Finding Bliss: ~The Quiet Time

Program~ “In today’s world of fear and uncertainty, every child should have one class period a day to dive within himself and experience the field of silence—bliss—the enormous reservoir of energy and intelligence that is deep within all of us. This is the way to save the coming generation.”~David Lynch

Kennebunkport Consolidated SchoolAndrea Wood

A Performance Based Solution to Improving School Environment

The David Lynch Foundation was established in 2005 as a means of dealing with issues like bullying, divorce and school related stress are creating unhappy and anxious children, in turn compromises their education.

His Quiet Time Program, which he introduced into the schools, implements Transcendental Meditation as a scientifically proven stress-reduction modality.

What is Transcendental Meditation (TM)?

Some of the benefits of transcendental meditation include, increased creativity, broader comprehension, improved academic performance, improved perception, and reduced anxiety.

The technique does not involve any religion, philosophy, or change in lifestyle.

Transcendental Meditation is a technique requiring that a student sit comfortably for 10-20 minutes daily with eyes closed. The practice is used to detach ones self from anxiety, and to promote harmony and self-realization through meditation and the repeating of a mantra.

The program, according to university and medical school research, assesses performance-based outcomes in the following areas with the below noted results:

Decreased depression Improved behavior among

adolescents Reduced substance abuse Increased intelligence

Improved academic performance Increased self-

development Increased calmness Reduced anxiety

THE QUIET TIME PROGRAM APPROACH “Learning readiness is at the core of any comprehensive program for raising student performance. By developing the full brain, reducing the acute stresses that undermine learning and health, and improving the overall environment of the schools, the Quiet Time Program is a practical, highly effective approach to promoting learning readiness among students and thereby markedly improving their academic performance and success in life.”

–David Lynch Foundation

THE QUIET TIME PROGRAM Cont…

“Students participating in Quiet Time score higher on intelligence tests, close the achievement gap, improve test scores, and have higher graduation rates compared to students in control groups.”

“Meditating students also show reduced stress levels, anxiety, depression, violence, and substance abuse. This results in reduced absenteeism, dropout rates, suspensions, and expulsions.” –David Lynch Foundation

• The length of time students had been practicing TM was significantly correlated with academic achievement, independent of student IQ scores. (ref.3)

After practicing David Lynch’s Quiet Time TM Program for one year…

References: Education 107 (1986): 49–54; Education 109 (1989): 302–304; Modern Science and Vedic Science 1 (1987): 433–468

Elementary school students showed significant gains on nationally standardized tests (ref. 1).

High school students (grades 9-12) showed significant gains on the lowa Tests of Educational Development (ref. 2).

As a teacher who implements TM in the classroom, I am in hopes that by having my students ‘dive within’ as a way to prepare for learning and as a tool to develop the mind’s creative potential will become the standard in every school curriculum.

I believe that the David Lynch Program wants to ensure that every American child has the opportunity to learn and practice the TM program because it is the most comprehensively researched and practiced program for developing the brain and mind’s full creative potential, improving academic outcomes, developing the whole child, and reducing stress.

Consciousness-Based Education Every student should have the opportunity,

every day, to find within his reservoir of energy and intelligence. If each student has the ability to find his own inner peace and recognize his own self-worth those issues dealing with attitude and behavior will subside. And bullying (threats, social exclusion, physical attacks, words and gestures) loses its power and becomes less of an issue, or a non-issue. As an individual’s self-esteem grows and he is aware of a kinder, gentler self he will naturally become more tolerance and understanding of others.

Feelings from students in the Quiet Time Program:

“I was always afraid. Now, I am peaceful inside- and I am getting all A’s.”

“TM has given me access to a deep calm and silence I never had before.”

For years I was tortured by my memories. Now, I have a way out of the darkness.”

“This is a return to my tradition- to live in a state of harmony. I have hope.”

“I feel the calm wash over me. I feel the anger wash away. I am in control.”

*If you would like more information about implementing a program, please contact Lynn Kaplan at:

Lynn@DavidLynchFoundation.org

Resources:

Best of You Today- http://www.bestofyoutoday.com/energy-tools/incredibly-powerful-tool-relaxation-children-connect-simple-daily-practice

Calm for Kids- http://www.calmforkids.com/

David Lynch Foundation- http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/

Education 107 (1986): 49–54

Education 109 (1989): 302–304

Modern Science and Vedic Science 1 (1987): 433–468