Category hobbies

Why Take Pictures At Burning Man?

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

I find it ironic that one of my friends from junior high (that’s middle school for you younger folks) has been in the habit of attending Burning Man every year and creating a photo album for each event, since Burning Man is known for its emphasis on impermanence and the transient nature of art and experiences. It’s a place where participants celebrate the idea that everything is temporary, just like the “burning” of the iconic effigy. A man is burned in effigy (The Man) at every Burning Man to symbolize destruction and rebirth. Photography, on the other hand, freezes moments in time, preserving them indefinitely. Isn’t the whole point that time doesn’t matter, that everything is ephemeral? Photos cement things down. By taking photos, you may inadvertently go against the core philosophy of Burning Man, which encourages living in the moment and embracing the ephemeral nature of life.

I also think that by having a means by which you can capture images and videos at Burning Man, you are allowing yourself to be distracted from the Burning Man experience, and cannot fully immerse yourself in the unique environment of Burning Man. Instead of being present and engaging with the art installations, interactive experiences, and the vibrant community, individuals behind the camera may become preoccupied with capturing the perfect shot. This detachment from the experience may dilute the intended impact of the event.

I also have an issue with photography serving as an invasion of the privacy of attendees. Since Burning Man emphasizes a culture of consent and respect for one another, and also since many attendees express themselves through radical self-expression, some may be reluctant to be photographed without their consent. Taking photos without asking for permission can infringe on the principles of consent and respect that are fundamental to the Burning Man community.

Then there are the people who are always striving to create perfect shots so that they can be shared on social media. At Burning Man, this pressure may lead to a competitive atmosphere where participants strive to document the most visually stunning aspects of the event. This can detract from the authenticity of the experience, as people may prioritize getting the “perfect” shot over genuine connection and self-expression. I think it’s also important to remember that photographs can only capture a limited perspective of what is happening at an event as multifaceted as Burning Man. They can’t fully convey the sights, sounds, and emotions that are part of the experience. Relying on photos to remember the event may leave you with an incomplete representation of what you truly encountered and felt, though my friend has always insisted that her albums have enabled her to encapsulate her memories of each event thoroughly.

In conclusion, while some individuals find value in documenting their Burning Man experiences through photography, there is a valid argument that taking photos at such events may be counter to the event’s core principles of impermanence, full engagement, consent, and respect. By prioritizing the experience over capturing it, one can better align with the spirit of Burning Man and fully immerse oneself in the magic of the event.

Cool Glasses Project

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Back in early July, I attended a music festival with a few friends. We noticed that there were numerous vendors with booths set up along the entry corridor, so we decided to take a look at what was being sold. At one point, we found a booth which sold accessories like body chains and sunglasses, and zoomed in on one particular pair of shades. My friend tried them on and absolutely loved them, so she asked the vendor how much they cost. They were $100, and though my friend hesitated over the lofty price, I could tell she was thinking about purchasing them, despite the fact that she couldn’t afford them.

I have to admit that I also liked the glasses, so much so that I took a picture of them for reference (see image above). I then told my friend that we should keep walking, and once we were out of earshot of the salesperson, I informed her that all of the styles of sunglasses at the booth, sans embellishment, were available through Amazon. I also stated that we could probably duplicate the look for a fraction of the price, and that it would be foolish for my friend to purchase the cool spectacles from the booth we had just visited.

A couple of days after the event, I decided to look on Amazon to see if I could find the glasses, and also figured that I could look for the aqua fabric, the rhinestones, and cool eyeglass chains. By some stretch of luck and a willingness to search for appropriate accessories, I quickly found everything I needed, and ordered them. Once the materials arrived, I printed out the image of the shades we both loved, and set up my workstation so that I could make two pairs of duplicates. Despite the fact that I did a fair amount of cursing while figuring out the sizing of the fabric segments and also while gluing the rhinestones, I was able to complete the project.

The reference photo with the two finished pairs of sunglasses

The best part of the project was that I made each pair for $32.77 ($38.76 after I added cases), and had a nice creative challenge. The next time I saw my friend, I asked her if she remembered those glasses from the event we had attended, then handed her one of the pairs. She was speechless. I then told her that I hadn’t purchased the glasses from the vendor, but that I had made them, along with a second pair which I kept for myself. She was truly blown away, especially after I told her how much I had spent on materials.

One Thousand Cranes

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Copyright: olegdudko

Last year right around Christmas, I taught my dear friend Karla how to make origami cranes, and though she struggled at first, she began to get the hang of making them. She thought they were pretty neat, and asked if they were ever made for a specific purpose, so I told her about the tradition of making one thousand cranes and stringing them up to hang for a number of different occasions, including making a wish for an ill person’s recovery, the birth of a child, wedding blessings, or to grant good luck within a home. Senbazuru (a thousand cranes) is the Japanese way to make a wish and bless it so that it might come true.

Emma Taggert offers an explanation of how the origami crane emerged in Japanese culture:

“The tradition of the Japanese orizuru (ori– “folded,” tsuru “crane”), or paper crane, began in feudal Japan (1185–1603 CE), when people gifted each other the paper figures as symbols of honor and loyalty. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century that the art of the origami crane was officially recorded. Hiden Senbazuru Orikata (“Secret to Folding One-thousand Cranes”), published in Japan in 1797, is the first known book on origami. It features the earliest known instructions on how to make origami cranes, along with countless examples of different kinds.”

Since I grew up making origami cranes, I can quite literally make them with my eyes closed, but I understand that for someone who is unfamiliar with origami, making that first crane can be a challenge. Here is a video tutorial for those of you who want to learn how to make one:

For those of you who already know how to make origami cranes, you might want to challenge yourself with renzuru, a form of origami in which multiple forms are made from a single piece of paper:

Getting back to my friend Karla, she amazed me in July when she gifted me with a thousand cranes for my birthday. I wasted no time in gettting a dowel and hooks for the cranes so that I could display them in my living room. Once they were hung, I realize I had chosen a great spot because during the day, the cranes catch the sunlight, and in the evening, the uplights which I have behind my sofa impart a lovely glow on them.

Why Raves Are So Appealing

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Copyright: cunaplus

Back in March of this year, I attended my very first rave, a smaller event which was held indoors at a theater in downtown Los Angeles. What surprised me was how loving, accepting, and cool just about everyone was at the event and how consistent they were with PLUR, an acronym which stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. It was as if all judgement, criticism, pretense and posturing had been left at the entrance to the event, and I have to admit that it was refreshing and lovely. I was so enraptured by the energy at the event and so into the music that I was left wanting more when it was time to leave.

I have to admit that I am a bit hesitant to attend the larger, outdoor festivals, for a number of reasons which are well detailed here. It just doesn’t seem like it would be very fun to sit in a Porta-Potty with a full length bodysuit gathered around my ankles, nor does it seem like fun to have a bunch of strangers sweating on me while I dance to electronic music. It was already quite stuffy and hot while I was at the indoor venue, and that was during a part of the year when the outside temperature was in the upper 40’s Fahrenheit. Bear in mind that it is customary and almost required that attendees dress scantily, primarily to offset the increased ambient temperature which develops as a result of all the human bodies gyrating and dancing together in a small space, and also as a proclamation of body awareness and acceptance.

Despite the fact that the venue was pretty packed, and the ambient temperature was pretty toasty, I had an incredible time, and can’t wait to attend another rave. There is something so liberating about dancing without a care in the world, moving with the beat of the music, and feeling absolutely no judgement from other people at the event. It was also fun to dress up, especially because it has been years since I have dressed up for Halloween or masquerade balls. Raves are a fantastic way for adults to align with their childlike energy, and let go.

Still Addicted To K-Dramas

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Copyright: ryanking999

There are many aspects of Korean dramas, also known as K-dramas, which keep me captive as a loyal watcher. I never thought I would become hooked on one K-drama after another, but it is something I continue to experience since watching the first two back in August of 2022 (Business Proposal and Extraordinary Attorney Woo). What was interesting about Business Proposal and Extraordinary Attorney Woo was that they were so different from each other with respect to plot lines and characters, but I began to notice that both shows featured charming dialogue, good looking and interesting people, and innocent love. I think another reason why K-dramas resonate so well with me has to do with my Japanese ancestry. Though Korean and Japanese cultures are different from each other, there are similar themes, such as the use of language honorifics, the love of food, societal structure, and work ethic.

Despite the fact that I was already addicted to K-drama formats after Proposal and Woo, I had yet to experience the dazzling cinematography, set designs, and costume designs of period pieces depicting the Joseon era. When I would watch an episode of a Joseon era or Joseon era-inspired series, I found myself staring at the details of the buildings and the clothing. The hanbok , or traditional Korean clothing, which is featured in shows like The King’s Affection, is elaborate and absolutely stunning, thus providing yet another visual feast for viewers’ eyes. Even if a K-drama is set in modern times, the characters are frequently clad in expensive and beautiful designer clothing.

K-dramas characteristically have some type of love story embedded in the plot, and the development of that love story is almost agonizingly slow because it harkens back to the days when people believed more in true love. By then end of a few episodes, viewers start cheering for the male and female protagonists to realize their adoration for each other and get that first kiss over already. The kissing scenes are so refreshing, because they serve as a stark departure from the often vulgar and graphic love scenes which characterize many Western shows and movies. A lot is left to the imagination in a K-drama, yet the outcome is much more satisfying because of the fairytale romance ending which usually wraps up a show.

View at Medium.com
View at Medium.com

5 Ways to Find the Upside of a Midlife Crisis

drstaceynaito Leave a comment

Photo via Pexels

Are you in a midlife rut? Then this fantastic article written by Camille Johnson of bereaver.com is for you!

You’re not sure what set it off, but you feel like you’re stuck in a midlife crisis. You might be unsatisfied with your job, mourning a dream you never accomplished, or feeling unfulfilled in your relationship. With the help of a trainer like Stacey Naito, you can finally start working towards the goals you previously pushed to the back burner. Furthermore, these tips will help you figure out where to live, how to outfit your home, and which lifestyle changes you should implement.

Move Somewhere New

You might feel like you can’t turn over a new leaf if you continue living in the same city. Maybe you’re looking for opportunities that aren’t available locally, or maybe you’ve trying to get out of a toxic environment. Either way, it may be time to move to a new city. If you plan to buy a home in a different area, you’ll need to research current Pennymac mortgage rates and determine which type of mortgage is right for you. Your lender can help you determine whether you would be qualified for a conventional, FHA, or VA loan.

Focus on Your Health

Perhaps you’ve noticed that you don’t feel as energetic and lively as you once did. You might assume that your mental health is suffering because you’ve reached a turning point in life – but it could be because you’ve been neglecting your physical health. You may want to invest in a few items for a basic home gym, such as an exercise mat, resistance bands, a stability ball, and dumbbells. To enhance your home cooking skills, you could pick up an immersion blender, a vegetable spiralizer, a slow cooker, and meal prep containers.

When you’re buying new products, especially ones that the whole family will use, it’s important to spend your money wisely. Therefore, before you buy anything, make sure to go over product reviews from a few unbiased sources. That way, you can feel confident in your purchases.

Write in a Journal

Writing in a journal can help you decide which steps you want to take next in life. It can be tough to choose a direction, but when you write about your feelings in your journal, you can gain some clarity. PsychCentral states that journaling can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and even help people process traumatic experiences.

Prioritize Traveling

What if you feel like you need to break out of your routine for a while? You could book a trip to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit! Travel can be a boon for your mental health, and spending some time in an unfamiliar place can help you shake off feelings of stagnation. Everyday Health states that traveling can make you feel more creative, relieve your stress, and even strengthen your relationships with your family and friends back home.

Challenge Yourself

You might be experiencing a midlife crisis because you haven’t achieved some lifelong goals, and you’re wondering if you’re really capable of becoming the person you want to be. Taking on challenges – and overcoming them – can shift your mindset. Whether you want to challenge yourself physically or intellectually, now is the time to do it. From learning a new skill to volunteering in your community, there are lots of ways to challenge yourself and change for the better.

Going through a midlife crisis isn’t easy – but with the right outlook, you can make it to the other side and come out stronger. A midlife crisis can actually mark the start of an exciting new chapter. By following these tips, you can move to a welcoming place, choose the best products for your home, and focus on self-care.


Ready to focus on fitness? Start training with Stacey Naito! Check out our website today to learn more about our training services.

Regular Self-Care Activities Boost Your Mental and Physical Health

drstaceynaito Leave a comment


Image via Pexels

By Karen Weeks

When you commit and devote the time to care for yourself, your body feels better. You radiate health and energy and can operate at your peak physical performance level. But all those self-care activities also benefit your mind. Here is a look at how healthy living boosts your mental health, presented to you below by Dr. Stacey Naito’s Blog.

Eat Nutritious Food

A focus on healthy eating gives your body the nutrients and calories needed to thrive. Fill your plate with colorful fruit and vegetables and add a small portion of lean protein, such as salmon, chicken, sirloin, eggs, or turkey. Also, focus on consuming whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. Eating these foods keeps your blood sugar steady to prevent mood swings. 

Don’t forget your snacks! When the afternoon slump kicks in, choose a smoothie, fruit, or a handful of nuts instead of a bag of chips or a sugary soda. Then your hunger will be taken care of, and you’ll also get a burst of energy to help you mentally focus for the rest of the afternoon.

Do Exercise You Enjoy

Exercise doesn’t have to feel like work when you do an activity you love. Besides keeping your body in shape, research has shown exercise reduces anxiety, alleviates depression, and improves your sense of well-being and self-esteem. Do whatever activity you enjoy, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, jogging, or dancing.

Create a Healthy Home Environment

Is your home a relaxing place that you enjoy being in, or does your family argue, complain and make overly critical comments about the house? The fix may be more straightforward than you think. A dirty and cluttered home is unpleasant to look at and impacts your mental health by limiting your ability to focus, increasing your stress levels, and can cause conflict in relationships. Declutter and clean your house to transform your home into a vibrant and fresh space. Open up the windows to let some fresh air in as well. You’ll be surprised what a difference a clean and tidy home makes for you and your family.

If you have items that you want to keep but you simply don’t have room to store in your house, look for storage options outside the home. Storage units are affordable ways to securely stash items (big or small) until you decide what, exactly, you want to do with them. Use websites designed to help you with finding self storage in Los Angeles. With over 130 different storage options in LA, chances are you can find something near your home.

Seek Counseling

If you’re experiencing issues with anxiety or depression, a mental health counselor can help you feel better. The therapist can help you create healthy and productive coping mechanisms and tools to help you manage your emotions.

Don’t let your packed schedule or dread of an office visit turn you off from seeking the help you need. A great and popular new alternative is online therapy. Various telehealth online platforms are available, offering a variety of licensed therapists for you to connect with for assistance. You may even be able to secure a same-day appointment. In addition, telehealth therapists accept most insurance plans, keep out-of-pocket costs manageable, and offer more affordable co-pays than an in-office counselor. 

Take a Trip

Traveling to a new destination takes you out of your routine and immerses you in new sights and experiences. A pleasure trip can reduce your stress and lift your spirits. It can also heal your job burnout caused by working too many hours for a lengthy period. For the ultimate in self-care travel, book a wellness retreat in a location you’ve always wanted to visit.

You probably already noticed how your self-care activities keep you physically healthy. Take steps to declutter your home (and store away anything you want to keep), start exercising, and book a relaxing self-care trip. Now you know the mental health benefits you gain as well.

Captured By Fragrance

drstaceynaito Leave a comment
Copyright: svl861

Several months ago, I read a book entitled The Emperor of Scent by Chandler Burr, which mainly explores the life and work of scientist Luca Turin. Luca Turin has made an indelible mark on the world of scent theory because he believes in a different concept of how we smell, and backs up his belief with hard science. What I did not expect while reading this book was that I learned how deeply immersed Turin is in the world of fine fragrance, to such an extent that he wrote a well respected perfume guide.

As I continued to read The Emperor of Scent, I became intensely curious about several fragrances which have been touted the world’s best scents. Turin’s description of Chamade by Guerlain captured me so intensely that I blind purchased two tiny vintage bottles of the extrait, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed, because the fragrance is sublime.

“Une note de départ verte et anodine donne le coup d’ envoi à un miracle qui se produit sur plusiers heures, voire plusiers jours. A green and somewhat nondescript top note launches a miracle that happens over several hours, even several days. As soon as the initial fog dissipates, a splendid form appears, all of one piece, smooth and seamless, a strong white note, powdery and sculptural, that strengthens without losing complexity until complete evaporation. Typically Guerlain in its flattering and tender character, Chamade is nevertheless a haughty perfume, pure and distant and miles away from the slightly catty chic of Jicky and Shalimar. Its tenacity is prodigious, and one would believe it conceived to be smelled two days later. Put it on at least two hours before asking it to have its effect.

A masterpiece of elegance and poetry. One of the greatest perfumes of all time.”

How could I pass up an opportunity to obtain Chamade after reading Turin’s description?

I became obsessed with finding other vintage fragrances, such as Diorissimo (Dior) and L’Interdit (Givenchy), and also found other lovely scents which are currently being produced. However, I always try to get the vintage versions, because the newer iterations are never exactly the same as the originals. I also try to get the extrait or the eau de parfum instead of the EDT because of the staying power of perfume formulations.

I ended up finding a vintage bottle of Diorissimo EDP, which is a gorgeous expression of lily-of-the-valley, but sadly, it doesn’t last on my skin. I kept a bottle of the original L’Interdit (1957) which my mother had in her collection, and I have noted a difference between the vintage version and the bottle which I recently purchased. Nevertheless, the modern take on L’Interdit is absolutely lovely when mixed with my body chemistry.

I also found other fragrances during my recent foray into the world of scent, and stumbled upon the lovely floral Mon Guerlain (Guerlain), and the intense Sublime (Jean Patou). I revisited Byblos (Byblos) which I had kept from my mom’s collection, as well as J’Adore (Dior). Another fragrance which I absolutely love is a brand new offering from Givenchy called Irrestistible Fresh, which is a beautiful light fruity/floral.

The one mistake I made was in blind purchasing Joy (Jean Patou) based on the fact that it is the most expensive fragrance in the world. When I received the bottle in the mail, I spritzed some on my pulse points, and immediately became concerned because I could smell an imminent funk from the mixture. In addition, it was heady stuff, very grandma-esque, and just not my style. I waited for a half hour for the fragrance to meld with my body, and all I could think of was how much I wanted to jump in the shower to wash it off! The clincher for me was when my kitten approached me, took one whiff, and made swipes with his paw on the sofa as if to cover the results of a recent potty session. I took another sniff, and realized that Joy had turned into something that smelled like cat urine on me, thanks to the civet which is part of the base of the legendary scent. I returned it immediately.

Now I am just experimenting with the various fragrances I have in my collection, and will switch up my scent depending on my mood, the weather, or what I plan to do later that day. And though Marc Jacobs’ Daisy Eau So Fresh is still my go to daily fragrance, I am truly enjoying the variety which the new additions to my fragrance collection are providing.