Filmmaker and Producer David Lynch has a been a devotee of Transcendental Meditation for decades. He now wants returning veterans to have the experience of the noted stress -reduction benefits of TM.
The David Lynch foundation is donating $1 million in grants to teach the meditation technique, known as TM, to the active-duty, veterans and their families. There is a ton of documentation showing the profound remedial benefits to those suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
These grants originate from a division of his foundation called Operation Warrior Wellness.
The current recipients of the Operation Warrior Wellness grants are the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and the UCLA Operation Mend program.
I have practiced TM regularly since I was initiated in the program in 1972, and can testify to the immediacy of its calming effects and the contribution it affords to access a seeming infinite source of psychic energy.
I too suffered from PTSD following my service in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. There is no question that my healing pilgrimage, that is perennial, is aided by the daily practice of meditation and prayer.
Nurses at the VA hospital love to take your blood pressure the moment after you arrive for an appointment. It is always higher than normal since the hustle and bustle of getting there and the waiting room adds to the stimuli that will raise it a few points. I always ask them to take it twice. In the interim, I use the technique of TM and show them how I can lower my BP by at least 15 points.
In 2005 I was a candidate for a research project at Brain States in Scottsdale Arizona. I was lodged at the Mayo Clinic hotel for a week and participated in a very sophisticated Bio-Feedback experiment for the treatment of PTSD. I called it a “Jedi” program. We were all wired up and could view or own brain waves on a big screen. I did not tell them I was a meditator. On day three they asked me how I was able to go to Alpha wave pattern so fast, at which time I gave credit to the TM program. It really does work.
Natural healing processes can cure many physical and mental afflictions. Injured tissue regenerates, white blood cells reject infection, and emotional issues will be subject to spontaneous remission or one finds ways to dance with the distress. Growth itself in all its forms is a natural process and flows without cognitive comprehension or attention. There seems to be a basic primal urge in all living creatures to move in the direction of the fullness of expression, talent and potentialities. It is only the stress of life and surely the stress of combat that dulls the senses and makes us numb to the point of raw fear of changing and resisting natural growth, or natural recovery.
While practicing TM the adherent is able to contact pure awareness and an energy reservoir deep within the psyche. The consequent benefits are a notable decreased anxiety and less dependence on external stimuli, such as drugs and alcohol for arousal needs and self mobilization. The related results are an increase in stability, performance, (many athletes meditate),optimism, energy and overall good health habits.
Mr. Lynch’s timing is perfect, as we prepare for thousands of troops to return home by the end of the month.
I praise, David Lynch for helping the veterans transition to polite society. Given that the retail cost of the training is now approximately $2500.00, his act of charity is well placed. I paid $95 in 1972!
I would hope that David Lynch is not the sole provider of grants for TM training. It would be nice if someone in the Uof A Foundation, Angel Charities, or the Tucson Community Foundation were to do the same for the veterans in Southern Arizona.
A little peace and contentment can only good for the economy.
I enjoyed reading Brewer’s personal account of how TM helps him overcome the effects of PTSD. I do TM too but I personally wouldn’t call it a means of tapping into “psychic energy”. It’s a peaceful recharging of my inner battery. Maybe that’s just different terminology. FYI the cost to learn TM is $1500 (or $750 for students etc.) and I know people who’ve received scholarships from their local TM offices.
Thanks for the correction on the cost. Good that they lowered the fee. I know in 2005 when I was volunteering at a school for at risk kids, it was $2000. The instructors and I even joked about it being a bit of a “caste system,” like India itself. Yes, I do know they are very compassionate about scholarships. They would do well to offer the student fee to disabled veterans.
I will alter the terminology to say “a reservoir of infinite creative energy, that fuels the psyche.” All ways of defining TM return to the same place…it is good stuff!
Wonderful story – thank you. I too have been practicing TM and have found it hugely successful and valuable in my life. Awesome what David Lynch is creating with the Warriors for Wellness program. The more folks who can experience the benefits of TM the better.