Members of the Braelyn Senior Recreational Club gathered for an insightful and uplifting afternoon at Mahila Mandal Hall on Thursday, where guest of honour, spiritual mentor and photographer Marlene Neumann, delivered a moving keynote titled “Finding balance in a changing world”.
The event successfully blended deep reflection with vibrant community spirit.
The afternoon included April birthday celebrations, a refreshing 10-minute exercise session, and a lively “Your Junk is My Treasure” pre-loved exchange, which saw members swapping items and stories.
Addressing the crowd, Neumann spoke candidly about the unique pressures of 2026. She noted how rapidly shifting social dynamics and technology are impacting mental health across all generations.
“I have noticed a profound change in society,” she said.
“Even five years ago, things felt different. Life has become incredibly fast-paced and technology-driven.
“Anxiety, tension, and stress have increased, leading to a growing loss of connection — not only with each other but with ourselves and nature.”
Neumann specifically highlighted the challenges faced by the older generation, who may feel sidelined by a world dominated by digital systems.
She explained that even routine tasks, like navigating a new smartphone or visiting a bank, can now feel like overwhelming hurdles, leading to a sense of isolation.
However, her message was ultimately one of hope.
Neumann emphasised that true balance is an internal shift rather than an external one.
“True balance is about coming back to your natural state of peace and stillness,” she advised.
“We are always at a choice point. When we feel stressed, we can choose how we respond instead of getting caught up in the drama.”
She offered the seniors practical, daily tools to reclaim their calm:
Mindful breathing: Focusing on the breath to anchor the mind.
Dietary awareness: Reducing caffeine and sugar intake to stabilise energy.
Nature therapy: Spending time in a garden or walking outdoors to heal the nervous system.
Drawing from her own journey of overcoming serious illness, Neumann underscored the link between emotional resilience and physical health.
“We cannot change the world around us if there is conflict within ourselves,” she reminded the audience.
The afternoon concluded with a sense of renewed perspective.
Attendees left Mahila Mandal Hall not just with practical stress-management tips, but with a powerful reminder to embrace change with a sense of calm and to cherish face-to-face connection.
“Life is short. We must learn to let go of anxiety and truly live,” Neumann said.
