ASUN

Epic Pole Fitness, located in Victorian Square in Sparks, Nevada, offers a fun opportunity for those who want to try pole dancing for the first time. Pole dancing is an incredible exercise that not only tones and builds your body but also brings out your sexy, confident side.

Epic Pole Fitness offers nine different and unique classes Monday through Saturday, including beginner, intermediate, advanced, open pole, tricks and transitions, choreography, conditioning, fierce flexibility, and exotic flow, all of which allow you to explore the bounds of your body like never before. You can simply drop in for a class or sign up for one of their many memberships. One class even lets you break out your heels and really bring your sexy side to center stage. They also have a boutique that sells heels, workout gear, and your very own take-home pole.

During my time at Epic Pole Fitness, my friend and I instantly fell in love with not only the intense exercise but the facility as well. The staff was friendly, and the studio was clean, with nine poles that can be set to either static or spin. My friend and I took a beginner class, and for the duration of the hour, we learned basic tricks that even us beginners could master. My friend and I fit right in as our class was filled with inexperienced people all there to give it a try. To start, our instructor turned on some music and started us off with a light warm up before making our ways to the pole. Depending how busy the class is it may be one or two people to a pole. If there are two people to a pole you simply take turns trying out the moves and trust me, you’ll be grateful for the chance to rest. Once at the poles the instructor starts by showing us a move she wants us to try and gives us some time to practice as she walks around to see how we’re doing and how we can improve. Finally, at the end of the class, we finished off with a deep stretch. Epic Pole Fitness provided us with an amazing exercise experience that left us both sore for days. I would highly recommend it to someone looking for a new and unique hobby or exercise routine!

The practice of mindfulness is essentially the practice of being aware, being present. By being present, a person lets go of thoughts of the past and of the future and focuses on the here and now. By letting go of consistent thoughts of the past, one lets go of what they can’t change. By letting go of constant thoughts of the future, one lets go of the anxiety of what they can’t control. A mindful person is entirely present for each moment. They are both liberated and engaged. Letting go of thoughts that pull you toward the future or toward the past can be quite difficult. However, practicing mindfulness is incredibly rewarding. More importantly, mindfulness is available to everyone.

Mindfulness practices vary. One practice is mindful breathing. In this practice, one focuses on their breathing and lets their thoughts drift by. When a thought comes to mind, one acknowledges the thought, lets it go, and returns their attention to their breath. Another practice is yoga. In yoga, one focuses on their breath and their physical movement. These practices are meditative in that a person focuses their attention on these things, allowing their mind to be otherwise clear. In any case, the focus of mindfulness is to bring the mind to the present.

Holly Hazlett-Stevens, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. She teaches the class Mindfulness in Psychology and has studied Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) a great deal over the years. MBSR was created by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Kabat-Zinn earned a Ph.D. in molecular biology from MIT in 1971. He was also a practitioner of buddhism and yoga. These practices helped him to develop MBSR to help people suffering from chronic anxiety and pain. He developed MBSR as a way to teach these practices in a more accessible way. Since the foundation of the Stress Reduction Clinic in 1979, MBSR has become more and more prevalent and there are now around 600 programs around the world teaching MBSR.

Dr. Hazlett-Stevens is also a practitioner of mindfulness meditation. She states that sometimes people place too much value on every thought that crosses their mind. Putting so much emphasis on every thought allows stress and worry to weigh heavily on the mind. She said, “People become enchanted by their thoughts.” While we sometimes put too much emphasis on these thoughts, we can also de-emphasize them. She goes on to say, “We can become disenchanted with our thinking through mindfulness… ‘That thought’s just a thought, I don’t have to get carried away with it’”.

This isn’t to say our thoughts aren’t important. The issue comes in when we place too much value in a particular thought, when we worry endlessly over something trivial or about something out of our control. Anyone who’s seen Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will find the main character, Newt, with a similar sentiment when he says, “My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”

The effects of mindfulness have been subject to many studies. Some studies are more subjective, wherein people who have been practicing MBSR are given self report questionnaires. In these reports, people often claim to feel certain stress symptoms decrease. In more objective studies, people who take part in MBSR programs and report that their stress levels have decreased and are subject to MRI scans of the brain to identify physiological changes. In these studies, subjects’ amygdala are found to have shrunk and to have become less active. The amygdala is closely associated with fear and stress, so this change could signify that MBSR can have a physical affect on a subject as well the psychological effect.

Professor Hazlett-Stevens describes the effects of mindfulness, “Stress symptoms, anxiety and depression decrease. Self compassion and psychological well-being increase.” Practicing mindfulness allows a person to stop dwelling on thoughts that cause stress and anxiety. In practicing mindfulness, one doesn’t judge themselves or others as harshly over little things. This allows self compassion and well-being to increase.

Practicing mindfulness allows a person to engage with the present and let go of thoughts of the past and the future. It reduces stress and increases well-being. At the same time, it can be difficult to achieve. Professor Hazlett-Stevens said, “It’s incredibly difficult to pay attention in the present moment with any continuity, it can seem very daunting, but it’s very simple and it’s also very accessible.” Keeping oneself in the present moment is not something we are all used to. We plan ahead and our mind stays in the future. We consider the past and our mind slips backward. But we can let go of these thoughts and remain in the present. Mindfulness is not some distant thing. It is not only accessible to a selective few. Mindfulness is available to everyone right here, right now.

This summer I took myself to the place where the people are beautiful: San Francisco, California. And when I say myself, I mean just myself. A little wacky huh? Read on. By my definition, the solo traveler is a brave and thirsting soul who finds themselves in foreign sands and among unknown faces. He or she is a person who finds romance in a suitcase and ticket for one. If venturing out into the world sounds enticing to you, I suggest to consider solo traveling too.

I yearned for the the school year to be over. Great memories with friends were replaced with memories of coffee mugs and unwashed hair. My desk covered in notepads with lists and my fingers tired of typing up final papers. I promised myself once summer started, I was going to do something for myself. I thought about my happiest moments and quickly figured out I was the happiest on long roads and visits to winsome destinations. I told my loved ones I was heading to San Francisco on my own. Yes, everyone freaked. I was told I was insane. But if you’re as “insane” as me, here are some tips and lessons I learned as a solo traveler.

First off, why should you consider solo traveling? Solo traveling is a timid and personal affair with the city and a period of learning about yourself. When you go on holiday with friends and family, you are all cramped up in the same car, same motels or hotels, and forced to follow an itinerary that compliments and satisfies each traveler. When you’re on your own, you become your number one listener. Solitude is another appealing thing. When I was in San Francisco I ate dinner alone, bought my own flowers, wrote alone, read alone, danced to “Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones alone. I handled my money and adult decisions on my own.

A question I got a lot was: Isn’t traveling alone dangerous? I won’t sit here and romanticize my trip. I got lost a few times, met very sketchy people, and was unsure about things during the trip. The thing that got me through my fears was to simply listen to myself. I protected myself and recognized my limits. For example, all my exploring and sightseeing was done during the daytime and I would head back to my hotel before sundown. I recommend for you to always carry your phone, let your loved ones know where you are, and to recognize your limits too. I promise, traveling alone will teach you so much and open a million more senses. But, remember that traveling alone is not for everybody.

What about the money? A thing most college students struggle with. I know the idea of traveling sounds a bit mad when it comes to juggling bills and so on, but it is 100% possible. I planned and saved like a mad woman. A big chunk of my paycheck would go to my San Francisco savings. It’s about wanting it and working hard for it. I knew I couldn’t afford to fly across the world, but I could catch a bus to San Francisco for a decent price. Greyhound offers affordable and possible prices for students. Reno to San Francisco is under $40 roundtrip. However, if you have a car I would suggest to put some gas money into your travel savings. Even a little is something, I promise. And, if you’re like me and don’t drive, I suggest using Uber’s carpool. It’s cheaper than Uber’s other options and it’s a great way to meet some interesting characters. I met a young man who moved from New Zealand with his wife to start a tech business in San Francisco. I also met lawyers, tourists from England, and a barista. Many of my uber drivers were born and raised in San Francisco and spoke of how difficult it’s been to live in such an expensive city with so many roommates. Up until that moment I had always seen San Francisco through a tourist’s lens, but meeting and speaking to so many people made me realize that there’s more to the city than the Golden Gate Bridge and piers. Another money tip would be the obvious: create a budget. How much are you willing to spend on food? Souvenirs? Or whatever else? Ask yourself these questions and remember that you are on holiday, and that it’s okay to treat yourself to that nice snowglobe or fancy dinner.

Where should you go and what should you do? Go somewhere that brings you joy. Simple. I chose San Francisco because I wanted to spend time with her hills and her people. San Francisco has always been a place where I’ve felt complete. A great tip is to write down a list of places and read up on them too. I also suggest going somewhere where the culture excites you and where you can get some wicked cool souvenirs. Who doesn’t dig souvenirs? As far as what you should do during your holiday, well it depends on you and the place you wish to go to. San Francisco houses the coolest scenic spots known to man, so I paid them a visit. When in San Francisco I went to bookstores, museums, had dinner by the ocean, and walked around the districts. A favorite memory of mine is when I went to this terribly expensive restaurant called Cliff House. The couple in front of me was older than me and smelled of money. The waitress was super kind to them, but as soon as she saw my young face she didn’t take me seriously. I didn’t know whether to be offended or flattered. I was treated poorly because of my age and I guess the way I was dressed: scuffed boots and a floral dress along with a forest green Fjallraven Kanken backpack. Little did she know that I was there to enjoy a meal, not just use their restroom and eat their free bread. Another memory is when I bought myself some roses from an old man in the Mission District. I carried them around with pride. When I met with the uber driver he asked who the man who gave me the lovely flowers was and if I was about to meet up with him for dinner. I simply replied, “Oh, the lovely man is me. I’m having dinner alone and the flowers are for me from me.” Other than fine dining you can watch a movie alone, take a bath at two in the morning, go to a museum or landmark you’ve always wanted to go to, and so much more. The list is endless.

What should the solo traveler pack? Obviously the essentials. I would highly recommend to check out Walmart’s and Target’s travel-size section. Super affordable and adorable! A solo traveler should always carry around some form of entertainment such as a book or magazine. Don’t forget a good pen and journal too. In your journal you can record your encounters and experiences. I believe journals are a solo traveler’s best friend. Second to last is a camera of any kind. Obvious reasons. Lastly, a playlist. Take some time before your travels to create a playlist of your favorite tunes. Attach good memories to those songs! It’s good for you!

Looking back on the party-of-one dinners, going into the photobooth alone, waking up and wondering what the city would bring me that day, and all the people I encountered, makes me smile every single time. I can honestly say that I grew and gained a lifelong confidence from embracing the unknown and navigating myself through the hilly city. Aside from rich memories, I gained an admiration for my bravery. I learned that I am my own love and that being alone does not mean that I am lonely. If you decide to chase the world on your own, I hope you come back feeling to same way too.

The Playa: A Northern Nevada desert that has been compared to ancient civilizations, a fantasy world, and even a Mars-like landscape. This iconic desert, located in Black Rock City, Nevada, is a semi-arid region that houses hundreds of species of wildlife. However, the Playa is also home to one of the most famous festivals in the world: Burning Man.

“Burning Man is for a bunch of sex-loving drug addicts,” one engineering student at the University of Nevada, Reno said. Yet, Burning Man has also been regarded as one of the most unique and eye-opening experiences in the world.

Speculation concerning the nature of Burning Man has been drawn out for years, from social stigmas proclaiming extreme drug abuse to the rapid spread of STIs in the desert. However, the astronomical numbers of “burners” who attend the event beg to differ. With nearly 70,000 people annually attending the event, Burning Man has gained a name for itself internationally.

Burning Man began in 1986, when Larry Harvey and Jerry James started a bonfire in order to celebrate the summer solstice in San Francisco, California. Harvey labeled this “a radical act of self-expression,” a phrase known by many burners as the trademark term for Burning Man today.

Howard Goldbaum, a journalism professor at the University of Nevada, Reno has attended Burning Man many times. “Nothing can compare to the vision you see the first time you step into Black Rock City at night. Nothing else on Earth is like that sense of space and the sense of wonderment,” he said about his first impressions of Burning Man. “It’s a celebration of the creative aspects of humanity. You’ll never see such a concentration of creative people and creative things. The art can last forever, or be ephemeral. The epitome of the creative spirit,” he continued. Goldbaum is also widely known for encouraging his students to attend the festival at least once in their life and to rid themselves of assuming stigmas that could harm their experience.

The festival’s website, burningman.org, offers a wide variety of information and frequently asked questions in hopes of diminishing confusion among those who propagate stigmas about the true nature of the festival. “The first time I went, I wasn’t well prepared. You need to read up and understand the experience you will immerse yourself in,” said one frequent burner, who has attended the event six times in the last seven years.

Shelby Riley, a student at the University of Nevada, Reno attended Burning Man for the first time in 2017. She explained many of the things she heard from outsiders to be untrue, such as overt drugs usage.”Drug use on the playa is really discreet. It definitely happens, but it happens behind closed doors, and no one is openly disclosing that they are doing drugs because the drugs aren’t what makes Burning Man magical. Just being at that place is like being on a drug.” So, where do these stigmas come from?

“They come from people who haven’t been,” Goldbaum stated. “People who are unaccepting of other attitudes, afraid of what they don’t know. People who are against diversity, won’t befriend people who don’t look like them. They have a fear of anything that isn’t their everyday experience.”

Nudity on the playa has often come under scrutiny by the world outside of the festival, or what burners label “The Default World.” Yet, many burners explain that nudity is not explicitly sexual, but rather a simple expression of humanity. “If you see a naked person on that playa, it’s nothing weird. It’s literally just a person without the clothes we wear daily. It’s nothing sexual, shameful, or frightening,” one burner said.

The future of Burning Man seeks to be even more inclusive to all peoples. With a large population of children, who may attend the event with a guardian for free, as well as burners who have been in attendance for decades, the age group could not be more diverse. Yet, the festival is striving for even more variety in order to expand the plethora of different art forms visible at Burning Man. Thus, stereotypes aside, the festival provides something for everyone.

“Burning Man is an escape from everything you know to find a world beyond your own,” Riley explained. “In a city so big, you can choose to participate in any reality you choose.”