April 2024
​By Lorraine Alexander
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If asked, "Are you taking care of your health?" You may pause to think for a minute. Most people associate exercise, a balanced diet, hydration, and mental health with overall general health. And they would be correct in the most general sense. However, a component of human health must be considered—our exposure to technology.

In 1984 the term technostress was introduced.
Four decades later, many of us can relate to both the positive and negative influence of technology, including wifi, computers, cell phones, and social media. These technological advances add efficiency and convenience to life. Yet, at the same time, they also add stress. Everyone who sends a message expects a response. We feel the need to keep a presence online and in social circles. And in the workplace, our reputation depends on a speedy, accurate, and thoughtful response. 

With constant wifi connectivity, technostress threatens our health and lifestyle with complexity and information overload. There is a sub-current of uncertainty and angst as we face our ever-changing world of technology. In many ways, through the use of technology, we have become less connected to friends and business associates. 

Photo: Bruce Mars

If you easily fall asleep without effort, your sleep is deep, and you wake up feeling rested and ready to embrace your day, consider yourself lucky.

The quality of our sleep is a direct reflection of our health and wellness.
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When life gets complex, we tend to ignore self-care, and our sleep quality suffers. Stress causes inflammation, body aches, and physical or emotional pain. Other top stressors include finances, work deadlines, and complicated relationships. Any one of these factors can diminish sleep quality.

The purpose of sleep is to soothe and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit. During sleep, both the brain and body eliminate toxins. Quality sleep offers energy for daily performance, and while it enhances our mindset, quality sleep can also elevate our mood. 

April 2023, NORTHBAY biz magazine
Live Wise column
Read the full article.
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by Lorraine Alexander​

We know that aging is inevitable. Then why do some people appear noticeably younger and healthier than their age? One of the best anti-aging strategies may be meditation. Science cautiously proves the link between meditation and aging well, through the efforts of Elizabeth Blackburn, Nobel Prize-winner and co-author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Telomere Effect.

Telomeres and the science of longevity
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In 2009, Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, the former president of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and a professor of biology and physiology at the University of California in San Francisco, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her study of telomeres. More specifically, Blackburn discovered how science accurately measures our biological clock on aging.

By Lorraine Alexander, DASA Meditation
NorthBaybiz: Guest Column, September 2022 ​

​Learn how DASA Meditation can enhance your higher knowing in three distinctive ways. Quiet the mind. Connect to your inner knowing. Live your best life. {Since 1975}.

"What a man can be, he must be. This need we call self-actualization." —Abraham Maslow

This brief session (5 min 32 sec) explains how self-actualization offers a state of fulfillment, inner peace, and the presence to live your best life. Sage Principles audio sessions are the courtesy of DASA Meditation.
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Read or save this expanded session as a pdf article (3 min 10 sec). ​Get a deeper understanding of self-actualization with graphics, including quotes from Maslow and Einstein, and a personal message from Jobs.

You may be surprised to learn the simplicity of Maslow's final thoughts (near end of life). Watch Encountering Abraham Maslow, a short documentary (11:23) about the life and influence of Abraham Maslow the founder of humanistic psychology. 

Image 1: Joseph Barrientos /  Image 2: Federico Respini

Could others benefit from this topic? If yes, share your comments and give us a "Like" on the link below. Thanks so very much!

Audio + pdf - Volume 1: Session 1 - ​Live your best life.

There is an expansive vista of life which can only be seen as we rise in awareness. 
This audio session explores both the misconceptions of meditation and what can be gained with regular practice. Sage Principles audio sessions are the courtesy of DASA Meditation. 

​Save this session: pdf article with links to three relevant studies (read time 2 min 13 sec). 

Could others benefit from this topic? If yes, share your comments and give us a "like" on the link below. Thanks so very much!

 
By Lorraine Alexander July 19, 2021 
Read time 2 min. 49 sec.
                                                                                             
New to meditation, or considering tackling this ancient 5,000-year practice on your own? Sounds simple enough, right?  Don’t let the simplicity of meditation fool you. 
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A proven method properly used can transform your health and offer a positive shift in your wellbeing. If you are considering embracing this practice, save yourself the challenges of starting fresh and read on.
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1. Prioritize the time to practice meditation. 
The number one advantage that will establish your success is consistency. It is ideal to set your daily practice at the same time each day. This system will lessen the risk of putting it off and missing a meditation. Remember, the positive influence of meditation is cumulative, so be consistent. Keep track of your experiences by jotting down a quick note in your journal. Meditate faithfully twice a day, twenty minutes each session. Soon you will feel the benefits. 
 
2. Eliminate caffeine, sugar, or alcohol before a meditation. 
Many people make the mistake of starting their day with a heavy jolt of caffeinated coffee or tea followed by a burst of sugar in a pastry or cereal. Then they roll into meditation and try to quiet down. It is no surprise that they just sabotaged their meditation efforts!  Avoid all forms of sugar and caffeine before sitting. A best practice is this: Meditate immediately upon waking (pre-caffeine), then just before dinner (before a heavy meal).
 
3. Stop trying so hard.
I often read this comment online, "I cannot empty my mind.”  My advice is simple. Know that the goal is to quiet the mind. An effective technique will do the work — hold to your schedule and sit.  Expect gradual changes. A noticeable improvement takes time and patience. Eventually, the activity of thought will lessen, and you will feel a noticeable difference.
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One single question that begs to be answered about meditation
Over the years, I find people continue to ask me the same question over and over, "What is the best form of meditation?" There are many useful meditation forms; some are simply more effective than others. This article explains two fundamental approaches to meditation. 

Directive versus non-directive meditation
Within the practice of meditation, there are two primary categories, directive and non-directive. The directive form requires focused attention, while the non-directive form allows the mind to wander. Although the origins of both forms emerged from religious roots, many contemporary versions have risen—free from dogma and religion, with a primary focus on stress reduction, health, and happiness. ​