Since 2005 the David Lynch Foundation has shared Transcendental Meditation with our most stressed populations. http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org
Veterans: “A year ago this month I was suicidal. I was so low that I just wanted to not be here….Transcendental Meditation saved my life.”
At-Risk Youth: “I used to say I’m gonna get my grades up I’m gonna do better. But still it was just what I said, it never happened. Until I started meditating.”
African Refugees: “After my husband died my in-laws turned against me. They tortured me, almost killed me….those days I used to cry too much but now even the tears, they are holding. I’m great.”
Prisoners: “If you just take the time to meditate, free your mind, everything will come together.”
Homeless: “I was just so frustrated and full of misguided anger I didn’t know where to direct it to….people tell me you’re so calm….it’s surprising even to me.”
Native Americans: “I lost four members of my family to diabetes. I don’t want that to happen to my people….Since I started TM my sugar has been where it should be. So, I’m sold on TM.”
20 minutes twice a day changed them. Meditation changed them.
“Sorrow, anxiety, traumatic stress, depression, hate, anger, rage, fear start to lift away. Life just gets better and better and better.” – David Lynch
“I think this is what people need. They don’t need high minded talk, they need results.” – Paul McCartney
“Speaking as a scientist the amazing thing about Transcendental Meditation is the very well-established research showing the technique impacts things that we didn’t think were changeable.” – Dr. Oz
“The initial research on the effects of Transcendental Meditation in treating PTSD offers so much hope. Better then many things being tried at far less a cost.” – Candy Crowley
Jerry Yellin, WWII Veteran and author of four books, speaks with fellow vet Luke Jensen on how they survived PTSD. KTVO’S Kate Allt
FAIRFIELD, IOWA — Across the country, more and more veterans are returning home from war with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Veterans who have been home for decades still struggle with traumatic experiences and memories.
Two Iowa veterans are inviting all soldiers from all wars and their families to the Sondheim Center in Fairfield, Iowa on July 28 to hear how a unique lesson went miles to improve the quality of their lives.
Jerry Yellin is not only a veteran of World War II and the author of four books, he has dedicated his life to helping veterans of all wars and their families. Yellin met Vietnam vet Ed Schloeman in 2010 and after both of them learned Transcendental Meditation, and saw the immediate benefits to their health and well-being, Operation Warrior Wellness was born.
Yellin knows first-hand what combat can do to a person’s mental and physical health.
“On August 14, the war was over and I came home and I was an empty shell at the age of 21,” he said. “Combat took everything out of me. I had a pure purpose for life, pure purpose for living, pure purpose for serving my government, serving my country, and then no purpose of life for 30 years. Stressed out, many jobs, and then I learned Transcendental Meditation, and I got my life back. There are hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of families – not only soldiers – but families, suffering from post traumatic stress and stress is relieved by Transcendental Meditation.”
Yellin firmly believes that Transcendental Meditation, or TM, saved his life. His, and many others. He has saved countless testimonials from veterans across the country who have seen the effects of TM work wonders on them and their families.
Luke Jensen of Des Moines is just one example. He returned from Afghanistan three years ago a broken man.
“I tried many, many things that did not work for me,” Jensen said. “And my family continued to push me to try new things, to get help when I first got back from Afghanistan. I wasn’t having any luck with anything or getting relief from anything until I learned TM with Jerry. It can change your life, and it did for myself and for Jerry and for many other veterans who went through – I know veterans who went through much worse, more experiences than I did and it helped them.”
Even scientists say TM has a relieving effect on the brain, and helps get rid of traumatic and stressful experiences stored into memory. Dr. Fred Travis, at the Center for Brain, Consciousness, and Cognition at Maharishi University, said the brain is not constant and unchanging. Rather, experience changes the brain, and oftentimes, traumatic or stressful experiences leave a permanent effect on the brain, and the amygdala – the fear center – is permanently turned on.
The way to reverse that change in the brain is to offer a direct opposite experience, one of calmness and deep thought.
“What Transcendental Meditation seems to do is turns off the amygdala and suddenly the person – remember, the brain is the interface between inner and outer – so now suddenly the person can see the situation in a different way,” said Dr. Travis. “This is what we see in the research of veterans of the Vietnam era, of Iraq, of Afghanistan, is the process of transcending from TM helps them very quickly reduce flashbacks, eliminate the anger and anxiety inside allowing them to sleep, allowing their heart and feelings to flow towards other people.”
“It helped me become a person, helped me become a better person, better husband, better father, a better person with a purpose in life,” Yellin said. “And I would like every veteran to expose themselves to this modality of Transcendental Meditation.”
This news report aired Wednesday, July 18, 2012 on ABC 3 and CBS 3.2.
To learn more about the July 28, 2 pm event – Healing the Hidden Wounds of War – at the Sondheim in Fairfield, or to register, visit http://operationwarriorwellness.org/iowa.
The legendary Dave Stewart and the lovely, Jihae (pronounced “Jee-heh”) teamed up to create this beautiful song called Man To Man (Woman To Woman) for Transcendental Music (formerly the David Lynch Foundation Music, a charity record label).
The song is the official theme song for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s 2012 Hours Against Hate—Walk A Mile campaign (www.2012WalkAMile.com), a worldwide initiative to promote tolerance and health. The project is run on smartphones, using the SoFit, a free social gaming application that allows you to earn rewards while staying fit and making the world a better place. Look for WAM at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Here is an earlier version of this song Dave Stewart donated to David Lynch Foundation Music. It’s a great song! Thought it was a hit when I first heard it. I actually prefer this version, but they’re both great. Here are the liner notes.
This track from the prolific performer, producer and songwriter Dave Stewart evokes an awe-inspired contemplation of the human condition. “Man to Man” is a heart-strung symphony about passing the torch of consciousness, the soaring transactions of the heart. This is Muhammad Ali, this is Mother Teresa, this is a canoe trip, a love letter, a photograph with your lover by a geyser. “Man to Man” just might be the courage you need to finally get down on one knee and propose to your Higher Self.
Transcendental Music is committed to releasing unique, high-quality music digital downloads, LPs and meditation branded lifestyle products, to help raise vital funds and awareness to support The David Lynch Foundation.
We are committed to creating a new, trailblazing, charity based music label. Involved in this model will be the creation of strong brands and fresh marketing concepts for our artists, releases and cause. In turn, our image will be reflected by the genres and artists involved with the various releases on the label.
We’ll capture the imagination of the music buying public by leveraging the influence of long established artists, and high profile world leaders and activists. We’ll create market demand by offering exclusive products featuring one-of-a-kind packaging and forward-thinking distribution.
Los Angeles: June 30, 2012: The David Lynch Foundation hosted its first annual “Night of Comedy” to honor legendary manager and producer (and 30-year meditator) George Shapiro. Proceeds went to support TMprograms for at-risk youth, veterans with PTSD, and women and girls who have been victims of violence and abuse. Headliners included Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Russell Brand, Garry Shandling and Sarah Silverman. Over 500 people attended. Thanks to all who participated and attended! Here is a quick edit of a fun 15-minute highlight reel from that very blissful evening. – Bob Roth, executive director, David Lynch Foundation.
Watch this great interview of George Shapiro posted on Emmy TV Legends in the Archive of American Television. He shares great stories of comics he represented, including Andy Kaufman and Jerry Seinfeld. http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/george-shapiro
Healing the Hidden Wounds of War, an open forum for Iowa veterans and their families affected by PTSD, sponsored by Operation Warrior Wellness, a division of the David Lynch Foundation, in Fairfield, Iowa.
Veterans are overcoming PTSD through meditation and reclaiming their lives. Meditation Saves A Veteran From Suicide is a video of Iowa veteran Luke Jensen describing his experiences in Afghanistan, how he tried to deal with his PTSD, and what finally worked for him.
As a result of learning to meditate, and the relief it brought him and his wife, Abi, Luke wanted to join Jerry in making this program available to other Iowa veterans and their families suffering from PTSD. They are organizing a special open forum, Healing the Hidden Wounds of War, to take place Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 2 pm in the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center in Fairfield, Iowa.
Iowa veterans can find relief from combat-induced stress and escape the self-destructive cycle of drugs, alcohol, and depression. To learn more, or to register, visit http://operationwarriorwellness.org/iowa.
“The first week I was there three soldiers got killed there….I was certain I wasn’t going to make it back home and I started thinking about suicide. I felt I was going to die anyway, so why be miserable day after day when it’s going to happen? I was just certain it was going to happen….I tried five or six different kinds of depression medicine, two or three different kinds of anxiety medicines. When I continued to try and try and try and things weren’t helping, hopelessness really was taking over and I still continued to think almost daily that suicide was going to be the option.”
In 2011, Luke Jensen learned the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique – a stress reducing practice, proven to combat the effects of PTSD.
“For the first time in I don’t know how long I felt hope….I don’t take anxiety medicine at all anymore….It’s made me a better father, a better husband. I’d consistently thought about suicide before I learned TM. It was the first thing to kind of get that away and get that off my mind. It changed everything.”
Operation Warrior Wellness has been championed since 2010 by a coalition of meditating veterans spanning four wars. Their mission is to deliver rapid and profound relief to veterans and active-duty military suffering from PTSD, promote resiliency among military personnel and cadets, and provide much needed support to military families serving the rewarding but often taxing job of caring for their loved ones.
Some of world’s greatest comedians showed up at the David Lynch Foundation fundraising event to honor legendary talent manager and producer George Shapiro. The event, held at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday, June 30th, created a major media buzz. George Shapiro received the Lifetime of Bliss Award, and the audience was entertained by Russell Brand, Sarah Silverman, Garry Shandling, and surprise guests Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld.
The night of comedy benefited veterans and at-risk youth making it possible for them to learn Transcendental Meditation to overcome traumatic stress and get a new start on life.
Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Russell Brand at The David Lynch Foundation’s Night of Comedy Published on Jul 1, 2012 by wowcelebritytv
Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, George Shapiro, Russell Brand arrive at The David Lynch Foundation’s Night of Comedy on June 30, 2012 at The Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States.
David Lynch on Honoring George Shapiro at his Night of Comedy Benefit Published on Jul 5, 2012 by starcamcelebrities
David Lynch talks with StarCam’s Jennifer Tapiero at his foundation’s Night of Comedy Benefit about why he’s honoring George Shapiro, what they are raising money for, and what Transcendental Meditation is all about.
Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno on Loving George Shapiro, Joking about Meditation
Published on Jul 5, 2012 by starcamcelebrities
Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno joke with StarCam’s Jennifer Tapiero at the David Lynch Foundation Benefit about how Jerry represents Jay in meditation, how comedy is therapeutic, and why they love George Shapiro. Jerry answers this question: “You guys meditate? Are you big into meditation?” from :34-:55
Media Pack Red Carpet EXTRACTS Jerry, Jay, George
Uploaded by DavidLynchFoundation on Jul 11, 2012
Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld interviewed at The David Lynch foundation’s night of comedy
Published on Jul 1, 2012 by wowcelebritytv
Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld interviewed at The David Lynch Foundation’s night of comedy on June 30, 2012 at The Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States. Jerry talks about meditation at 1:37-1:51. It’s a very good healthy thing….good for all kinds of people….stressed people, hard-working people…it’s just good for people…good for people.
Celebrities Endorse Bliss Transcendental Meditation The David Lynch Foundation Published on Jul 14, 2012 by ComicBible
At The David Lynch Foundation Lifetime of Bliss Award, Celebrities and supporters praise Transcendental Meditation and the work of The David Lynch Foundation. Hosts Tamara Henry and Sabrina Hunter-Morales interview Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul) & Crystal Hansen (wife, Pure Thoughts for Pure Results), Kat Kramer, and Mom Karen, Ashley Kirshner, Stephen Collins, David Faustino, Serinda Swan, Thomas Jane, Chris D’Elia, Connie Stevens and Joely Fisher, Max Worthington, Vincent Spano, Felicia Tamazo, LA Yoga Magazine, Roland Kickenger, David Lynch, George Shapiro, Kevin Nealon, Jay Leno, John Roberts, Jeff Ross.
David Lynch at the Night of Comedy Benefiting his Foundation Published on Jul 11, 2012 by ComicBible
David Lynch talks to Comic Bible TV Tamara Henry and Sabrina Morales about meditation, the event, his foundation and shares advice for comedians at The David Lynch Foundation Lifetime of Bliss Award Night of Comedy.
Watch this great interview of George Shapiro posted on Emmy TV Legends in the Archive of American Television. He tells some great stories about comics including Andy Kaufman and Jerry Seinfeld. http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/george-shapiro
Peter Debruge Variety
11:45 p.m. CDT, July 3, 2012
Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld surprised comedy manager-producer George Shapiro by delivering impromptu standup sets at the Beverly Wilshire on Saturday night. Shapiro, who received the David Lynch Foundation’s inaugural Lifetime of Bliss award, told the audience that former client Andy Kaufman had introduced him to two things: “One was transcendental meditation … and the other was ‘Eraserhead.’ It was Andy’s very favorite movie.” Lynch discovered TM 35 years ago while making “Eraserhead,” later forming the org to offer the technique to high-stress populations, including at-risk youth and veterans suffering from PTSD. As the evening’s hot-blooded emcee, Russell Brand suggested other stress-relieving techniques: “I, for instance, enjoy fellatio, but the bliss is more transitory.” Sarah Silverman pushed the envelope even further, joking about rape and terminally ill babies, which got big laughs from fellow performer Garry Shandling. Surveying the crowd, Silverman quipped: “There’s pockets of judgment. That’s not what transcendental meditation is about.” Shapiro has long evaded career-celebrating awards, so accepting Lynch’s honor gave four generations of comedy talent incentive to attend, with guests ranging from Michael Cera to Carl Reiner, plus a healthy contingent of old William Morris colleagues. Leno stepped onstage to tell the room how Shapiro had encouraged him from the outset. “Meditation is a wonderful thing, but kindness beats all of it,” Leno said. Finally, Seinfeld closed out the evening with personal stories about the “Seinfeld” producer, kidding that most people “have to die to get this. This is what a nice George Shapiro funeral should be.”
Watch this great interview of George Shapiro posted on Emmy TV Legends in the Archive of American Television. He tells some great stories about comics including Andy Kaufman and Jerry Seinfeld. http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/george-shapiro
For Russell Brand, meditation puts life in perspective
Jay Leno, left, Jerry Seinfeld, George Shapiro, Russell Brand and David Lynch arrive at the David Lynch Foundation’s Night of Comedy honoring George Shapiro at the Beverly Wilshire hotel Saturday. (John Shearer / Invision / June 30, 2012)
“I meditate often,” he told the Ministry of Gossip on Saturday. “It connects you to a source of energy that’s more powerful than the material world in which we primarily dwell. It helps you relax and unwind.”
That’s something clearly needed by the comic and actor, who has been percolating on a publicity tour for “Rock of Ages,” shooting his FX comedy show “Brand X” and navigating a media firestorm linked to his divorce from Katy Perry, whose new documentary “Part of Me” includes personal footage from their marriage.
Hardly relaxing stuff. On the other hand …
“If you spend a lot of time meditating, you start to think of the stuff that is happening in your actual life as being secondary. It doesn’t feel so important,” he said before emceeing a David LynchFoundation fundraiser in honor of manager George Shapiro’s lengthy career and love of Transcendental Meditation.
From the Beverly Wilshire auditorium stage later that night, Brand entertained high profile guests including Shapiro client Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Garry Shandling and Sarah Silverman (all of whom also performed), plus Shapiro himself, who received the Lifetime of Bliss Award from Lynch.
Proceeds from the fundraiser went to “meditation training” scholarships for impoverished kids and veterans. Brand said the practice saved him from a agonizing, drug-riddled decline — though onstage he jokingly referred to Lynch’s organization as a “cult.”
Celebrities, meditation-championing, tickets starting at $1,000 a seat — a Beverly Hills evening, indeed.
Watch this great interview of George Shapiro posted on Emmy TV Legends in the Archive of American Television. He tells some great stories about comics including Andy Kaufman and Jerry Seinfeld. http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/george-shapiro
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