The David Lynch Foundation has partnered with The Pat Tillman Foundation-a national leader in providing educational scholarships to veterans and active service members-to help overcome PTSD and build resilience, smooth transition to academic life, and improve performance and graduation rates through practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique. Studies have shown that meditating service personnel exhibit greater resiliency and a 50% reduction in symptoms of PTSD and depression.
The transition to civilian life for young service personnel is often challenging. College drop out rates for veterans are as high as 88% according to recent statistics, and 45% of veteran students experience significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Tragically, student veterans are seven times more likely to attempt suicide than their civilian counterparts.
Transcendental Meditation is a simple, easily learned technique, practiced for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day, sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. The technique produces a profound state of rest and relaxation, while enlivening the brain. This experience of restful alertness is at the basis of the marked reductions in stress and stress related illness and improvement in performance and quality of life that are seen in TM practitioners.
Data suggests the Transcendental Meditation technique is highly effective for overcoming traumatic stress. In fact, over 340 peer-reviewed studies have been conducted on the technique. Two trials, including veterans from both Iraq/Afghanistan and Vietnam military operations, found that TM practice resulted in 45-50% reductions in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression; a 55% reduction in emotional numbness; and a 30% improvement in satisfaction with quality of life.
