BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Out of Body Pop, a unique music event at London’s EartH Kitchen, provides a space for neurodivergent people to relax, dance, and create. The initiative, which is billed as “London’s first neuro-inclusive music event series,” caters to those with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. Organizer Will Soer describes it as a multi-sensory experience in which “you can sink into something in various different ways,” including painting, dancing, and resting. The event is part of a bigger trend of neuro-inclusive music events, including Disco Neurotico‘s unique raves and Spectrum club nights. Many neurodivergent persons appreciate sensory-rich surroundings, whilst others prefer low-stimulation ones, thus these events provide a variety of opportunities to interact and connect. Why neuro-inclusive events matter Regular performances can be daunting for neurodiverse audiences. Sensory overload, social expectations, and emotional regulation issues are among the challenges to consider. These obstacles, as writer Marianne Eloise describes, make the social aspects of concerts difficult. By addressing these barriers, neuro-inclusive events aim to provide more accessible and flexible experiences. Florence Little, of the organization Stay Up Late, which advocates for greater nightlife access for autistic people and adults with learning disabilities, emphasizes its value: “It’s about music, friendship, opportunity, and freedom.” Meeting multiple needs in the same space Organizers must develop flexible areas to accommodate diverse needs. Disco Neurotico is experimenting with “chaos rooms” where sensory-seeking visitors can enjoy strobe lights and strong music, while quieter areas cater to those who prefer to relax. Byron Vincent, Disco Neurotico’s inventor, claims that these “safe environments” allow people to absorb the intensity of a party without feeling frightened or unsafe. As awareness rises, firms like Loop, which originally focused on ear protection, now promote devices like “Loop Engage 2 earplugs” expressly for ADHD, encouraging comfort for a wide range of audiences. Increasing accessibility and inclusion in the music scene Neuro-inclusive events continue to evolve as works in progress. Sound levels at Out of Body Pop, for example, can remain high even in lounge areas. However, the smaller crowd size, re-entry freedom, and activity possibilities make it a friendly environment. The creative alternatives, such as painting stations, allow attendees to enjoy a night out on their own terms, choosing how they want to participate. Why these events are important for community well-being With the rise of these events, the value of neurodivergent settings in creating community and joy becomes more apparent. Neuro-inclusive gigs reflect a rising recognition of various requirements and the need for environments that promote well-being. Neuro-inclusive events celebrate diversity and connection, reminding us of music’s universal language.The post Out of Body Pop is creating safe spaces for neurodivergent music fans first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In today’s fast-paced world, taking time for stress relief might be overwhelming—especially if you’re already overburdened. The recommendation to “take a vacation” or “try yoga” sounds perfect, but with hectic schedules, finding time for extended getaways can be practically difficult.  Fortunately, there’s a simple but powerful approach to achieving calm: micro-meditations. These tiny mindfulness activities are flexible, lasting only one to five minutes, but they can help reduce stress without taking up too much time in your day. “Micro-meditations are a really great way to begin,” says Susan Chen, founder of Susan Chen Vedic Meditation in New York. These techniques can be a refreshing alternative, delivering many of the advantages of longer meditation sessions in far smaller, more manageable doses. Here’s how micro-meditations work and some basic techniques to try. What are micro-meditations and how do they work? Micro-meditations are brief mindfulness exercises that make it simple to incorporate moments of calm into your day. They range from short breathwork to basic visualization exercises that take only a few moments to complete. According to Chen, the goal is to prioritize “quality, not quantity.” Even if you’re new to meditation, a few minutes dedicated to a short meditation can provide tremendous stress alleviation. A 2019 study published in Behavioural Brain Research discovered that even brief, guided mindfulness sessions improved attention and mood among non-experienced meditators. “You don’t need to be a meditation expert to reap the benefits,” Chen says. Taking a few minutes to concentrate on yourself can be beneficial, regardless of where you are or what you’re doing. How to fit micro-meditations into your busy schedule It may appear simple, but incorporating micro-meditations into a busy day may be as simple as finding a quiet minute to yourself, whether you’re waiting for your coffee to brew, traveling in an elevator, or taking a quick pause between activities. “If you take just a little time and fully invest your attention, it will be more beneficial,” says Dr. Viktoriya Karakcheyeva, certified counselor and director of behavioral services at George Washington University’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences. You only need a few moments to breathe, focus, and refresh. 5 types of micro-meditations to try When it comes to micromeditations, the options are as diverse as your interests. Here are five simple strategies to experiment with. 1. Alternate nostril breathing Chen recommends a rapid breathing technique based on the yoga practice of pranayama. Nadi shodhana, or alternating nostril breathing, is a methodical pattern of breathing through each nostril.  With your mouth closed, gently press one nostril shut while inhaling through the other, then switch nostrils and breathe out. Repeat the alternate pattern, transferring your breath from one nostril to the other. “It’s a quick way to bring calm,” Chen explains; “and it’s easy to do anywhere.” 2. Staircase meditation Breath-focused meditations can help relax your nervous system. Dr. Karakcheyeva recommends “staircase meditation,” which involves counting and stacking breaths.  Begin by breathing for one count and then exhaling for one count. In the next breath, inhale for two counts and expel for two counts. Continue to “climb” until you reach a comfortable maximum, then gradually reduce your breath counts until you are back to one. This soothing breathwork technique can be performed anywhere, even when time is restricted. 3. Resonant breathing Resonant breathing has been demonstrated to lower anxiety levels by lowering the pulse rate. “The only requirement is to exhale for longer than you’re inhaling,” Chen explains.  To begin, inhale for two to three seconds before exhaling for four to five seconds. Concentrate on each breath, allowing it to provide tranquility with each repetition. This approach is very useful for transitioning between activities or achieving stillness after a busy endeavor. 4. Visualizations Visualization meditations require imagining a peaceful environment or experience, making them both accessible and extremely adjustable.  Dr. Karakcheyeva recommends that when you are anxious, try to focus on certain images that represent your emotions. “If you’re feeling tense, assign an image to that tension—like a red pulsating ball,” she suggests. “Then imagine shifting that color to something more relaxing, like purple.”  These simple pictures can help the brain shift away from stress and toward relaxing positive imagery. 5. Mantra meditation Mantras are an excellent method to anchor yourself throughout the day. Choose a simple sentence that appeals to you, such as “I am calm and present.”  During your break, repeat the phrase while breathing slowly and deeply. “If you’re having a difficult day, take a moment to say that mantra,” Dr. Karakcheyeva suggests.  You can repeat this mantra softly or aloud as a gentle reminder to center yourself and refocus. Start small and grow your practice over time The beauty of micro-meditations is that they involve little time investment while providing long-term benefits. Even if you are not feeling anxious, practicing these strategies on a daily basis will help prepare your mind and body to remain calm in stressful situations. “It’s a great way to introduce meditation into your life,” Chen shares. Over time, these little moments of mindfulness can help to develop a consistent sense of calm that is available whenever you need it. Micro-meditations are a versatile tool, and with these five strategies in your back pocket, you can incorporate moments of peace into your day, no matter where you are or what’s on your agenda.The post How micro-meditations help reduce stress anytime, anywhere first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Straight out of the University of Miami

You know what doesn't make someone "a man?"  Going on national TV and spouting multiple vulgarities. But that's just what Democrat Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania did on the Sunday episode of CNN's State of the Union. Fetterman began by predicting that in his race against Republican candidate David McCormick, incumbent Democrat Senator Bob Casey would "kick his  . . . " Fetterman stopped short of saying the word, but host Dana Bash helpfully supplied, "I got it." When Bash asked Fetterman to respond to Trump's allegations of election irregularties in Pennsylvania, Fetterman called it "the same old s---." This time, he pronounced the word. Finally, when Bash asked Fetterman to comment on the Trump campaign using as a top ad one that focuses on Kamala's policy on transgenders, Fetterman went on a riff: "If your political capital comes from picking on trans kids or gay kids or anything like that, you're just bankrupt throughout all of this. My version of being a man is like, hey,  I like ribeyes, I like Motörhead, and I'm never going to pick on trans kids and gay kids . . . It's just a warped version of, it doesn't make you tough. It doesn't make you a man to pick on trans or gay kids. It just makes you an a-hole." Fetterman pronounced that last word in full. We remember the days when liberal media hosts reprimanded and instructed guests that they were not allowed to speak of the "Democrat" party. But not a peep out of Bash for Fetterman's crude language. In any case, Fetterman misrepresents the ad. Trump wasn't trying to prove his macho. And he wasn't picking on trans. He's pointing out that Kamala has pledged to make taxpayers pay for transgender surgery for prison inmates -- including illegal immigrants.   There are two groups actually being "picked on." The first are the taxpayers Kamala would force to foot the bills for the surgeries. The second are the girls and women athletes being unfairly forced to compete against biological men. Not only are the females deprived of athletic success, in multiple cases they have been physically injured by the actions of larger, stronger, men.  Note: To his credit, Fetterman confirmed his strong and continuing support for Israel. And he indicated that Harris's ambiguity on the matter is a reason that the race in Pennsylvania, with its large Jewish population, is so close. Here's the transcript. CNN State of the Union  11/3/24 9:10 am EDT DANA BASH: One of the most prevalent Trump campaign ads has been attacking Kamala Harris for her stance on trans rights. The ad ends with a tag line, quote, Kamala Harris is for they/them. President Trump is for you. Is that resonating in Pennsylvania? JOHN FETTERMAN: Again, it's like, if your political capital comes from picking on trans kids or gay kids or anything like that, you're just bankrupt throughout all of this.  My version of being a man is like, hey, I like ribeyes. I like Motörhead. And I'm never going to pick on trans kids and gay kids. And it's just sad that the other side kind of chooses to pick on members of those communities. And I've said this throughout my entire career. That if you think that I have to turn our backs on their community, then you can vote for somebody else. But I'm never, I'm unwilling to ever do that. And again, it's just a warped version of -- it doesn't make you tough. It doesn't make you a man to pick on trans or gay kids. It just makes you an a-hole. BASH: But politically, the Trump campaign believes that has some resonance with suburban parents, with men in the communities of color. You don't see that? FETTERMAN: I don't. I don't speak about members and their views of a member of a community. I'm not part of that community. But my views have been very clear throughout all of this. But I will say that if you're willing, and if you think that makes you tough, or it makes you more edgy to pick on members of that community, like I said, it's just sad and it's just reflective of their desperation throughout this entire campaign.

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The Survival and Basic Badass Podcast Episode: Prepping For Long Term Survival Creating the homestead that works for you Also Check Out our episode: Creating an Abundant Homestead With Sonja Gomes Don't let uncertainty overwhelm you. Subscribe to The Survival and Basic Badass Podcast. We deliver practical tips to help you and your family navigate what is coming. Remember being prepared is the first step toward embracing your inner Badass. Join The email list and check out the shop @ survivalandbasicbadasspodcast.com The Survival and Basic Badass Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Podurama, and wherever you find great content. As always, this show is for entertainment, not legal or health advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Survival and Basic Badass Podcast Episode: Prepping For Long Term Survival Creating the homestead that works for you Also Check Out our episode: Creating an Abundant Homestead With Sonja Gomes Don't let uncertainty overwhelm you. Subscribe to The Survival and Basic Badass Podcast. We deliver practical tips to help you and your family navigate what is coming. Remember being prepared is the first step toward embracing your inner Badass. Join The email list and check out the shop @ survivalandbasicbadasspodcast.com (https://survivalandbasicbadasspodcast.com/) The Survival and Basic Badass Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Podurama, and wherever you find great content. As always, this show is for entertainment, not legal or health advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices)