Practicing transcendental meditation can have many health benefits.

Last spring I received an invitation from Anne Akers, founder of Glow magazine and Cheryl Benton, president and founder of The Three Tomatoes, a digital lifestyle magazine for “women who aren’t kids,” asking me whether I would be interested in interviewing Bob Roth at their annual Summit Conference held every year in New York City. Bob is one of the most experiened and sought-after meditation teachers in America and is CEO of the David Lynch foundation. Over the past 50 years, he has taught transcendental meditation (TM) to many thousands of people and is the author of the definitive book on the subject, with his New York Times bestseller, Strenth in Stillness: The Power of Transcendental Meditation.

The mental health luminary has shared the inner workings and the techniques that have helped over 1.5 people world-wide including: celebrities, urban youth, frontline healthcare workers, first responders, women survivors of domesticc violence and sexual assault, and veterans who suffer from PTSD.

I was very surprised by their invitation, since I knew very little if anything about TM, nor had I ever had any interest in meditation of any kind. It was never anything that I ever thought about wanting to incorporate into my life — ever! Friends and colleagues who know me well, know that Beatty is about ACTION and DOING…tennis, sports, therapy, writing, presenting and doing guest spots on radio and television. I have always lived a healthy lifestyle that included exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep and healthy relationships. I nonetheless, decided that it would be an interesting experience to interview Bob.

And so I began my research into TM. It was very eye-opening to discover the broad range of benefits — physically, mentally, cognitively and psychologically. And since the majority of my patients contact me with problems ranging from depresssion, anxiety, relationship issues, traumas of various kinds, loneliness and stress, I felt, if nothing else, a professional obligation to do my due dillegence and see how TM might help them. Bob’s celebrity clientele have included Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfield, Ray Dalio, Ellen DeGeneres, Gwyneth Paltrow, Howard Stern Tom Hank, Michel J. Fox and countless others.

I’m grateful that Bob wanted to personally teach me. I think I’m in good company.

Stress And Anxiety Reduction

TM has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) by up to 30-40% during practice, which is significantly more than ordinary rest.

Trauma Management

Significant reduction in PTSD symptoms have been documented, particularly in veterans and at-risk populations. One study found a 40-55% reduction in PTSD and depression symptoms among veterans.

Emotional Resilience

Regular practice is associated with increased inner peace, self-esteem and happiness.

Physical Health

Multiple studies suggest that TM can lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Sleep Quality

TM has been linked to deeper, more restful sleep.

Brain Function

TM practice is associated with increased EEG brainwave coherence, which correlated with higher IQ, improved memory and enhanced creativity.

Academic And Work Performance

Students often show improved test scores and graduation rates, while employees report increased productivity, job satisfaction and better workplace relationships.

Interpersonal Relationshps

By reducing individual stress, TM can lead to more positive family dynamics, smoother conflict management and increased empathy toward others.

These evidence-based research findings were very impressive and not to be ignored. And when Bob Roth offered to teach me, how could I possibly refuse his very kind offer!

My Journey With Bob And TM

I began working with Bob at the beginning of June. Skeptical at first, I decided to commit to the process. Bob is gentle, kind and empathic. His demeanor is calm and peaceful. I felt completely comfortable from the first moment that I met him. During our first session, he gave me a mantra and taught me how to begin. I am now meditating twice a day for 20 minutes, morning and evening. Initially, it felt very strange sitting still with my eyes closed. and quietly saying my mantra. However, after the first session, I must admit that I felt very calm inside — unusually calm. I haven’t missed a day and am planning to continue. I actually look forward to my quiet times each and every day.

Bob will be giving a talk — The Science of Deep Meditation: Transcendence, Stress Relief, Creative Awakening at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 30 at the Church, 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor

Thank you Anne, Cheryl & Bob,

Much love and gratitude,

xxBEATTY