Yes, actually, you CAN meditate. 

I’m Tom Roth, a LONG time, certified teacher of Transcendental Meditation (TM). Yes, you’ve heard of it: The 60s, The Beatles, Maharishi, etc. I volunteer with the David Lynch Foundation to teach TM to people living with HIV in the Coachella Valley at no cost to them. The program is funded by donors, and offered locally through volunteer support. It’s called the HIV Wellness Initiative, and we teach in partnership with DAP Health. 

I’ve come across so many people who have “tried” unsuccessfully to learn how to meditate. They understand the potential benefits of a clearer mind and a less-stressed, healthier body… but the practice they learn is difficult, it doesn’t deliver the desired results, and is then abandoned. They assume that they just… can’t… meditate.

There are LOTS of different approaches to meditation, all called “meditation,” so it can be confusing! Transcendental Meditation is different. It is a simple, easily learned, mental technique, practiced for 20 minutes twice a day, sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. The technique allows the active thinking mind to effortlessly settle down to a unique state of “restful alertness”- the basis for the wide range of scientifically validated health benefits to mind and body.

HOW IS TM DIFFERENT?

The TM technique is taught one-to-one and is carefully personalized for you by a certified TM teacher. Once you learn the technique, you will enjoy a lifetime of free follow-up and support anywhere you live.

• No trying to “clear the mind of thoughts”
• No monitoring of thoughts (mindfulness)
• No concentration or control
• Practiced sitting comfortably

TM AND HIV

Research at the San Francisco AIDS

Foundation with 40 HIV-positive individuals who practiced TM for just three months, found:

• 51% decrease in HIV-related physical problems
• 43% increase in vitality
• 42% improvement in general health
• 27% decrease in perceived stress
• 22% improvement in emotional well being
• 38% reduction in anxiety
• 36% reduction in anger and hostility

TM courses are offered about once/month in Palm Springs, and again, for those living with HIV (and their caregivers) the course fees are fully covered by grants and scholarships. There’s no charge to participate. 

For more info or to get started please email Tom Roth troth@tm.org

Tom Roth, Volunteer

He/him

Certified Transcendental Meditation® Technique teacher since 1974

troth@TM.org