Brent Fouch is the chief executive officer of Black Ice Advisors, LLC, an investment fund based in San Diego, California. When he is not supporting the fund in providing capital to publicly traded companies, Brent Fouch pursues real estate development opportunities around the world. He is developing eight villas in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
There are a number of reasons to consider living or spending time in Costa Rica. The small central American nation is known for its friendly people, stable economy, and beautiful beaches and forests. These landscapes contribute to another of the country’s strengths: Costa Rica is arguably one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Costa Rica occupies 19,730 square miles, making it roughly the size of Denmark or West Virginia. The Pacific and Caribbean coastlines measure just 631 and 132 miles, respectively, compared to California’s 840 mile Pacific coastline. Despite its small size, Costa Rica is home to half a million known species, or 5 percent of the unique life on earth. In comparison, California is home to about 1,000 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, while Denmark and West Virginia are home to an estimated 30,000 and 600 species, respectively. A few of the most notable species in Costa Rica include howler monkeys, sloths, tree frogs, sea turtles, caimans, and countless tropical birds, from toucans to macaws. The country is home to several endangered species, including the jaguar and resplendent quetzal. Individuals interested in Costa Rica’s biodiversity can plan a variety of tours and safaris, including whale watching for humpback whales. Brent Fouch maintains a successful career in finance and capital raising as head of Black Ice Advisors, LLC. Also accomplished in astral projection and the author of “Conscious Exploration for the Advanced Soul,” Brent Fouch has spent many years perfecting this remarkable, esoteric practice.
The transient out-of-body experience (OBE) arising from intentional astral projection has been described in various academic settings. UK cognitive researcher Jane Aspell characterizes the phenomenon as one in which the self appears to separate from the body, floating above it and looking down from an elevated position. The "astral body” (human consciousness or soul) has temporary become untethered from the physical body, which provides an opportunity to explore one’s deeper self. As Mr. Fouch describes it in his book, the key to astral projecting is keeping the mind awake while the body falls asleep. Attaining a hypnogogic state allows the five senses to shut off and the brainwaves to shift frequency, with sounds and images appearing in the mind’s eye. At this point, one is close to projecting, but even deeper relation is required. This deep relaxed state expands vibrations throughout the body. The energy body loosens and vibrations ultimately reach a crescendo. This is the moment when consciousness separates from the physical body and it’s possible to explore the universe. Based in San Diego, California, Brent Fouch leads Black Ice Advisors, LLC, and focuses on investments in publicly traded companies. Having also led Mind Solutions, Inc. and delivered thought-controlled software platforms, Brent Fouch is the author of “Conscious Exploration for the Advanced Soul.” The premise of the work is that, through meditation, people can cultivate the ability to view and process things beyond the physical dimension.
This information is stored within the quantum field and is accessed in much the same way as computers search the cloud and pull out relevant data. This relates to quantum physics and the zero-point field, a lowest-energy state posited as “the source of all matter.” Interestingly, the quantum mind is not a new concept, as it has long been described in Eastern discourse through concepts such as No Mind and Universal Mind. In practical terms, connecting with the quantum mind involves getting in tune with one’s inner wisdom and capacities for visionary thinking. Dualistic voices that stretch you in various directions are transcended as you find a unified sense of wholeness and purpose. From this personal awareness, born of attentive stillness, comes the potential for achieving collective understanding and bringing about a more sustainable, open, and holistically centered world. Known for its hallucinogenic effects, ayahuasca is a common ingredient in shamanic brews and psychedelic concoctions. Today, spiritual retreats use the drug to grant visitors the opportunity to expand their minds and explore themselves in a new light.
Typically prepared as a tea, ayahuasca consists of two elements: Psychotria viridis leaves and the vine stalks of Banisteriopsis caapi. Both plants are characterized by psychoactive properties. Psychotria viridis contains a hallucinogenic chemical called DMT, which is quickly broken down by enzymes in the body. To prolong its activity, specific enzyme inhibitors called MAOIs are needed. MAOIs are a component of Banisteriopsis caapi, and the combination of the two plants creates a potent psychedelic experience that alters one’s level of consciousness. After cleaning and crushing Banisteriopsis caapi, a shaman boils both ingredients in water. Following several rounds of boiling, the ayahuasca tea becomes concentrated and is ready for consumption. The effects of ayahuasca usually begin 20 to 60 minutes after ingestion and can last for several hours. Effects of ayahuasca are dose-dependent and can include out-of-body experiences and sensory (mostly visual) hallucinations. Some people may experience side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and paranoia. People can experience different psychedelic effects after drinking ayahuasca tea. While some feel euphoric and enlightened, while others may struggle with severe panic. Ancient Amazonian tribes used ayahuasca as a sacred beverage for spiritual purposes. During the late 19th century, ayahuasca use expanded beyond indigenous rituals. It has become a popular choice for those interested in psychedelic journeys. Recent studies demonstrate the psychological benefits of ayahuasca use. For example, researchers found that, after ingesting ayahuasca, individuals diagnosed with social anxiety showed improved self-perception of speech performance. Other studies confirm that ayahuasca can contribute to mood regulation, thereby moderating the symptoms of mental disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Countries such as Peru, Costa Rica, and Brazil host ayahuasca retreats where participants can ingest the tea under the supervision of a shaman. Such retreats offer visitors an eye-opening spiritual tourism experience. Visitors lodge in healing centers or wellness resorts, where they participate in ayahuasca ceremonies and native healers guide them during their ayahuasca journeys. To purify their bodies prior to ayahuasca ceremonies, visitors go on strict diets where they abstain from caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs. Ayahuasca retreats attract people from all walks of life, and there is a wide range of ayahuasca retreats catering to different demographics. For instance, Vancouver’s Journeymen Collective helps business teams find spiritual direction in the corporate world. In addition, celebrities like Joe Rogan and Tim Ferriss have supported the use of ayahuasca and popularized its beneficial effects. Meanwhile, Soltara Healing Center in Costa Rica offers visitors ayahuasca ceremonies complemented by yoga sessions and private consultations with healers. Individuals struggling with addiction, burnout, and stress often turn to ayahuasca, seeking a mind-altering experience that can help them gain insights and find peace. People who participate in ayahuasca ceremonies often state that they gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life. Although it may trigger traumatic memories to resurface, ayahuasca assists people in processing their emotions. Participants report feeling rejuvenated and energized for days after an ayahuasca ceremony. For those who are willing to open their minds to new possibilities and have the patience to practice a different way of being, achieving an out-of-body experience offers people the chance to explore beyond what they previously thought was possible and allows them to see themselves and their environment in new ways.
Out-of-body experiences can feel different for different people. Seasoned practitioners explain that the experience can include seeing and feeling a physical environment that is different from the one your body occupies, and the intensity of the experience can depend on the person’s vibrational frequency. Before you begin to practice techniques to achieve an out-of-body experience, keep in mind that achieving this state can take weeks of daily practice, and people who have reported out-of-body experiences say it can take 30 days or more. To get the most out of your daily practice, find a space you can dedicate to your out-of-body exploration. An area that is separate from your bedroom is the best choice, because you want to avoid falling asleep during your practice. Many people use a sofa or comfortable chair with head support. Others enjoy making their out-of-body exploration area a unique space that is decorated with an altar, spiritual statues, works of art, or crystals. Before beginning an out-of-body exploration session, try to put yourself into a deeply relaxed state by using techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. Start off your session by setting an intention for your practice, which is an expression of what you wish to get out of the experience. The next step in the exploration is called body of light. Feel yourself letting go of your physical constraints as you visualize your body filling with light and becoming less heavy. Imagine your energy centers fully opening as your spirit floats free. Hold the intention you set in your thoughts as you feel the bright light flowing through your body. Let go of your physical being as you feel yourself floating free. Some practitioners enjoy using special vibrations or sounds to enhance their experience. If the white light technique is not bringing the desired results, try the balloon technique. Imagine all of your weight falling away as you rise in a hot air balloon. Envision it in any color and shape you desire. Feel yourself rising higher and higher in your hot air balloon, gently floating above a wide open landscape below. Imagine yourself traveling to any location of your choice that brings you peace. Another technique you can use to practice for an out-of-body experience is a count down globe. Envision a white orb floating one foot above your head. In your mind, drift toward the globe as you focus on counting down from 10. Continue to focus on the intention you set for your out-of-body experience. As you let go of your physical self, see yourself becoming one with the floating orb above your head. Focus on merging your awareness with the floating white globe. There are a variety of other techniques you can practice to achieve an out-of-body experience. It’s not unusual to experience sounds, vibrations, motion, or feelings of expansion during these explorations. Remember to remain calm and focus on your intention, not the energy shifts within your body. Feel yourself surrendering to the sensations and energies you experience. And be sure to give yourself time to end and separate from the out-of-body experience, and adjust again to your physical environment. Brent Fouch is an accomplished entrepreneur and executive who serves as CEO of Black Ice Advisors, LLC, in San Diego, California. He also founded Mind Solutions, Inc. in 2010, a software and hardware development company that specializes in brain-computer-interface (BCI) technology. Although committed to his career, Brent Fouch finds time for his favorite pastimes, including surfing and traveling. Here are some of the top places to surf in Italy.
1. Tuscany is located in the north of Italy and offers exceptional surfing along the coast. The towns of Levanto, Viareggo, Livorno, and Piombino receive waves when storms push low-pressure weather systems toward the coastline. Maremma, located in the south, has gentle waves that are suitable for beginners. 2. Sardinia is a large Italian island with the country's best surf. It is known for having the most consistent waves, with more than 200 surf days per year. The west coast of the island is the best place for surfing, particularly at the popular spot Capo Manu or the less populated Silver Rock Reef, where swells can reach up to 12 feet high. 3. The island of Sicily offers vast coastline with great waves for surfing, being surrounded by the Mediterranean, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian Seas. The island is only second to Sardinia for its surfing opportunities, with both popular and unexplored areas to ride. The CEO of Black Ice, LLC, Brent Fouch earned his BS in psychology from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Brent Fouch surfed competitively in high school and college as a school surf team member, and still enjoys the activity.
A popular surfing destination in San Diego is Black’s Beach, which is near the campus of UCSD. It situated north of La Jolla Shores and at the southern end of Torrey Pines State Beach. The area is well known for its big winter swells. Around a half-mile off the coast is a submarine trench that produces added strength to the waves, which move in fast and powerfully before ending up as big, hollow peaks. The area is not meant for beginners, and wipeouts can result in being held underwater for a considerable amount of time. Due to the effort needed to reach the beach, not many people go there unless there are significant swells drawing hordes of surfers to the water. The most commonly used route to the beach is via the Torrey Pines Glider Port. Take caution when using this route, as the Torrey Pines cliffs are not unstable, and some people have fallen to their deaths there. Brent Fouch is a seasoned growth investment executive who guides Black Ice Advisors, LLC, where he has helped enable the creation of solutions in areas such as brain-computer interfaces. An avid surfer, Brent Fouch enjoys exploring coastal locales around the world, from Jamaica to Hawaii. One of the essentials of maintaining an optimal grip on the board when standing up in the water has to do with application of surf wax. Available in a number of brands, wax is only applied on the top side of the board, from a point one third of the way down the board to the tail. Pay careful attention to the type of wax used, with warmer climates such as the Caribbean requiring harder wax that does not melt easily. By contrast, cooler waters such as those of the Pacific benefit from softer waxes that ensure maximum stickiness and traction during extended sessions. Remember to clean the board regularly and completely remove the wax that has accumulated periodically. Not only does this allow the even application of new wax, which provides a much better grip, but it enables dings, cracks, and other issues in need of repair to be easily identified. Brent Fouch serves as the chief executive officer of Black Ice Advisors, LLC, which is an investment fund based in San Diego, California. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Brent Fouch is an avid traveler who has visited Italy. Though Italy is one of the world's most iconic travel destinations, the country is incredibly diverse, with many places to see and regional cultures to experience. Recently, the New York Times named Italy's Puglia region one of the top 52 Places to Go in 2019. Puglia is located in Southern Italy, and, in its coverage, the New York Times highlighted the region's historic fortified farmhouses, which are being transformed into boutique hotels. The publication also noted the region's ancient wine-making culture, which spans at least 1,000 years. Additionally, the New York Times stated that the region boasts Baroque architecture and has an abundance of beaches along the Adriatic Sea. Making a trip to Puglia more accessible to interested travelers, EasyJet and Transavia airlines have recently added flights to the region. |
AuthorDrawing on his experience in financial services and investment banking, Brent Fouch established his company, Mind Solutions, Inc., in San Diego, California, in 2009. Archives
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