David Lynch Foundation Benefit Celebration and Concert: MEDITATE AMERICA
The concert features performances by Sting, Angelique Kidjo, Graham Nash, Elvis Costello, Kesha, Jim James, and the Brooklyn Youth Choir, and was led by musical director Rob Mathes (Kennedy Center Honors). These artists came together to raise awareness and support so that people suffering trauma and stress, including healthcare workers, first-responders, veterans, and families in under-resourced neighborhoods, can all learn the TM technique.
To watch the benefit and concert replay on YouTube click here
First Annual “Peace on Earth” Award
A highlight of the celebration will be the presentation of the First Annual “Peace on Earth” Award of the David Lynch Foundation to Tony Nader, M.D., Ph.D., M.A.R.R., for his contributions to making the TM technique available throughout the world.
Dr. Nader is the head of the international Transcendental Meditation organizations in over 100 countries, serving all sectors of society—education, health, business, defense, agriculture, and more.
A medical doctor, M.I.T. and Harvard University–trained neuroscientist, and globally recognized Vedic scholar, Dr. Nader was chosen by TM Founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to be his successor in leading the world’s TM programs.
Offering the TM Technique through Healthcare
The ultimate goal of the MEDITATE AMERICA initiative is to bring the evidence-based TM technique to anyone who is at-risk and vulnerable to stress and trauma, in the same way that approved medicines are available to people.
“The David Lynch Foundation was established to bring the TM technique to populations most in need. But with the whole nation at risk, how to bring this technique to everyone? Through healthcare, which requires more large-scale, multi-site, third-party scientific studies,” says Bob Roth, CEO of DLF.
More than 380 peer-reviewed research studies on the TM technique have already been published in over 160 scientific journals. These studies were conducted at more than 200 research institutions, including Harvard Medical School and Stanford Medical School. But more studies are needed.
The VA San Diego Healthcare System participated in a study on TM® and PTSD funded by the Department of Defense
The first phase of the initiative is to conduct additional large-scale, randomized controlled trials by independent researchers on the benefits of the technique for healing trauma, and for reducing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, anxiety, and depression. Outcomes from the trials will be used to qualify the TM technique as a medical intervention covered by private and public insurance companies.
For example, the Department of Defense, U.S. Army Medical Research, sponsored a randomized, controlled trial for $2.4 million in which veterans with PTSD who practiced the TM technique showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, according to a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal in 2018. Learn more ►
Nine Veterans Affairs sites are ready to participate in a multi-site study conducted by the VA on the effects of TM practice for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results of this study will help secure funding for 1 million vets suffering from PTSD to learn the TM technique.
Once the TM technique has been approved for health insurance reimbursement, then anyone who suffers from stress and stress-related disorders will be able to learn TM at no cost. In this way, as many as 300 million people will be able to enjoy the profound benefits of TM practice, a development that will transform the health of the entire nation.
“With the whole nation at risk, how to bring this technique to everyone? Through healthcare, which requires more large-scale, multi-site, third-party scientific studies.” —Bob Roth, CEO of DLF
The following David Lynch Foundation national initiatives are already underway to support Americans in need. • Donate to MEDITATE AMERICA via DLF National Initiatives ►
Heal the Healers Now
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, a Harvard report called physician burnout “a public health crisis that urgently demands action,” with several surveys putting the rate of provider burnout as high as 70 percent. Today, the situation is far worse. “Heal the Healers Now” is a national initiative to bring the TM technique to healthcare workers who are battling the coronavirus pandemic in public hospitals.
21 to None
Tragically, at least 21 veterans take their own lives every day. This national epidemic is compounded by the fact that such acts cause lifelong harm to family members and co-workers. The “21 to None”® initiative is addressing the epidemic of high suicide rates among vets by delivering the TM technique to veterans and their families through VA healthcare systems, military bases and military universities, and veteran service organizations.
Healthy Family/Healthy Community
Early-age trauma scars the brain and fuels poor academic performance, sickness, substance use disorder, and antisocial behavior. The “Healthy Family/Healthy Community” initiative partners with local government and civic organizations to bring the TM technique at no cost to under-resourced adults and children to reduce stress, improve cognitive and brain functioning, and prevent crime and violence.
Donate to MEDITATE AMERICA via DLF National Initiatives ►
Donate to MEDITATE AMERICA via Local TM Centers ►
“Heal the Healers Now” is a national initiative to bring the TM technique to healthcare workers who are battling the coronavirus pandemic in public hospitals.
