Transcendental Meditation SCHOLARSHIPS
Available for Los Angeles

In Honor of David Lynch
the David Lynch Foundation and MFUSA
have partnered to established the
MEDITATE LA TRAUMA RELIEF PROGRAM

Teaching Transcendental Meditation to Community Members
Displaced by the Fires and CALIFORNIA First Responders

The day after the Eaton fire destroyed our house and everything we owned, I woke up and meditated. My heart was broken. My mind was in shock. But my body knew what I needed (TM). I’m in deep grief, but I feel grounded. My body is steady. My mornings feel calm, and that helps me be present—for myself, for my family, and for my community. I’m just grateful to have this bit of peace to hold on to.”
-Carola Secada, LA Resident


Apply Today

What is TM?

TM is a simple, easy-to-learn, effortless technique, which allows the body to gain a unique state of profound rest and relaxation while the mind simultaneously settles down to a state of inner calm and wakefulness—without concentration or effort. The TM technique is practiced sitting comfortably for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day. To date, more than ten million people of all ages, nationalities, and religions have learned the technique.

The National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense have awarded nearly $35 million in grants to research the benefits of TM on posttraumatic stress, anxiety, burnout, and resilience.

TM is proven to help...

REDUCE

PTSD

Anxiety

Depression

Insomnia

Addiction

Suicidality

IMPROVE

Mental Health

Resilience

Performance

Focus

Energy

Memory

David Lynch Foundation CEO Bob Roth
On ABC Good Morning America
TM for Frontline Americans

Bob Roth on ABC

The Benefits of TM for LA Families

LA family doing TM
  • "As a school psychologist I have used TM to help me stay clear, focused and centered while counseling students in this time of quarantine. It's helped me let go of the overwhelming feelings that can emotionally engulf me during my sessions with students and families during these trying times."
    —Angelica, Los Angeles Frontline Mental Health Provider

Los Angeles Fire Captain
The Benefits of TM for First Responders

SWAT Officer Steve Gordon: Overcoming the Nightmare of Traumatic Stress
  • "I stop to meditate during my breaks from fighting
    the wildfire and it has made all the difference."
    —LA Firefighter
  • "I was a firefighter for 34 years.
    There are a lot of things I've seen that I can't unsee.
    When I meditate things are a lot better.
    I recommend TM to all my brothers and sister
    who are first responders."
    —Fire Captain (Ret.) LAFD
  • "I know if every firefighter was trained in TM
    we'd see huge differences in their mental health."
    —Dr. Maribel Contreras
    Psy.D, LMFT, CADAC, EMDR
    First Responder Certified Counselor
    Claremont, CA
  • "There is no doubt in my mind that TM would benefit
    our firefighters and EMTs. It's benefited me."
    —CA Firefighter Matt Weed
How to Learn TM

A Three-Phase Program

1

Phase One
Introduction to the TM Technique

This session provides an introduction to the evidence-based TM technique and an overview of the structure and content of the First Responders Program.

Session 1 (Group, on-site or remote; 60 minutes)

Topics include:
  • The urgent need for an evidence-based meditation technique to support veterans’ mental and physical well-being in today’s highly stressful work environment
  • Meditation defined: Understanding the mechanics and scientific research on the three main approaches to meditation: (1) focused attention, (2) open monitoring, and (3) self-transcending
  • Understanding the mechanics of TM practice: How it works, what it does, and how it is taught
  • Highlights of the published research on the benefits of TM for improving mental and physical health, creativity and cognitive function, productivity and performance
  • Questions and answers

2

Phase two
Instruction in the TM Technique

The participant is instructed by a certified TM instructor in how to meditate correctly for maximum benefit in daily life. TM instructions will be carried out in partnership with affiliated institutions.

Four instructional sessions held over four consecutive days (On-site; 60 minutes each)

  • Session 1: Personal instruction in the TM technique (Individual, on-site)
  • Session 2: Ensuring you are meditating correctly and gaining the benefits (Group, on-site)
  • Session 3: Understanding the mechanics of how TM restores balance and reduces stress in the nervous system (Group, on-site)
  • Session 4: Exploring the long-term benefits of regular TM practice for optimizing mental and physical health (Group, on-site)

3

Phase three
foLLow-up semiNARS

These seminars help stabilize correct practice of the TM technique and deepen participants’ intellectual understanding of its mechanics and effects.

Four seminars held once a month (Group, on-site or remote; 45 minutes each)

Each seminar includes:

Deeper knowledge on a range of topics, including:

  • Effects of TM on neuroplasticity: the capacity of the brain to heal stress and trauma and forge new neuralpathways for healthier behaviors and lifestyle
  • Enhancing resilience as the key to reducing the impact of stress and promoting wellness
  • mpact of TM on improving cardiovascular health, strengthening immunity, and slowing the aging process
  • Growth of happiness, self-actualization, and development of consciousness through regular TM practice
  • A review of key points for correct TM practice
  • Questions and answers
  • Group meditation

Lifetime Support and Follow-Up

Following the three phases of the First Responders Program, a lifetime of individual and group refresher courses is available for free, remotely or in-person, through more than 200 TM Teaching Centers within the United States.

Suggested Reading

  • Transcendence: Healing and Transformation through Transcendental Meditation by Norman Rosenthal, M.D. (Tarcher-Penguin 2011)
  • Super Mind: How to Boost Performance and Live a Richer and Happier Life through Transcendental Meditation by Norman Rosenthal, M.D. (Tarcher-Penguin 2016)
  • Strength in Stillness: The Power of Transcendental Meditation by Bob Roth (Simon and Schuster 2018)
  • The Resilient Warrior by World War II Veteran Jerry Yellin