Speaking Engagements

Five Benefits of Daily Meditation – Psychological and Emotional Benefits

Most people don’t know how to, or have perhaps forgotten what it really feels like to relax! This is because we live in a society of over stimulation and many of us have our Mudula-Oblangata (the fight or flight part of our brains) stuck in overdrive. We may overreact to the simplest of things. In fact, this is the subject of my presentation, “How to Become the Positive Change You Wish to See in Your Life!” So how can we cope?

Daily meditation gives us a direct experience of what it feels like to be totally relaxed, both physically and emotionally. It helps us turn off that fight or flight response. This form of relaxation is automatic and cumulative, resulting in a calmer demeanor during our daily activities and leads to more balanced emotions. (See Five Benefits of Daily Meditation – Physical Benefits)

Studies show that stress is very damaging and affects our psychological as well as physical health. Meditation can help. Over the past 40 years, more than 350 published research studies have documented the positive effects of the TM technique. Research findings include:

40-55% reduction in symptoms of PTSD and depression
42% decrease in insomnia
30% improvement in satisfaction with the quality of life
25% reduction in levels of plasma cortisol, the stress hormone

The emotional benefits of meditation can include:
Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations

Building skills to manage your stress
Increasing self-awareness
Focusing on the present
Reducing negative emotions

In addition, by turning inward we have an opportunity to observe not just our physical bodies, but also our mental and emotional states as well. We can connect with a deep wisdom and light within.

Overcome anxiety and gain strength and resilience from within.

When we meditate, anxiety is transcended as the mind accesses inner reserves of energy, creativity and intelligence. One comes out of meditation feeling refreshed, rejuvenated. Worries are less. Mind and emotions are clearer and we feel more at ease. Life itself is more fulfilling.

As you may know, because of growing up in an abusive and violent household, my life was filled with stress and anxiety, fear and depression. When I learned to meditate 40 years ago, after the first session, I went to visit my sister and she immediately wanted to know what I had been doing. She noticed that I seemed so much more relaxed, not my usual nervous, uptight, depressed self. This was only the first day of my mediation experience!

Tom North’s Story of Child Abuse and Sexual Abuse is Featured in the Monterey County Herald

Tom North’s story of growing up in the family made famous in the movie, “Yours, Mine and Ours” starring Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda is in the Monterey County Herald. The article titled, “‘Yours, Mine and Ours’ child shares a darker version of his all-American family”, was written by Herald Staff Writer, Dennis Taylor.

Tom North is the author of ”True North – The Shocking Truth about “Yours, Mine and Ours”. North tells what it was really like growing up in the household that was wracked with child abuse, sexual abuse and domestic violence. ”Writing ‘True North’ was a cathartic experience, inspired in part by an agreement among several family members (including his mother) to never again support the lie that was ‘Yours, Mine and Ours.’”

North is dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and domestic violence. He explains, “Denial, looking the other way and covering up abuse contributes to this blight on society. The fact is that five children die from child abuse and neglect every day in the U.S. It has to stop. There is help and hope, even for those who are living in denial.”