The definition of kukkucca in the Buddhist tradition is organized around ethical behavior; the cause of worry is the stress that arises from misdeeds. In a contemporary context, worry includes this, in addition to a quality of self-talk that is intrusive, repetitive and can manifest as preoccupation with something painful that happened in the past or anticipating something that might happen in the future. The characteristic emotional tone of restlessness and worry is counteracted by the practice of mindfulness of breathing. Staying with the breath sensation for several cycles of breathing in and out stabilizes attention. This is combined with mindfully noting the “selfing story” that is associated with the restlessness and diverting attention away from the internal commentary and back to the breath.

##### WHAT CULTURAL FACTORS CREATE AND SUPPORT TOXIC STRESS RESPONSES?

As mentioned above, our culture is radically different from earlier eras of human existence. Here are some considerations in this regard: The latest American Psychological Association (APA) report in January of 2017 notes that American’s reports of stress on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 indicating the highest level, that the rating increased from 4.8 to 5.1, and that the strongest influences for stress are political and related to social media access (Social media including cable news, Facebook, the internet, etc.). The neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky, who wrote “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers”, has written a new book, “Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst”. The premise of the book is that much of our stress is unconscious and instinctively reactive, and due to the perception that we can’t control aspects of life. This might include work, relationships, disturbed weather patterns and social conditions involving politics, race, poverty, etc.

- ü In a consumer culture, we are strongly conditioned toward fabricated “necessities”, such as clothing styles, creature comforts, entertainment modalities (movies, tv, the internet, smart phones, etc.) The embedded message in the ads that promote consumption is that we can be happier if we consume what is marketed, and if we don’t have what the ad promises, we will be deprived. The nervous and hormonal system interprets these wants as requirements for survival, unless mindfulness sees through the flawed premise of the ad.
- ü With a 24 hour news cycle and instantaneous transmission of information, we are bombarded with misery and suggestions that the world isn’t safe. This strategy works because the nervous and hormonal system is primed to be alert to potential threats. Even though we can be rationally clear that a war or catastrophe on the other side or the planet, environmental degradation and the climate changes that result from pollution, or crime in impoverished metropolitan areas aren’t direct threats, subconsciously, adrenaline and cortisol production is enhanced. One of the benefits of ongoing mindfulness practice, combined with the beneficial effects of samadhi/passadhi, is the increased ability to notice and disregard the misperceptions that mass media prompts.
- ü There is persistent pressure from emails, text messages, tweets, and so on, that seem to demand immediate response, which arouses the production stress. Because of the increasing use of computers and software, more productivity can be gained from fewer employees in the workplace. The increasing divide between the “haves” and the “have nots” creates stress for both segments of the population—the have nots feel inadequate and powerless, and the haves fear losing the privileges and comforts of being on top of the consumption category.

##### WHAT IS THE PREVALENCE OF STRESS IN OUR CULTURE?

What can statistical analysis tell us about the percentage of the current population adversely affected by stress? 29th, Here is the data downloaded from Statistic Brain Research Institute on May 2015, and gathered by the Institute in March and April, 2015:

Percent of people who regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress: 77%
Regularly experience psychological symptoms caused by stress: 73%
Feel they are living with extreme stress: 33%
Feel their stress has increased over the past five years: 48%