Transcendental Meditation and Psychotherapy: Interview with Dr. Samantha Stein

Do you think that being in therapy rules out the reasons for learning to meditate? It might surprise you to know that many psychologists not only recommend that their clients learn the Transcendental Meditation technique, but also have learned TM for their own benefit. I asked for clarification from Dr. Samantha Stein, a psychologist who learned TM 5 years ago and continues to meditate regularly.

Samantha Stein, Psy.D., is a…

The Neurophysiology and Biochemistry of the Golden Rule

The “Golden Rule”—you’ve probably heard it many times and from many sources. This practical, yet sage, advice is found in most ethical traditions and religions: if you want to do the right thing in relationships, then behave toward others as you’d have others behave toward you.

Aging: Who is that in the mirror?

When I was in my early 30s and my grandmother was in her 90s, we stood together gazing into a mirror, admiring her new pink winter coat. Suddenly her face betrayed confusion and despair. “Who is this?” she murmured, “I’m only 18 years old!

Messages from Nature: Push Through vs. Stop Now

How many times have you felt tired and thought that if you could just push your way through to get the last hour of work done, you can rest after? How often do you caffeinate in order to push through the work day? ”Pushing through” has…

Outdated Stereotype: the Tomboy

Were you the little girl who preferred climbing trees to having tea parties with your dolls? Were you the teenager who was more comfortable in jeans and a motorcycle jacket than a dress and party shoes? Would your little girl rather search for bugs in the backyard than play with your makeup and jewelry?

Parenting

My friend Becky lives in Virginia. She has three grown children—two sons and a daughter—and three grandchildren with a fourth on the way. I have known her for most of my adult life and have always been impressed by her consistent imperturbable patience in the face of parental challenges.

Mysteries of the Teen Mind

The August 31, 2015 issue of The New Yorker featured an article and book review by Elizabeth Kolbert of two enlightening books on teenage misbehavior.

A Woman Professional’s Road from Burnout to Success

Joyce Scott is a multiple award-winning, self-made businesswoman, management and sales trainer, and CEO of Superb Speakers and Trainers Bureau. When she was inducted into IBM’s Golden Circle, the keynote speaker for the occasion was Maya Angelou, who said, “Joyce Scott, Joy! Congratulations!”

Preventing and Eliminating PTSD in the lives of Military Women

The New York Times reported on August 20th that women have graduated from the Army’s select Ranger School for the first time in the school’s history. The two women who made the grade scored exceptionally well on important performance evaluations made by fellow students. According to the NYT, “’Their success will diminish most arguments against women holding other combat positions,’ defense officials say.”

Lola Kirke, Katy Perry, Lena Dunham Talk Meditation

Lola Kirke is a rising star. She’s best known for her leading role in the popular Amazon original series Mozart in the Jungle and her acclaimed performance in Gone Girl. I asked Lola recently what personal benefits she has experienced since learning how to do Transcendental Meditation through the TM organization for women. She wrote:

In the two plus years that I have been practicing TM, both my inner and outer life has changed radically. TM helps me take care of myself: it helps me feel centered and be in touch with myself and my feelings in a world that sometimes seems to insist that we feel otherwise. Ultimately the practice has helped me to feel at home even when I am far away from my home and that is a true gift. I am tremendously grateful for the practice and would recommend it to anyone.