April 2024
​By Lorraine Alexander
​

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. 

​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}.

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. ​

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?​

Silent mantra meditation has been practiced around the world for over five thousand years, taught from "teachers to student" as a time-honored oral tradition. One might conclude there must be something to be prized in a tradition that has that kind of rich history—and they would be right. ​

In 1975, silent mantra meditation landed the cover of Time Magazine. A full forty-two years later, many forms of meditation have risen up to join the flow of this mainstream movement. It's been a long time coming, and now meditation is here to stay. This shift into acceptance is primarily due to a long list of medical studies proving profound mind-body benefits. 

Flipping a coin or using "eeny, meeny, miny, moe," or another random selection method is not the way you should choose your new method of meditation. You should be looking for a method that works for you, a method that fits you like a glove. There are many fine, effective methods to choose from. Take the time to understand the variables, and how the methods differ.