers are more including toward online purchasing owing to benefits associated such as time saving, discounts, and number of options to choose. Collectively, all these factors favoring the growth of the hyperlocal service market. The market is highly unorganized with numerous small, localized players, which restrains the market. In addition, growth in consumer preference for premium services and brands, and penetration of the hyperlocal services even in remote areas are expected to drive the market.

𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞, 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧.

By type, it is categorized into food ordering, grocery ordering, home utility service(Interior Design, Furniture Installation Services, Home Painting Services, Plumbing Services, Electronic Appliance Repair and Maintenance, Kitchen Cleaning and Maintenance, Car Cleaning Services, Carpet Sofa and Curtain Cleaning, Home Cleaning, Pest Control Services, Beauty and spa services, Salon Services, Pet care services, Childcare services, Waste Disposal, Professional Photographers, Yoga and Fitness and Others), logistic service providers, Pharmaceuticals, Pet Food and Medicines, Clothing and Accessories and others. By nature, it is divided into goods delivery and utility services. Region wise, it is analyzed across North America (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, the UK, France, Russia, Italy, Spain, Rest Of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa).

Get Complete Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/4d25b25aa8b2855bf7ae8bd83aef130f

Based on nature, the utility services segment was valued at $862.8 billion in 2021, and is expected to reach $3298.7 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 14.1% from 2022 to 2031. Utility services include home services, logistic services, and tuition services. For instance, home moving, plumbing, lawn care, appliance repair, house cleaning, roofing, fencing and electrical are some of the home services gaining huge demand from consumer end. Growing urbanization, busy lifestyle and increasing working age population leads to high demand for home utility services, whereas, increasing working population of women has triggered the hyperlocal services market growth.

Based on type, the food ordering segment was valued at $306.3 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $1189.7 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 14.3%, hyperlocal services market forecast from 2022 to 2031. This is majorly attributed to extensive promotion of the online food delivery platforms through discounts, referring awards, and TV and social media advertisements. Many companies are expanding their market share by applying various strategies such as merger, acquisitions, and partnership, which likely to boost the growth of the online food delivery market during the forecast period. For instance, Zomato, an Indian food delivery service company, acquired Indian penetration of Uber Eats for $350 million. This acquisition deal is expected to help Zomato to cover more than 50% of market share in India, such factors increases the hyperlocal services market opportunities.

In addition, Lockdown in Europe has been creating more demand for food and grocery delivery, which is expected to fuel the growth of the market. For instance, according to German based food delivery company, Delivery Hero SE, 92% online orders increased in the first quarter of lockdown, which is expected to intensify the growing demand for online food ordering services, which results as a hyperlocal services market trends.

The key players profiled in this report include Delivery Hero, Just-Eat, Takeaway.com, GrubHub, Grofers, Instacart, Housekeep, Uber Technologies Inc., Handy.

𝐄𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/3849

[healthcaremarketfmi]

Body Contouring Market Global Industry Overview and Competitive Landscape till 2032 | FMI

Body contouring market is the process in which the quality of the life get improved. Body contouring operations carry the more risk of the complications. Sometimes these operations are major and sometimes they may be minor. Before the body contouring sometimes patient needs to go for the body testing for ensuring that the health is well optimized prior to any kind of surgery. Body contouring helps to remove the excess body weight and helps to maintain the quality of life for the patients. Cost for the body contouring procedure may vary based on the physicians experience and the geographic location. Health insurance plans will not cover the body contouring, however in most of the cases physicians helps to provide the good financial plans for the body contouring surgery. After the body contouring it may take several months to recover. In addition to the surgical risks, the main risk of body contouring involves scarring, fluid accumulation, asymmetry and wound healing difficulties.

Body contouring Market: Drivers and Restraints

A growing number of obese people may help to boost the body contouring market in future Apart from this, growing awareness of the people among the cosmetic body surgeries may help to propel the growth of body contouring market. Technological advancement in the cosmetic field may lead to the body contouring market. People preferring the alternative methods for fat loss like yoga & Fitness centers, this scenario may restrain the growth of the body contouring market. Awareness about obesity among the women population may show slower growth to the body contouring market.

Body contouring Market: Overview

The body contouring market is expected to significant growth over the forecast period owing rise in the technological advancement in body contouring market, by invasiveness, non-invasive body contouring techniques gain a majority of revenue in body contouring market. Since the minimum side effects and minimum pain after the surgery are the two main factors behind the growth of non-invasive body contouring techniques. Followed by the non-invasive body contouring methods minimally invasive body contouring methods expected to show lucrative growth in body contouring market in future, since the cost of the treatment is less as compared to the non-invasive methods for body contouring. Invasive body contouring methods may show the slower growth for the body contouring market in future, due to the more side effects and pain after the surgery. By end-users, hospitals may show high revenue for the body contouring market, since the number of people visiting the hospitals is more for body surgery and fat removal. Followed by the hospitals, hospitals spa may show the dominating growth over the forecast period for the body contouring market, however the majority of women visiting the hospital spa for the fat burn and body contouring.

Body contouring Market: Regional Overview

Among the regional presence, North America is the lucrative region for body contouring market which is then followed by Europe. North America contributes to being the high revenue-generating segment due to the high rate of technological advancement in the body contouring methods. North America and Europe cumulatively account for a substantial revenue share in the body contouring market, due to the high rate of cosmetic surgeries in these regions. The Middle East and Africa are expected to account for being the least lucrative market for body contouring market due to lack of research funding in this area. The Asia Pacific is projected to expand the production of cost-effective yet advanced for the minimal and less invasive body contouring methods, especially the China country from APAC region shows the rapid growth of body contouring market over the forecast period

Body contouring Market: Key Players

Examples of some of the market participants in body contouring market identified across the value chain include GlobalMed Technologies, Chromogenex, Human Med., Wells Johnson Company, Invasix Aesthetic Solutions, Erchonia, Fotona, Cutera, BTL Industries,Meridian, Palomar Medical Technologies and others.

The research report on body contouring market presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report on body contouring market provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.

For More Information: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/body-contouring-market

The report covers exhaust analysis on body contouring market:

Market Segments

Market Dynamics

Market Size

Supply & Demand

Current Trends/Issues/Challenges

Competition & Companies involved

Technology

Value Chain

Report on body contouring market includes regional analysis:

North America (U.S., Canada)

Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)

Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, , Russia)

East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea)

South Asia (India, ASEAN)

Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)

Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, South Africa, Northern Africa)

The report on body contouring market is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.

Body contouring Market: Segmentation

Body contouring market is segmented on the basis on by invasiveness, end user and geography.

Based on invasiveness body contouring market is segmented into following:

Non-Invasive Contouring

Minimally Invasive Contouring

Invasive Contouring

Based on end user body contouring market is segmented into following:

Hospitals

Ambulatory surgical centers

Medical Spa

Clinics

[okurut]

Accept that the negatives exist and accept that it is only a setback. To do that you must not run from them. Do not hide from the bad times and do not try to minimize them. Let them hurt. They are a sign that you have more growing to do to get to where you want to go, otherwise you would not even notice them. Just the fact that you are seeing the negatives shows that you want more positives, else you would not see them as negatives. If you are hurt from the break of a relationship it shows you how much love you want. If you hate being poor again or still or feel terrible about the incoming bills it shows you how much more wealth you still dream to have. And if you hate yourself and feel like nothing is going right it is because you still dream of a life where everything is. Do not let that dream die. For that you must accept that these are bad times that must change. If you do not let them be as bad as they are they will continue to creep up silently and overtake your life through the cracks and breaks. Accept that life sucks, that things are bad right now and then come to the only conclusion you can be that person you want to be. Am so happy, how am reaching out to different communities with #yoga and #meditation. Some of my projects are yoga in slums of Kampala, yoga in children's prisons. Am still calling for @lululemon @givebackyoga @yolohayoga @baronbaptisteyoga @yogaalliance @africayogaproject @yoga @yogajournal @uluyoga @stretchylicious @yogainspiration @aloyoga @alo @usmissionuganda @ministryofayush @svyasayic @svyasayogauniversity @bnys_2k19 To come out and support me to reach out to more communities in Uganda and others countries in Africa 🌍. @heart_of_dance_african_rythyms #givebackyogafoundation #heartofdanceafricarhythm #yolohayoga #kidsyoga #slumyoga #prisonyoga #communityyoga #yogamats #yogaheals #yogachallenge #yogaflow #yogainschools #yogatherapy #yogatogether #inspiremeafricainitiative #instructorokurutgeorge (at Kampala, Uganda) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnzT7tPo8l6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[hedgewitchgarden]

There was the black nonprofit worker who attended a Christian conference in the rural Southeast, where she had to walk past white men staring her down from pickup trucks draped in confederate flags; there was the Indo-Latinx therapist who saw white Christians co-opt practices from other cultures, such as drumming or yoga, while erasing and demonizing the people they came from; and then there was me, the Chinese-American journalist who spoke at a Virginia Christian college where a white man verbally attacked and followed me prompting the provost to hide me in a secured room.

Among my dinner companions there was no need to explain the specter of racial violence and erasure lurking in our lives. Understanding came immediately, as did suggestions for coping in such a hostile climate: essential oils for anxiety, Valerian root for insomnia, comedy for the rage—the list went on, stretching into the night. Here, in this brightly lit restaurant on Chicago’s South side, the dinner party turned group therapy.

Fewer than a dozen of us were gathered to begin a weekend spiritual retreat hosted by the Mystic Soul Project, a new Chicago-based organization working to create spiritual spaces that center people of color, including their trauma, gifts, experiences, ancestral traditions, and activism.

Mystic Soul is part of a broader movement of people of color moving beyond dominant Christianity, which largely reflects white culture, to chart their own spiritual initiatives, ones that increasingly incorporate the faith traditions of their ancestors. For the departing, simply put, white Christianity is no longer enough. More precisely put, it was never enough.

This movement isn’t new, but after a solid majority of white Christians across traditions voted for a president who courted white nationalists, the chorus of people of color seeking refuge has only grown louder, its reach wider, and its work to decentralize white theology more deliberate.

For some, that means decolonizing their Christian faith from white patriarchy and capitalism. For others, that means connecting to ancestral faith practices, such as Yoruba, Buddhism, ancestor veneration or particular tribal traditions. For others, it’s an amalgam, a synthesis of severed history, personal heritage and truths from other traditions. For most, it means imagining a spiritual wholeness that has been denied for so long, and chasing it with abandon.

....

From dogma to dream time

The movement of people of color reclaiming traditional practices is anything but formulaic. The approaches are as diverse as the multiplicity of ethnicities, experiences and perspectives that fall under that umbrella. But some recent scholarship suggests a common thread: where Western Christianity has relied historically on doctrine and dogma aimed at the individual, many non-European spiritualities can lean toward prioritizing experience, context, and values that connect with the entire community.

Barbara Holmes explained African American spirituality as springing from a shared cultural understanding, even though “that cultural history does not reach back to the continent of Africa.” She writes:

We do not know tribe or location, and Africa is a very diverse continent. So, if we are trying to reclaim practices, we are grounding that reclamation in what I call ‘geo-spiritual’ spaces: historical memory, spiritual amalgamations of dream time. We are putting together the pieces of what is left and what we imagine. That which was lost is recreated artistically and spiritually.

Syncretism, or the layering and combining of distinct belief systems, has always been embraced by many African Americans, she adds. “More are exploring Buddhism, Sufism, and African Traditional Religions in adaptive waves.”

Russel Jeung, a professor of Asian American studies at San Francisco State University, describes the hybridized practices adopted by some Asian Americans. He sees how Vietnamese Americans create home shrines that blend the traditional—a single photo of an ancestor beside assorted fruits—with a touch of “Americanization,” such as adding significant ornaments or a photo montage that personalizes the shrine.