North Hills News Record, April 14, 1998

By Rex Rutkoski

Janene VanDenBerg figured she had nothing to lose. Experiencing the debilitating, effects of chronic pain and fatigue as a result of fibromyalgia, the McCandless artist and mother decided to try Transcendental Meditation or TM as it is widely known because she heard it was supposed to be beneficial.

That was almost four years ago. Today, VanDenBerg, 49, has been able to lower the dosage of her medication, finds herself more energetic, less irritable, more positive about life and more attuned to her painting.

Don Hillery, 48, of Lower Burrell experienced similar results from this easily learned mental technique, which is practiced for 20 minutes twice daily sitting with the eyes closed.

Also having a chronic illness, Hillery began searching two years ago for a more effective way to deal with the psychological aspects of multiple sclerosis and the accompanying stress. At first skeptical about TM, wondering whether it was a good use of his time, the maintenance specialist at PPG Industries, Hampton, now believes it is advantageous.

So does his wife, Kathy, 45, who often meditates with him. "It's an investment in health and wellness. It helps relieve stress. When decisions come up, it's easier to think them through," she says.

Since Maharishi Mahesh Yogi brought TM to the United States 40 years ago, more than five million people of all ages, including children, cultures, religions and educational backgrounds, have learned the technique. Entire families sometimes meditate. It is not a religion or philosophy and does not require special abilities, behaviors or changes in lifestyle.

People learn TM for many reasons, says regional instructor Sonia Gunderson. They might have a situation they want to address, such as health problems, managing stress or anger.

"Or they might have vague feelings they are not using all of their potential, that they are leaving a lot on the table. Sometimes, they just want to enjoy life more, be happier, use all their potential," she explains.

VanDenBerg worried about how she would be able to fit two meditation sessions daily in to her active life. She found, like most busy people, there is time if it is made a priority.

"Now, it's so much a part of my life and routine, I wouldn't miss it for the world," she says.

Busy orthodontist Dr. Tom Longwell, 58, of Murrysville, says "When you think you don't have time to do it, that's the time you need to do it the most. His staff has become used to him going into his office and closing the door for 20 minutes. He has been practicing TM for four years.

He once took his blood pressure before and after a TM session and found the numbers significantly reduced after he had meditated. The American Heart Association reports the TM technique reduces hypertension.

"I really feel in the long haul TM has helped me get through stressful times, providing sort of a nice, calm base for the day," he says.

His wife, Mary Jane Longwell, 58, also practices TM and plans to make it a lifelong pursuit. "Once it's learned, it's yours forever," she says.

Gary Bogart of McCandless, national sales manager for WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh, also is in it for the long term. He has been involved for more than three years. "I was trying to find a way to ease stress, and TM also helps you focus more," he explains.

David Gillis, 51, of Franklin Park, a violinist for the Pittsburgh Symphony, says he wasn't looking for the meaning of life when he took up TM four years ago.

"I was looking for my own comfort," he says. "I think it's changed me in subtle ways. It may be more in the way I think of myself, rather than how other people perceive me, although I've had people say they've noticed a change."

He tried other activities that did not provide the relaxation he was seeking.

"I use TM to relax and give myself a break that gives me energy to perform," he said.

Although he still experiences frustrations and anger, he feels TM has helped him better cope with those emotions.

The beauty of TM is it's easy, something everyone can do. I like the simplicity and the fact it's not something that forces you to believe something," he says.

About Transcendental Meditation

What Is TM?: A simple, natural, effortless technique for reducing stress and developing an individual's full mental and physical potential. It is easily learned and practiced for 20 minutes twice daily sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.

What TM Is not: It does not involve concentration or control of the mind. It is not a religion, philosophy or lifestyle. It does not involve a code of conduct or moral training.

How TM is taught: It is taught through a sevenstep course of instruction by a qualified teacher of the TM program. The formal course usually is conducted over a fourday period, for 90 minutes to two hours daily. It is geared to meet the schedules for working people.

Cost: Course fees are $575 for an adult; $345 for a full time student and $230 for high school students and younger. A family rate also is available. After completing the course, participants are entitled to free lifetime optional followup services that includes personal consultations, advanced lectures and special seminars.

Source: The Transcendental Meditation Program

Reprinted with permission of North Hills News Record

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