PAUA PAUA IS A GATHERING OF ENTREPRENEURS, EXPLORERS OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND CONSCIOUS BUSINESS LEADERS.

In our recent PAUA Community Call, we joined Zach Bell for a down-to-earth discussion about the power of daily rituals. The session, titled "Designing Your Practice," offered practical insights into how small, consistent practices can make a big difference in our lives.
Zach emphasized the beauty of simplicity in rituals. He shared his own routine of dedicating moments to higher thoughts, showing how this small act can add depth to our daily experiences.
A standout point from Zach's talk was the importance of keeping rituals straightforward. He noted that even among those who are familiar with such practices, it can be challenging to establish personal rituals. This led to a broader conversation about how rituals not only serve our individual needs but also help us connect with our community and mark important times.
Zach spoke about an upcoming project: a collection of rituals from various traditions aimed at helping people find practices that resonate with them. He hopes this will encourage the formation of communities around these shared practices. This will be published soon in the namūna library.
He also touched on how technology can support us in integrating rituals into our lives. Zach addressed the risk of rituals becoming routine without meaning, stressing the need for them to be personally significant and supported by community participation.
Wrapping up, Zach shared his own approach to the winter solstice, focusing on reflection and moving forward. His advice was to keep rituals easy and consistent, showing that even the smallest practices can have a significant impact on our lives.
We invite you to watch this practical and thoughtful video, and think about how you can incorporate meaningful rituals into your everyday life.
Zach is a storyteller, entrepreneur, and community builder focused on projects which create a more unified worldview. Co-Founder of MyPlace he leads company vision, community and a growing global sharing movement . As the co-founder of namūna, a 501c3 religious organization, he helps those who identify as spiritual but not religious find their community, build their practice and access rituals for life’s most noteworthy moments.
In 2010, Zach founded Return at the Esalen Institute, where he’s been hosting experimental and intellectual salons for leaders on topics that range from Religion of No Religion to Currency Creation and Post National Identity. His events have led to new companies, non-profits, award winning films, and inspired many talks.
Previously,  Zach has held seed stage, executive marketing roles at Remedy (now SGFY) and  Habitas, and continues to advise global brands, communities, and counterculture movements.
Find Zach at home working on MyPlace, namūna, recording his podcast and surfing in Baja California Sur, Mexico. When not home he’s traveling the world talking about sharing, community and the religion of no religion. His free time is spent writing his first book ‘Not the Only One.’ There’s a good chance he’s in the sauna right now.
Next week - December 12 - PAUA Community Call
SAMURAI TEACHINGS FOR EMOTIONAL RESILIENCEBY THE LAST ZEN SAMURAI
Born in Fukuoka, Japan From a Family of 16 Generations of Samurai and Ninjas, Sensei Zen Takai Grew up Surrounded by Swords. Learning From His Father, Deep Self Studies and Influenced by Zen Meditation, Bushido and Shinto Traditions, Sensei Developed His Own Method of Mindfulness “ the Zen Samurai” Method, a Moving Meditation, With More Than 5,000 Students That Started in the Asakusa Ninja Samurai Dojo in Tokyo, Following New York, Tulum and Now Expanding to the Rest of the World.
In a World Where True Connection and Focus Are Gradually Fading Due the Overwhelming Amount of Information, the Samurai Principles Offer a Timeless Guide to Not Only Mastering Martial Skills but Also Fostering Unity, Empathy, and Harmonious Coexistence.
Meditation Helps You to Develop Your Intuition and to Learn Who You Are. Samurai and

Jack Allocca and Jesse Elder reflect on life, friendship, personal growth, and the essence of true connections.
Jack Allocca brought an interesting perspective to the discussion, focusing on the nuances of friendship. He debunked the common misconception that true friends are only those who stand by us in tough times, highlighting the equal importance of friends who share in our joys and successes. Allocca emphasized that different friends play different roles in our lives, some aiding in crisis while others bring happiness, and both are vital to our life's journey. Additionally, he introduced the concept of "hypersynchrony," a phenomenon observed in the context of psychedelic experiences in social settings, like music festivals or couple therapy. This concept, which is still under active review, refers to an enhanced state of connection and empathy facilitated by psychedelics, deepening the understanding and experience of friendships.
Jesse Elder, in his discourse, built upon Allocca's ideas and talked about the significance of challenges in understanding the strength of relationships and personal fortitude. He introduced the concept of "meaningful novelty," advocating for seeking new experiences that make us feel alive and connected. Elder also emphasized the value of living authentically and embracing every moment as an opportunity for growth. Responding to a question about depression, Elder shared his personal experience, underscoring the importance of consistency and practice in dealing with such challenges. He equated managing depression to practicing any skill, suggesting that resilience and perseverance are key to overcoming life's difficulties.
Together, Allocca and Elder explored themes of authenticity and personal responsibility. They discussed how personal growth might lead to outgrowing certain friendships, reflecting the natural progression of life and relationships. Their conversation was a profound exploration into the dynamics of human experience, focusing on growth, authenticity, the changing nature of friendships, and the continuous journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment.
Dr. Jack Allocca is a notable researcher with an impressive background in psychedelic pharmacology, machine learning, and the neuroscience of altered states of consciousness. He's a research fellow at the University of Melbourne, Australia, and has contributed significantly to our understanding of how psychotropic and psychedelic substances influence the human mind and body, especially concerning sleep mechanics. Dr. Allocca's journey has taken him to over 80 countries, where he's investigated both traditional and modern uses of psychedelic medicines. His work is not only academically profound but also deeply influential in practical applications, especially in consulting entrepreneurs and high-impact individuals on leveraging altered states of consciousness in their personal and professional lives​​​​​​.
Joining him is Jesse Elder, an action philosopher, time-piercer, author, mentor, speaker, and passionate entrepreneur. Jesse is widely known for his principles of self-mastery, radical self-acceptance, and inspired action. He's dedicated his life to sharing these principles globally, influencing countless individuals. Jesse's approach to life and learning is holistic and deeply transformative, evident in his creation of Prime Light, described as "The World’s Most Dangerous Meditation." His teachings focus on helping people live a self-authorized, productive, and fulfilled life. Jesse's journey as an action philosopher embodies a unique blend of spirituality and practical wisdom, making his insights invaluable for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of life and relationships​​​​​.
You can also listen to these recordings in your favorite podcasting app:PAUA Podcast on Apple Podcasts | PAUA Podcast on Spotify
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Stephen Brooks is not just a name but a symbol of ecological harmony and community-driven change. As the founder of Punta Mona, La EcoVilla, Alegria Village, and the co-founder of Ecoversity, Stephen has pioneered permaculture and sustainable living practices in Costa Rica, creating thriving models of ecological communities.
His profound connection with nature and his dedication to preserving our planet's biodiversity is reflected in every project he undertakes. From the lush rainforests of Costa Rica to the global stage of the Envision Festival, his work echoes a deep understanding of the intricate balance between humans and the environment. Today, as we discuss "The World Makeover," we're privileged to gain insights from a man who doesn't just dream of a better world but actively shapes it every day. Please join me in welcoming the ever-inspiring, the architect of ecological harmony, Stephen Brooks.
“The most important things in our life we should be radically intentional about.”
— Stephen Brooks

Here's a summary of the key topics he covered:
* Personal Background and Journey: Stephen talked about his upbringing in Miami, where he developed a deep connection with nature, particularly through his experiences with the ocean. His early exposure to counterculture, notably through the Grateful Dead, introduced him to the concept of community.
* Eye-Opening Experience in Costa Rica: A pivotal moment for Stephen was witnessing indigenous children in Costa Rica being sprayed by a crop duster while playing. This incident deeply affected him and set him on a path of questioning societal norms and designs, particularly around environmental and social justice.
* Creating Change Through Education and Tourism: In response to the injustices he witnessed, Stephen started a tour company focusing on exposing high school and college students to the realities of environmental and cultural challenges in Costa Rica, coupled with showing them potential solutions.
* Establishing Punta Mona: Stephen purchased land in Costa Rica to create Punta Mona, a permaculture farm and education center. This endeavor was born from a desire to design a different kind of place - one that grows food sustainably, builds innovatively, and connects people back to the natural world.
* Ethnobotany and Plant Obsession: An important aspect of Stephen's work involves his deep fascination with plants and their relationships with humans. He identifies as an ethnobotanist and is passionate about exploring and sharing the incredible variety and utility of plants.
* Visiting Refugee Camps in Africa: Stephen recently visited refugee camps on the border of South Sudan and Kenya, where he was moved by the resilience and spirit of the people living in extreme conditions. This experience provided him with a fresh perspective on global issues and the urgency of change.
* Innovative Projects and Community Building: He is involved in various projects like Ecoversity, which focuses on education in permaculture and herbalism, and Eterna, which aims to redesign global living standards. He also mentioned the Modern Monastery project and an eclipse gathering in Mexico, highlighting his commitment to creating transformative experiences.
* Challenges with Bureaucracy: Stephen shared his struggles with government bureaucracy, particularly about his work at Punta Mona and other initiatives. He emphasized the difficulty of implementing innovative and beneficial projects due to permitting and regulatory challenges.
* Vision for Global Change and Intentional Living: Throughout the talk, Stephen stressed the importance of intentional living, questioning societal norms, and actively seeking change. He is passionate about creating communities that embody these values and serve as models for a more sustainable and interconnected world.
Overall, Stephen Brooks' talk was a deep dive into his journey of environmental activism, community building, and global consciousness. His experiences, from