Transcendental Meditation: What’s that and why, David Lynch?

On Monday, the Center for Health and Wellness of the David Lynch Foundation launched a new initiative, called Heal the Healers Now, to bring the transcendental meditation (TM) technique to medical professionals across the country amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. 

Transcendental Meditation has been said to reduce stress-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and decrease the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Hoping to bring relief to frontline workers, Lynch claims that TM will eliminate traumatic stress and replace it with a sense of inner peace. Duran Duran is even joining the cause and collaborating with the Center for Health and Wellness by raising funds to promote the gift of meditation. 

The Center also established the Heal the Healers Now Fund with all donations raised to be used to deliver the meditation to healthcare providers at no cost to them. 

In addition to spiritual enlightenment, David Lynch and Duran Duran are teaming up with the crowdfunding platform Omaze to offer fans a chance to win two experiences: VIP tickets to a future Duran Duran concert—including flights and hotel accommodations along with a virtual photography session with keyboardist Nick Rhodes. And a coffee date over video chat with David Lynch—who will also draw a picture of the winner during the chat. 

Along with Lynch and Duran Duran, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry, Tom Hanks, Hugh Jackman, and Patrick Stewart are some of the A-listers supporting the work of the David Lynch Foundation to bring meditation for free to at-risk adults and youth. The effectiveness of the treatment is TBD. 

Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sting, Russell Brand, Laura Dern, Lena Dunham, Naomi Watts, Mary-Louise Parker, Amy Schumer, and Bill Hader have also backed the organization. 

Believing that COVID-19 is a sign that the world has gone down a wrong path, Lynch hopes for a kinder planet after the virus finally wanes, thus bringing people together in quiet reflection. 

Lynch has been home in Los Angeles during the lockdown, building lamps in his woodshop, and yes, drinking coffee. And unlike many, he is enjoying his isolation.