David Lynch Foundation

WHO WE ARE

DAVID LYNCH FOUNDATION

Since 2005, the David Lynch Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has helped to bring the stress-reducing Transcendental Meditation® technique to more than 1 million vulnerable children and adults around the world. The Foundation works with underserved inner-city students; healthcare workers on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic; veterans with PTSD and their families; women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse; and adults and teens battling substance use disorder. In addition, DLF funds independent research to assess the effects of the program on academic performance, ADHD and other learning disorders, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, burnout, cardiovascular disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and diabetes.

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION

Transcendental Meditation is a simple, natural, effortless technique practiced 20 minutes twice a day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. It’s not a religion, philosophy or lifestyle. Transcendental Meditation allows the active thinking mind to settle inward to experience a naturally calm, peaceful level of awareness. During TM, the body enjoys a profoundly rejuvenating rest, while the brain functions with significantly greater coherence.

How does the TM® practice differ from other meditation techniques? Brain research has identified three basic approaches to meditation:

  • Focused attention (concentrating on a thought or object)
  • Open monitoring (observing breath, thoughts, or the environment)
  • Automatic self-transcending (spontaneously experiencing quieter levels of thought — a unique state of restful alertness)

The Transcendental Meditation technique involves no focused attention nor open monitoring. It is a process of automatic self-transcending, allowing the practitioner to experience a field of calm deep within. TM is taught in a personal course of instruction by a specially-trained, certified teacher. To learn TM, please visit www.tm.org for a teaching center near you. If you are interested in bringing TM to your organization please contact the David Lynch Foundation Center for Health and Wellness.