Turning On A Light
David Lynch Foundation uses mediation to help fight the darkness of trauma
By Kristina M. Dodge
Wherever there is poverty, wherever there is violence, wherever there is hunger, there is trauma and stress. That basic fact, explained Bob Roth, is at the heart of the David Lynch Foundation’s mission.
On Sept. 25, Roth, executive director of the not-for-profit, was at Yankee Stadium with Christina Steinbrenner — wife of Yankees managing general partner/co-chair-person Hal Steinbrenner — and other supporters for a fundraiser benefiting the foundation, which teaches meditation to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, survivors of violence and underserved children.
“When we offer [meditation] to at-risk populations who suffer from trauma and toxic stress, it’s like turning on a light in a very dark room; it’s very bright,” said Roth. “We’re working with the mayor and veterans associations and we’re working with many public schools to give children and adults the tools that they can use to overcome trauma and live a happier, healthier life.”
The foundation — started by famed director David Lynch — uses Transcendental Meditation, which is not a religion or life philosophy, but rather a technique designed to give the brain the restorative time it needs, allowing people to better manage stress and anxiety. It is a technique that both Roth and Steinbrenner believe is accessible to all.
“People are very on top of conditioning and toning their bodies, but many times people don’t think about conditioning from the [neck up], and it’s remarkably easy,” said Steinbrenner.
Since its launch in 2005, the foundation has taught meditation to approximately half a million members of the at-risk communities it targets.
For more information on the David Lynch Foundation and Transcendental Meditation, visit www.davidlynchfoundation.org.
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