Living with Transcendence Interview: Lessons I’ve Learned on the Road
Living with Transcendence is a live interview that will take place on November 21st at 9pm EST. During this interview I will discuss the lessons I’ve learned on the road, as well as insights and patterns shown from case studies and research during my 3o plus years in the clinical setting. The Living with Transcendence interview is the result of a growing response from the public, as well as a deep desire on my part to connect with the audience that is drawn to my latest book, Transcendence. Furthermore, I will be taking questions about Transcendence and my book Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder directly from the social networks.
Did you miss the live interview? You can view the recorded version below at your convenience.
If you are interested in downloading sample chapters of Transcendence or Winter Blues you can do so at the bottom of this page.
I will be interviewed by Ms. Heather Hartnett. Heather is the Director of Communications for the David Lynch Foundation. She has interviewed, on and off camera, dozens of supporters and participants of the Foundation’s programs and has hosted live benefit concerts and events.
This is an interactive interview, and an opportunity to get your questions answered in real time. You can post questions to my Facebook page, as well as by using the hashtag #AskDrNorm on Twitter, or simply leave them in the comments section below.
About Norman E. Rosenthal. M.D.
Dr. Rosenthal is the senior NIMH researcher who identified seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and developed light therapy for its treatment. He is a clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine, and has maintained a private clinical practice in the Washington, D.C. area for over thirty years. Dr. Rosenthal is a recipient of the prestigious Anna Monika Foundation Research prize for his contribution to research on treating depression, and has been listed as one of the “Best Doctors in America.” Dr. Rosenthal is the author or coauthor of over 200 professional articles and five popular books.
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I am a psychiatrist, researcher and author, who loves discovering new ways to help people feel better and stay well.
November 16, 2011 at 2:17 am, Mark James said:
Thank you for the research
November 21, 2011 at 6:52 pm, Norman said:
You are most welcome Mark, the pleasure is mine.
November 16, 2011 at 3:22 am, Dean Murphy said:
Dr. Rosenthal,
I simply wanted you to know that as a result of your writing and me reading your book “Transcendence” I was prompted in taking action to learn TM. It has been three months now since I took instruction and I continue to practice twice per day. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Thank you.
November 21, 2011 at 6:51 pm, Norman said:
This is wonderful Dean, I am so happy for you!
November 16, 2011 at 9:59 am, Carole Smith said:
Loved your book, Transcendence, Dr. Rosenthal. I keep ordering more books to keep our TM Library stocked!
November 21, 2011 at 6:50 pm, Norman said:
Great, I am glad you are enjoying!
November 16, 2011 at 9:18 pm, Jamie Kalama said:
Your book helped me so much to understand how and why TM has really impacted my brain disorder. I believe TM has reduced the number and severity of the seizures I have had since I started practicing TM. You have validated my beliefs. Thank you!
November 21, 2011 at 6:50 pm, Norman said:
Jamie, it is wonderful to hear from you. I am so glad that you are feeling better than ever. Please keep us posted on all of your success.
November 17, 2011 at 2:58 am, AL ROLDAN said:
I WENT BACK TO TM AFTER 38 YEARS. READ YOUR BOOK AND WAS EVEN MORE COMMITTED TO CONTINUE TM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSIGHT.
November 21, 2011 at 6:49 pm, Norman said:
Thank YOU for your comment!
November 20, 2011 at 4:59 pm, Ryan Douglas said:
Thank you for all the insights. Your work has helped millions and spurred a revolution in non-invasive medical treatments for depressive disorders. This book further empowers people to seek and find answers for their health and wellness without the need for drugs and chemicals.
November 21, 2011 at 6:48 pm, Norman said:
Beautiful, your feedback is very much appreciated!
November 20, 2011 at 9:34 pm, kedir said:
What benefits does Transcendence have for us? I would love for you to be as detailed as possible.
November 21, 2011 at 6:48 pm, Norman said:
Hopefully this will be very clear for you by the end of the interview this evening. Thank you for your inquiry.
November 21, 2011 at 9:03 pm, Adam bicer said:
Will TM help with depressive/anxiety disorders that are based on chemical imbalances caused by toxic exposure as well as those that are only caused by negative thinking? What about irrational fears? I look forward to your answer tonight. Thank you!
November 21, 2011 at 9:48 pm, Elizabeth Kramer said:
I have practiced my TM twice a day for the last six months. I don’t think I ever “transcend” as other people claim they do . I find it relaxing and sometimes rather calming, but that is about all. How can I get to a “transcendance state”? /Would really like you to do this because my practice seems rather thin and a little boring even. Please answer this for me. Thank you .
November 21, 2011 at 9:48 pm, Mary said:
Hi — I want to watch and listen to the interview tonight but my speakers aren’t working, so don’t know if I’ll be able to do. Will there be an opportunity to listen to it at a later date?
November 21, 2011 at 10:55 pm, Call Centrix said:
Some people hold the view that bipolar disorder is solely a biochemically and physiologically based brain disorder which cannot be treated by meditation (nor by talk therapy), and believe it can only be controlled through medication. Can you discuss, in response to this view, how TM affects bipolar disorder and its underlying causes, the brain physiology and biochemical aspects, and including any research that has been done, and experience in clinical practice. We have a relative who holds this view and feels uncomfortable about their adult child, who has bipolar disorder, being recommended
TM.
November 22, 2011 at 3:19 am, Beverly said:
I was unable to meet the time schedule for your live interview. Are there any options to view it at a later date/time?
November 23, 2011 at 7:49 pm, Norman said:
My team is working on getting this up as soon as possible…
November 21, 2011 at 11:38 pm, Susan Kitterman said:
I would like to see the program but can’t watch it at 9 p.m. tonight, Monday. How can I see it at another time? Light therapy has made the difference between life & death in the winter for me!
November 21, 2011 at 11:38 pm, Genea said:
I have been meditating a short time but regularly. I have noticed some people experience a deep transcendence or state of bliss immediately during their practice, some infrequently, and some never. What are your perceptions about this aspect of the TM practice and does the frequency of this deep transcendence enhance the general benefits of TM? Thank you.
November 22, 2011 at 12:47 am, Brooke Cragan said:
I have registered for this evening’s evnent. Can’t figure out out how to hear it
November 22, 2011 at 1:47 am, Call Centrix said:
What experience have you had with treating PTSD, and OCD, with TM for individuals in the general population, and are there any plans for research?
November 22, 2011 at 2:06 am, Mark James said:
Understand that ‘thoughts’ are normal for TM; however, is there a point to which one says ‘something is not going right’…too many thoughts? Tired vs. energized
November 22, 2011 at 2:09 am, Mark James said:
Quick thanks. I have OCD and ADD and since I have been doing TM, have completely eliminated all medications but one…which I am very close to eliminating that as well.
November 22, 2011 at 2:13 am, Yared said:
What is the best book to read about this topic for a starter like me?
November 23, 2011 at 8:46 pm, Norman said:
Dear Yared,
If you are talking about TM my book “Transcendence” can be a valuable resource, as it is the most recent one out there. However, you cannot learn TM from a book, it must be taught by a certified teacher. Please be in touch with any additional questions…
November 22, 2011 at 2:22 am, Will said:
Have been practicing TM 2 years with great benefit. Work in high-pressure sales in Corporate America. The stress from corporate life seems to tear down most of the relief I acheive through TM – any suggestions? Thank you -
November 23, 2011 at 8:43 pm, Norman said:
Hi Will,
This is a great question for my blog, thank you!
November 22, 2011 at 2:30 am, SANJAY said:
Does the TM technique help more severe psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder & schizophrenia, to what extent, and if not why do you believe repeating the mantra does not affect these disorders positively?
November 23, 2011 at 8:39 pm, Norman said:
Hi Sanjay,
I did answer a question like this in the interview, however I will go into more depth in the blog post. Thank you!
November 22, 2011 at 2:32 am, DJ said:
Can you address resistance and ‘allowing’ TM to work? All of my TM teachers have no answer. I get so tired of hearing, ‘just let go’ , ‘relax’.
November 23, 2011 at 8:38 pm, Norman said:
This sounds like a good question to address on my blog for others to see. Please stay tuned…
November 22, 2011 at 2:37 am, Gus said:
Why is the cost so high to be trained in TM?
November 23, 2011 at 7:58 pm, Norman said:
I am not the best person to talk to about the cost of TM, however I do know that the David Lynch Foundation offers scholarships for those in need. For more info. on price options and reasoning please call 1-888-LEARN-TM
November 22, 2011 at 2:39 am, Linda said:
I’m hoping by starting TM my niece who is in a methedone program will help her anxiety and need to attempt to self medicate. She wants very much to find help
November 23, 2011 at 8:34 pm, Norman said:
Warm wishes your way Linda, leading by example is always a good way to go.
November 22, 2011 at 2:50 am, brandon said:
What would you recommend for those who are extremely interested in TM but have issues, whether they be financially or ethically, with paying for the instruction?
November 23, 2011 at 8:29 pm, Norman said:
Dear Brandon,
I would recommend really reaching out to a certified teacher of TM, sitting with him or her and expressing your every concern. From here you can assess if TM is a right fit for you.
November 22, 2011 at 2:51 am, Albert said:
I am a forex trader, fear and anxiety is against my performance, any hint?
November 23, 2011 at 8:32 pm, Norman said:
Hi Albert,
This is something you will have to find for yourself. I think a balanced lifestyle will most certainly help. Proper diet, exercise, work and leisure are very important. Meditation is a great practice to reduce stress and for some brings a deeper feeling of contentment, which can most certainly help to reduce fear. Hope this helps, and warm wishes your way.
November 22, 2011 at 2:51 am, Cynthia Hankin said:
I first spoke with Dr. R. when my son was in 3rd grade, he is now 27. He agreed with me that SAD could be seen in children his age. His book has really helped us deal with both of our winter limitations.
November 23, 2011 at 7:47 pm, Norman said:
Cynthia,
It has been some time : )
I am happy Winter Blues could be a valuable resource for you and your son.
November 22, 2011 at 2:52 am, Danette said:
Thank you so very much for your time, Dr. Rosenthal. Your book is truly inspiring.
I work with people in a private/public setting. Is there benefit of using TM with alcoholism and withdrawal without using medications? Are patients able to use TM in lieu of medications?
thank you and all the best.
November 23, 2011 at 7:45 pm, Norman said:
Hi Danette,
I addressed this in the interview, however I can elaborate in the blog post. This is a great video on TM helping with alcoholism: http://youtu.be/W1hIdJPEGpA
November 22, 2011 at 2:57 am, Danette said:
Dr. Rosenthal – thank you SO much for your valuable time.
D
November 22, 2011 at 3:00 am, Carolyn Martino said:
You make it sound so miraculous, but I have been meditating for 3-4 months now, and I have not entered that calm, no boundaries space. And yet in your book you make it sound that people have stopped being angry or anxious or stressed almost immediately. This makes me feel like a failure and does nothing to help my already-low self esteem. How long does it take to reach this “transcendent state” and are there people who do not respond to TM?
November 23, 2011 at 7:41 pm, Norman said:
Carolyn,
TM does not have to be flashy to be effective. Stay with it and if you ever have any questions you can get your TM checked by a certified teacher anytime… Another great question for my blog!
November 22, 2011 at 3:00 am, Paul Roochnik said:
Has TM been used clinically to treat (a) migraine headaches and (b) tinnitus? If not, whom could we encourage to undertake such a study?
November 23, 2011 at 7:39 pm, Norman said:
Great question Paul,
I think I will answer this in a blog post for all to see.
November 22, 2011 at 3:00 am, Bill Replogle said:
Dear Dr. Norman and Heather, I’ve found I’ve slacked off and am doing TM once a day (first thing) as a rule rather than 2x. Big mistake?
Thanks,
Bill
November 23, 2011 at 7:38 pm, Norman said:
Bill, Stay tuned for an answer on my blog…
November 22, 2011 at 3:03 am, Joyce Hall said:
I started meditating 40 years ago when the Maharishi came to my college. Reading your book has given me new insight and renewed my dedication to the practice. Thank you!
November 22, 2011 at 3:08 am, Dean D. said:
Dr. Rosehnthal,
I found your webinar regarding transcendence very interesting especially the anecdotal information regarding TM easing the effects of depression. I have a long history of depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I am no longer on medication and have recently started TM. I find it difficult to be still long enough to meditate effectively, probably due to my anxiety. Does TM work like exercise? Will I gain a sense of centeredness if I stick with it? Will my symptoms improve over time if I practice TM regularly?
Thank you for your help and best regards?
November 23, 2011 at 7:37 pm, Norman said:
Dean, These are great questions that I will address on my blog in the coming days.
November 22, 2011 at 3:08 am, Tom Mitchell said:
Thanks Doctor it was an excellent conversation very clear which I’ve thought ever since I first listened to you its a pleasure to listen to your insight I’m sure you will help many more people who come to you for knowledge of that special place you have found inside yourself. Best Wishes
November 23, 2011 at 7:36 pm, Norman said:
Thank you Tom, glad you enjoyed!
November 22, 2011 at 4:55 am, Carolyn Martino said:
I’m curious what “your comment is awaiting moderation” means? Thanks.
November 23, 2011 at 7:35 pm, Norman said:
Hi Carlyn,
My blog has a feature that allows me to look at comments before they are posted. This helps to eliminate spam, and malicious comments, if they are to arise.
November 29, 2011 at 3:22 am, Elizabeth Kramer said:
How do I get to your “blog”??