A Terrific Book About a Life Altering Experience

About 20 years ago Norman Rosenthal, a psychiatrist and reseacher at the National Institute of Mental Health was laughed at by some colleagues.

 

Why were people laughing at Dr. Rosenthal?

 

Norman Rosenthal had the audacity to say  that some forms of depression were caused by a lack of sunlight.  This idea did not fit with what the medical community knew about depression.  When people are faced with an idea which doesn’t fit into their perceptual framework they often laugh.

 

First people laugh and ridicule new ideas.  Some people will become angry because integrating the new idea  causes them to lose a degree of assurance or self confidence.  Eventually, if the new idea is correct, it becomes accepted by the mainstream.

 

I am sure you have all heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder, S.A.D.  Today Norman Rosenthal’s idea that some people are vulnerable to depression because of a lack of sunlight is accepted by mainstream psychiatry.   Norman was the pioneer who studied Seasonal Affective Disorder and brought the medical community the idea that light therapy is a valuable treatment for this particular type of depression.  Yes, Dr. Rosenthal was correct that some people are vulnerable to depression because of a lack of sunlight.  He wrote a popular book called ”The Winter Blues.”

 

Recently, Dr. Rosenthal presented us with a new book.  This book is called “Transcendence” and it is about the Transcendental Meditation technique.  “Transcendence” demystifies the practice and benefits of Transcendental Meditation for a general audience who may have heard about the TM technique but do not necessairly know what it is or what they stand to gain, physically and emotionally, from its daily practice.  Dr. Rosenthal clearly and practically explains the basic ideas behind Transcendental Meditation:  It is a nonreliegous practice that involves sitting comfortably for twenty minutes twice a day, while using a silent mantra, or nonverbal sound, to attain a profound state of aware relaxation.

 

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

 

The research on the TM technique is profound.  Basically, the practice of this technique affects every parameter of human functioning because the physiology is deeply affected by the deep rest received during practice.

 

If you pick up a copy of “Transcendence” you will be in good company.  Mehmet Oz, David Lynch, and many other well known people are singing the praises of this excellent book!  Once again, Dr. Norman Rosenthal has offered the world good solid information.  This time, no one is laughing and no one is doubting that his information is anything but stellar.

 

Nancy