Brainwave Entrainment

September 19, 2012 By

Note: If you want the Italian version of this article, then email me: miranda@tuscanytech.net. Pardon my English as it is my third language… :)

Ever since I quit my 9-5 job at this telecommunications company at Tuscany, I have started on a journey of self-discovery of sorts by traveling to Baltimore, Beijing and Singapore. My 90-day trip was awesome, and deserves a blog post on its own. During this trip, I acquainted myself with meditation techniques and ways to reach the alpha state as quickly as possible. A friend of mine, Jonathan Smith, introduced me to brainwave entrainment, which is basically audio which helps meditation by tapping into the right frequencies of the brain. If you are into yoga and meditation then you would have no doubt encountered this audio technology before.

My friend Sumit Gupta (who I met in Mumbai) enjoying a brainwave entrainment track while getting into state!

I was once a skeptic of brainwave entrainment, but after I have used it a few times I found that it is a splendid way to get into Alpha state as quickly as possible. I had problems with “mind chatter”, and given that I am an ADHD sufferer it didn’t help much. Jonathan then gave me a set of five CDs (by companies such as Transparent Corp and the Neuroactivator – http://neuroactivator.com) and I casually used them when I meditated. And it was a sure eye opener – I never had such a good meditation session before.

But was it a placebo effect? Well…

Brainwave Entrainment – How It Helps Meditation

For most of us beginners in the art of meditation (and yoga) the biggest challenge is to slip into what they call the “alpha state”. It is the state where you will feel “in the zone”, and the effect is marvelous. This is where meditation music is supposed to help. Brainwave entrainment is a “branch” within the bigger umbrella of meditation music, and itself is divided into different types such as binaural beats and isochronic tones. Many people actually use brainwave entrainment to fall asleep (especially for those who have insomnia problems), and also perform astral projections (as well as Quantum Jumping). For some, it is also a good method to beat depression. In short, brainwave synchronization could well be the next frontier when it comes to aided (and enhanced) meditation, visualization, affirmations and astral projections.

One of my meditation groups in Hong Kong – the Kowloon Meditation Center. Really miss my friends there, especially Taipoh Lin and Hobee Chai!

For me, I use it exclusively to aid meditation. I had out-of-body experiences before, albeit unintentionally, and it remains an area which I will investigate much later in life. For now, I am satisfied with using it to achieve alpha state as quickly as possible. I was first inspired to meditate with background music from this article in the Huffington Post -

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-morales-msw/ways-to-meditation_b_945383.html

I reaped a lot of benefits using these entrainment tracks while I meditate. If you want maximum benefits, however, follow these simple rules:-

  • Make sure that you are using headphones. Brainwave synchronization works best with headphones. It’s good not to get distracted by outside noises.
  • If you have a slight headache, stop listening.
  • Count backwards from 100 – it helps me get into the alpha and theta states during meditation rather quickly.

Give this a try, and let me know if it works for you. :)

Lots of love,

Miranda

PS: If you are in the Tuscany area and you want to link up and talk about meditation in general, get in touch. I am also looking for yoga teachers in this area. Email me!

Filed Under: Brainwave Entrainment Tagged With: , ,

Will May-December Romance Ever Work?

May 24, 2013 By

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris. Clint Eastwood and Dina Ruiz. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Okay, you get it. These couples all have something in common. Each couple has gone separate ways, yes. Well, except for that, they were once in what we call the May-December romance. Others prefer to call it an “affair” but I prefer to call it “romance.” I just think that “affair” sounds harsh, like someone is up to something else rather than a serious relationship. It’s just me.

May-December romance is a relationship wherein the couple has a considerable age gap between them. Before, it was usually the man being a lot older than the woman. But as time goes by, and people are being more open about relationships and gender issues, the term applies to just any couple that has a big age gap between them. As I tried to do a little research, this kind of relationship is called as such because one is perceived to be in the “spring” (May) of his or her life while the other is already in “winter” (December). Very interesting, right? I don’t know why they chose May and December. They could have chosen March-February to indicate a greater gap. But I digress.

Personally, I think I get more attracted with men who are at least a decade older than me than guys who are of the same age. That doesn’t mean I didn’t date guys my age. I did! I even dated a few who were a bit younger than me.

So why the oldies? I guess it’s the maturity of how they handle situations. Most, if not all, of the older men I have met are just cool about everything. I’d have to be frank — I hate drama. Been there, done that. But it’s not my cup of tea. While other women enjoy the “attention” they get from arguing with their partners about small stuff, I prefer to not hear from him while I get some fresh air, too, then settle things later.

I don’t what it is about older men, really. Could it be seduction? Using “seduction” programs like this is then very effective. At least on me.

You see, not all May-December relationships are bound to reach the dead end. It’s just like any other relationship that needs to be cared for and nurtured for it to grow.

Take Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn, Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas,  Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart, Jay-Z and Beyonce, and the very famous Brangelina for example. It could be challenging if you think about it, given the extreme personalities the couple may have. But even couples of the same age can have totally different personalities!

Making it Work

If you are thinking of getting into a May-December romance or are already in one, these tips might help you and your partner live happily ever after:

  • Open Communication

One of the most common challenges of being in a May-December relationship is how to communicate with each other, in a way that both parties will understand each other better. Heck, it’s every couple’s problem all right. It is also important to talk face to face or on the phone (not SMS) to let the other know of your true emotions. Sometimes SMS, if not written carefully (which is almost always the case), fire up a conversation due to misinterpretation. So, find time even for quick coffee dates to let each other know how you feel about things.

  • Compromise

When you are the younger one in the relationship, you tend to be a brat. When you are the older one, you are inclined to think that you should be the boss. Try reversing the situation sometimes and spoil your older partner. If you are the older one, try listening to your younger partner’s advice.

  • Be You

Don’t try to be someone you’re not just to try to please others. Whether it’s his friends or family, just be yourself. He or she loves you for who you are, and it should stay that way. If your partner thinks you should be someone else, then consider it a red flag.

  • Learn From One Another

One of the advantages of being in a May-December relationship is the opportunity of learning from each other. It is almost impossible for someone to learn something new from a person who is so much like him or herself. So take advantage of the differences you may have and transform them into learning tools for both of you.

I miss dating. I mean I’ve dated in Tuscany but not much here in Florence. I think I’m still groping my way into it.

Although May-December romance has raised countless eyebrows, don’t let it stop you from getting to know that older guy you dated (who you think is cute, by the way). Whether it’s an older woman and a younger man or the other way around, don’t let age stand in the way. He might turn out to be the perfect mate for you. Remember, the fate of any relationship depends on the two people who agreed to be in that relationship so don’t seek validation from others.

XOXO,

Miranda

Filed Under: Brainwave Entrainment, Dating Advice

Winning Back Your Ex

May 13, 2013 By

Ciao amore mio!

Two weeks ago I blogged about moving to Florence. The past two weeks has been awesome, to say the least. I AM LOVING FLORENCE!  It is a very romantic place, you’d like to fall in love over and over again. If you want to make a girl like you fast, I’d say bring her here!

Speaking of love, I’d like to write about how to win your ex back. You might ask, “What for?” But some loves are just worth giving a second chance. I know I sound so cheesy. I am a self-professed hopeless romantic. ;)

You see, breakups are never easy on anybody. Sometimes, we get that feeling that we actually need to get the other person back before we can totally let go. Other times, we’ve moved on and loved another and lost again before we rediscover our exes and totally want them back in our lives again. After all, love is sweeter the second time around.

Some broken relationships are meant to be mended.

Some broken relationships are meant to be mended.

But is trying to get back with an ex really worth it? What are the things you need to consider and think about before moving towards this unstable situation? You could take quizzes to find out or just brainstorm with yourself to get more personalized results. Here are some tips for men who are thinking of trying to get back their ex-girlfriends:

 

  • The last scenario – Before deciding to win back your ex, you have to take a careful look back at how you guys ended. Girls forgive but hardly forget so if you’ve done something really loathe-worthy in the past, you have to have the guts to face her and ask her out again or just forget about the whole thing. This is especially true if your reason for breaking up was you were caught cheating. Have the guts, lose the pride, and go for it or go home. But if it was something else other than cheating, try to see if that factor is still going to affect anything you would start today.
  • How you treat each other – Other ex-couples remain in an ‘open relationship’ after they breakup and still go out sans the commitment and the title. Some get into a total forget-you-forever state that is colder than the cold war. Others remain at a very volatile situation a la North and South Korea and a clash could come at any point in interaction. Others have fully moved on and become fully civil with each other. This would give you a good view at whether or not you should and you can get back together.
  • Her current status – If she is already in a relationship, by all means please do not get into a very complicated tangle of lives and love. The last thing you want is cause a rift in their relationship and break some other guy’s heart. But if she’s single, then go back to the first two issues.
  • How you really feel about her – This is the point where I say DO NOT DO IT FOR REVENGE. Vengeance is never worth it. Only do it if you truly want her and that you really want to give yourselves and your relationship another chance. Anything less than that, like boredom, is not worth the hassle of things. Remember, you broke up for a reason. If that reason can still outweigh your desire to be back together, then you might want to forget about the whole thing. It might just be loneliness, or just out of boredom or fear of being single that makes you want to get back together. And trust me, with that reason, your relationship is not heading anywhere else other than the same place you had been: broken up.

Love is lovelier and sweeter the second time around. But it could also be more bitter and more difficult. If and when you decide to win her back, here is a good resource on how to successfully do it.

Buona fortuna!

 - Miranda

Filed Under: Dating Advice, Love and Relationships Tagged With: , , , ,

A Quickie

May 1, 2013 By

Hello! I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it in my blog before but I’m moving! I am going to live in a new place in Florence(it has a courtyard) :-D :-D I am so excited. That explains why I haven’t been writing for the past couple of days– I am just so busy. Florence, for those of you who aren’t too familiar with Italy’s geography, is Tuscany’s capital city.

This new place, aside from having a courtyard, also has a garden, a balcony, a terrace, and a roof deck. It has all the essentials I’m looking for in an apartment– and all those tiring and long weeks of looking for a place to stay in Florence paid off. I am not complaining! I move in 2 weeks from now, as I have to clear up my old space at my old place. I can’t wait, I can’t wait. Meanwhile– if you’re looking for a place to stay in the Tuscany region, hit me up. My friend is leasing hers to be my roommate in Florence! :-D

I wish I  can meet all of you, my dear readers, sometime soon! Right now I am checking out Trip Advisor’s page on Florence– gotta get familiarized with my new home. Til next time, I’ll write real soon! Ciao!

Miranda x

Filed Under: Miscellaneous

How to Make a Girl Like You Fast

April 3, 2013 By

Do you ever wonder why you aren”t succeeding in the world of dating? Would you like to learn how to make a girl like you fast? Do you have zero confidence when it comes to making that first move? If this is the case, then read on and learn some tips on getting a girlfriend and how to make a girl like you in no time at all.

 1. Focus.

One of the main reasons why you probably fail while learning how to make a girl like you is because you do not focus on your target enough. You need to keep in mind that girls crave for attention and therefore need to feel that a guy is completely interested in them before they even start showing interest in the guy to begin with.

Unfortunately, guys aren”t really known for focusing on their words and actions, and this is what gets them into trouble. In fact, some guys don”t even realize that they are already acting in the wrong way the minute they lose a girl”s attention during a conversation.

Remember: if you act or say the wrong things during a conversation with a girl, then you might offend her without even realizing it and lose all of your chances to learn how to make that girl like you altogether.

 2. Be natural.

Another thing you need to know is that girls do not like guys who try too hard. What girls actually look for in a guy is confidence. They also want to find guys who can simply act like themselves around them. Usually, when a guy acts natural around a girl, he gives off a sincere and nice vibe. Guys who try too hard to make an impression on a girl, on the other hand, only end up pushing her away because of his unnatural ways.

So, if you like a girl, just let things happen the natural way. Be thankful that you are able to spend a few moments with her and then try to impress her with your actual personality. If she accepts you for who you are and likes you for who you are, then you”ve got everything in the bag.

 3. Do not be clingy.

Youn

Acting and knowing that you don”t need a girl”s approval is guaranteed to grab her attention. This might sound strange, but if a girl thinks that she might not win you over, then she will show more interest in you in the long run. So, do not be clingy just because she has talked to you a couple of times. Instead, show her that there are other fish in the sea that could be interested in you and she will make her move on you without you even having to do anything about it.

 4. Raise your standards.

Show girls that you have very high standards by ignoring gorgeous girls altogether. This will instantly make you more attractive in girls” eyes and make them work harder for your attention. By doing this, you will not just learn how to make a girl like you, either; you will actually succeed in the matter, as well.

Dating may be tiring and confusing, and can lead to a lot of screw-ups. But don”t worry– you”d find the right one for you soon. Keep it here for more dating tips and advice. Til next time!

Filed Under: Dating Advice

October Man Sequence – Heard Of It?

March 13, 2013 By

OK, so this is my first post in 2013. Way overdue, I know! Been busy with my yoga center here in Tulliano, and we have been signing up new customers at a rapid rate. In fact, I’ve just signed up three newbies this afternoon. Stacey, Sonali and Raul – if you’re reading this, then a big welcome!

Last week I had received a rather angry email from Susan, a longtime reader of this blog about something that she has stumbled upon called the “October Man Sequence“. She was initially referring to this blog post I made about the paradox about dating and relationships and then did some research online about it. She found the aforementioned technique which purportedly makes women fall in love in as little as 20 minutes using a combination of female psychology (sometimes known as the female loophole) techniques and hypnosis tricks such as “fractionation“. So I put on my spying hat and then went on a research spree online… and so here’s what I found.

October Man Sequence – All Hype, Or The Real Deal?

I found some articles at Wikipedia about the technique, and learned that the October Man Sequence was created by this “pickup artist” called Twotimer. Can’t find out more about this man though. There’s a video of somebody babbling about the technique on YouTube (rather incoherently I must say) which was not useful. I hit the proverbial pay dirt when I found a dedicated website on the October Man Sequence at http://OctoberManSequence.org – it looks like somebody has put in hours of work to compile everything they need to know about this “covert” dating technique.

So what does the technique entails? Well, to the layman (i.e. ME!) it’s all about using covert persuasion techniques in order to attract women. These are the same techniques that you see everyday that are used prevalently in advertising. Rooted in tested and proven psychology theory, the OMS can be used to persuade almost anybody, and you don’t actually have to use it in dating and love exclusively. I can imagine using it at the office to gain “power” and get that coveted corner office…

-Miranda the Covert Seducer

Finally, the folks at OctoberManSequence.org didn’t pay me for this blog post. Just so you know. :)

Filed Under: Dating Advice, Miscellaneous Tagged With:

Christmas Treat!

December 24, 2012 By

Stumbled upon this particular magnificent piece of live performance by Pink Martini (cover of One Night In Napoli) -

Happy Christmas – and see you in 2013!

Much love,

Miranda :)

Filed Under: Miscellaneous, Tuscany Life

Did I Just Screw Up? :)

December 18, 2012 By

Following up from our previous article on dating (read this if you haven’t done so already), we now talk about the common dating mistakes made by men. Shout outs to my girlfriends Bella Russo and Monique Fabrizio for contributing to this article! Bella and Mona are veterans of the Tuscany dating scene, and are well qualified to talk about this at length.

Did I Just Screw Up? Common Dating Mistakes Made By Men

  • Rushing Into Things

Dating is a process and getting into a relationship does not often happen overnight. If it does, there is a high chance that it’s not going to be a healthy one. Besides, most girls don’t like it when guys rush things up. It would make them feel that you are not serious and are just playing around. The dating period is the best time to get to know each other. The longer the getting-to-know-each-other period, the better. Unless you don’t want to lead things into a serious relationship, don’t rush a girl. Big mistake it is.

  • Underestimating a Woman (especially a Tuscanian!)

Women are like bamboo trees. They look like they can easily be blown away or fall down but they can manage surprisingly. Underestimating women is another common mistake of a guy when dating a girl. Walking a long way, for example, can seem very tiring so you don’t want to ask a woman for a walk. That way you are already underestimating. The truth is that most women actually find it nice to have a walk with their date. Just try it and you’ll be surprised. Besides, it can also be a better way to know each other more.

happy-couple

  • Getting Too Formal

Formality is a good thing (in general). But when it comes to dating, it can be a bit scary. Formality in dating means plotting things in their exact places. Most girls find that really bossy and scary. Here are some things we can suggest to bury the it’s-very-formal-it-scares kind of dating.

Plan things ahead in your mind before you see her but don’t tell her those plans. Ask her first what she wants or where she wants to go (important!). But most girls don’t have anything in their mind – call us fickle! :) That will be your chance to suggest your ideas which, of course, you’ve already planned. Make it look like it just popped out from your mind. That way you will make things look spontaneous because most girls think that the best plan is having no plan. Get things a little lighter and crush down the tension by initiating funny conversations or silly accusations. If you got her, don’t feel guilty. It’s just part of your strategy to know her better, and this is a surefire way on how to win her heart like a master seducer!

  • Being Unappreciative

Girls typically find it delightful to be appreciated especially with the way they look with their dress or with their hair. Just so you know, it usually takes a girl forever just to look perfect on your date. Unfortunately, most guys tend to neglect the positive impact of flattery. Some may think that it’s old fashion to flatter a girl with flashy words and that it makes a girl feel they’re being fooled. But to tell you the truth, it is this kind of old fashion that still remains to be one of the most effective way to rock a girl’s world. So don’t forget to tell her “Hey, you look really beautiful with your dress today.” Or “I love your hair, it exactly fits your beautiful personality” and remember to say them with conviction. Here’s a good podcast on being appreciative of your partner.

  • Not having a good piece of real estate to show off

Now you want to avoid gold-diggers, but if you have got good properties or valuable real estate to show off, then you’ll do better than 99% of the guys out there. Want some tips on acquiring real estate here in Tuscany? Go here.

That concludes our “dating blog post” series for the time being? Got questions? Get in touch – I can be emailed at miranda@tuscanytech.net. If you are in the area, come visit us at our Meditation Center.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous, Tuscany Life

Dating & Relationships: A Paradox

November 23, 2012 By

Recently here at our Tuscany Meditation Center (where we conducted our weekly meditation and brainwave entrainment sessions) we had a member named Thor who had problems with women. He has just moved to Tuscany (and he confessed that he used my guide when he was hunting for an apartment), and having read my previous blog post on dating in Tuscany he told me he had problems.

“I seem to completely freeze out when it comes to meeting women. What can I do in order to be good at dating and seduction?” Thor muses.

Dating Women – A Paradox

Women like confident men, and at the same time they cannot be completely aloof. This is a paradox which has plagued men for many years. Women are hard wired the same way everywhere, and Tuscany women are no different. This might be hard for some to believe but it’s true…very true.

So what can men do in order to immediately be attractive to women? The answer’s pretty simple – work on their confidence levels. In fact, a piece of research by the eminent market research company AC Nielsen shows that the number one trait that women want in a man is their confidence. There is nothing as powerful and attractive as a man who is sure of himself.

If you are not confident about yourself, then a good way to fix this is to use brainwave entrainment techniques. You can download a sample track from http://neuroactivator.com – it’s free.

Learning How To Flirt

Now the next thing that you should tackle apart from fixing your confidence levels is your ability to flirt with women. Knowing how to flirt with a girl and impress her is an asset. Learn how to build emotional rapport with a girl and you will be able to make any girl fall in love with you – guaranteed.

If you want more resources on dating and seduction, check out these set of relationship quizzes from Cosmo magazine:-

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/quizzes-games/relationship-quizzes

Filed Under: Brainwave Entrainment, Tuscany Life

How To Search For The Best Apartment (In Tuscany)

November 6, 2012 By

Note: this is the second part of the Moving To Tuscany series of blog posts (the first post was here).

If you have just moved to Tuscany, then you are probably focusing a lot of your attention on getting a new apartment. If you haven’t moved in a while though, you might have forgotten on the qualities that a perfect apartment has. It is very important to find an apartment that you like since you’ll be living there for at least the next year. The following paragraphs will give you detailed instructions on how to search for the perfect apartment.

The first step to finding the perfect apartment is doing background research. As you probably know by now, location is key. No matter how much cosmetic work you do to the apartment, it isn’t going to change the location. The location is probably the most important quality of an apartment because you can’t change it. So, before you go apartment-hunting, research the neighborhoods you want to live in. This way, you’ll be able to narrow down your search and you’ll end up in a neighborhood that you really enjoy. For example, Tuscany is really unlike KLCC, and you can never find places like KLCC apartments here in Tuscany.

After you have determined the neighborhoods you want to search in, you need to make a list of the things you want in an apartment. It is very important to be practical when making this list. Don’t put outrageous things on this list if you know they aren’t feasible. When you are making this list, put your requests in order of necessity. The things that you really need put at the top of the list and the things that you want put at the bottom of the list. Doing this will help you realize what is really important when you are looking for the perfect apartment.

When you’re making the list of the qualities you would like your apartment to have, it is important to understand the true value of certain upgrades. For example, thick walls have a higher true value than walls with the right color. In order to get the perfect apartment, you will have to look past the cosmetic aspects. In the example above, it makes more economic sense to purchase an apartment with thick walls than an apartment with the right wall color. If you are able to think about your purchase from a value based point of view, you’ll be able to get a lot more for your money in the end.

Finally, you need to make sure that you get a good realtor in Tuscany. Getting a good realtor can really help you find the apartment of your dreams. If your realtor doesn’t understand your vision and your requirements, it will be very hard to find the perfect apartment. It’s best to find a realtor that specializes in the neighborhoods you’d like to live in. This way, the realtor can advise you better on price and negotiations. If you need more advice on choosing a real estate agent, read this Oprah article.

Now that you know how to search for the perfect apartment, you’ll be able to start enjoying your new surroundings in no time. As long as you follow the steps listed above, you should be able to find the perfect apartment.

Questions on moving to Tuscany? Just leave me a message here.

  • Addendum Dec 18th, 2012: the KLCC Apartments link above is no longer valid. To check out the new site, go here.
Filed Under: Tuscany Real Estate

Dating Life In Tuscany

October 21, 2012 By

 

After I have posted an article on moving to Tuscany a week ago, I received an email from yet another prospect who is coming to Tuscany soon regarding the dating life in the city. Jonathan, that’s a bloody good question!

I have invited one of the pioneers of provider of dating advice for men (his name is Santiago) who operates what he called a “seduction lair” here in Florentine. Apparently there are groups of men who gather once a fortnight to discuss dating and seduction techniques and tricks. It’s mind boggling that groups like these exist, and apparently they came about after Rolling Stone magazine journalist Neil Strauss wrote an expose of sorts of the pickup and seduction world through his New York Times bestselling book called “The Game”. There are also blogs which are devoted to the art of seduction – one good example is this article on how to pick up girls like a seasoned pickup artist. Go read it – it’s pretty amazing.

An Interview With Santiago – Tuscany’s First And Foremost Dating & Seduction Specialist

Here’s an excerpt of an interview that I conducted with Santiago, leader of the Tuscany Seduction Lair. We chatted here at the Tuscany Cafe for about two hours. He’s quite a charmer I must say!

Me: Hello Santiago, and thank you for taking time for this.

Santiago: No problemo!

Me: So what makes a man attractive?

Santiago: One word – confidence. Lots of guys want to think that there is a magic pill out there or a pickup line which works across all circumstances, but the truth is that if you are not confident then nothing you say are going to work. I’m serious about this. Most guys who come to me for pickup advice or seduction coaching lack confidence one way or the other. Therefore, the first thing that I ask my students (or prospective students) to work on is their level of confidence. Once that is sorted out then everything is usually smooth sailing.

Me: OK. What is the easiest way to increase one’s level of confidence?

Santiago: Lots of ways, but my favorite shortcut is to use affirmations, and these are super powerful when infused with brainwave entrainment programs. I encourage my clients to listen to meditation music or brainwave entrainment programs before they go out to approach and meet women.

Me: Do you have any favorite brainwave entrainment programs?

Santiago: I like the BrainChronographer and also the NeuroActivator (http://www.neuroactivator.com/blog).

Me: Now back to dating and seducing women. How’s dating life in Tuscany?

Santiago: It’s pretty awesome. My guys in the Tuscany Seduction Lair have lots of success with women, and most of them have got the skills to make women fall in love with them pretty quickly and easily. We hang out quite often, and our pickup expeditions have always been fruitful.

(Interview with Santiago to be continued in the next blog post this coming fortnight)

 

Filed Under: Tuscany Life
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