By Lorraine Alexander

Resilience by definition is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. The pressures of life continue to mount, especially in the workplace. Stress management techniques preserve the quality and longevity of life. 

Today's world is multifaceted, and stress pervades our life each and every day. Traffic builds, three jobs are funneled into one, financial pressure increases as housing costs rise, violence dominates our schools, social pressures rise, there is a mounting sea of new technology,  moreover, we have an uncertain future with climate change. As a teacher of meditation and mind-body wellness, I see firsthand the impact of these stressors.

This article will answer three vital questions:​​

• How does stress affect the body?
• Can stress be held at bay?  
• What steps can be taken to restore health and happiness?​

Jump into the ocean of being authentic

People on the self-actualization path know ‘the best-kept secret’ - and they live it in their everyday life. Now, many of them want to share this adventure of personal empowerment with others.
 
A fresh approach to self-empowerment
​
Millions are yearning for the ultimate secret in life. Some spend thousands of dollars on pricey seminars and trainings, to gain this competitive edge. Others blindly follow self-appointed experts, just to get a glimpse through someone else’s experience. The truth is there are some ‘rare birds’ that know where the real deal and personal power can be found - and how to access it. It's different than what most of us have been taught. It takes a shift in perspective.

​If you think chronic pain is rare, think again. According to a report from the Institute of Medicine, more than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, at the cost of about $600 billion a year. Chronic pain is near epidemic proportion across the U.S.
 
Acute pain vs. chronic pain
 
The onset of acute pain is sudden, caused by an injury like a burn or cut, a dental problem, a broken bone, or surgery. When the affected area heals, the pain usually subsides within a six-month timeframe, according to Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center. But chronic pain can continue to plague sufferers; lasting for months or even years ­after the affected area has healed. This occurs because the body continues to signal pain to the nervous system. The pain is real, and the effect stresses the body­–and the patient. Chronic pain can immobilize patients, holding their life hostage by keeping them from their work, their daily activities, and even their social life. 

If you are thinking about learning to meditate there are hundreds of methods to choose from. The task of researching a sea of choices is a mind-boggling experience. To simplify your selection process, know that it is no coincidence most medical studies on meditation are based on silent meditation.

There are two primary categories, directive (also known as concentrative) and nondirective (no concentration is required). Both are beneficial according to a study completed at Harvard Medical School in 2013. The study found both meditation styles reduce stress and improve health. 

​Awaken the Force Within
​By Lorraine Alexander
​
The actor Mark Hamill portrayed the beloved character Luke Skywalker the Jedi apprentice, in the hit movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens. As the story evolves, Luke grew to become a guardian of peace and justice. He dedicated himself to personal growth and the way of the Jedi. Once he developed these noble values, only then did he find the ability to tap into "the Force.”

If you've ever worked on a project as a collaborative team member, you know from firsthand experience, that when the team dynamics work, there is nothing sweeter; conversely, nothing is more challenging or draining than a team out-of-sync. How can companies and organizations facilitate a team culture of cooperation, flexibility, and a positive spirit?
 
How Meditation Programs Launch Winning Teams 
 
As a first step, some experts might suggest analyzing the corporate culture or group dynamics. Although this is the most obvious starting place, to create a winning team, we need to dive far deeper.  Each team member should take a personal inventory; first by taking a good look at their motives and intentions, and secondly, whether they are committed to the success of the group as a whole. To achieve this deep level of commitment, each individual needs to understand self-actualization and the basic hierarchy of personal growth.