by Livia Horváth | May 17, 2017 | Achievements
The practice of the Transcendental Meditation program for four months significantly reduced trauma symptoms in female prisoners
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Inmates at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon, practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique
An inmate at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon, sitting on her bed for her twice-a-day practice of the TM technique
Sanford Nidich, lead author of the study
A new randomized controlled study by MUM researchers on 22 female prisoners, published in The Permanente Journal, found that those practicing the Transcendental Meditation® technique for four months had significant reductions in total trauma symptoms compared with a control group. This is the first stress study focused specifically on female prison inmates with high levels of trauma symptoms.
A similar study in the same journal last October involving 181 male prisoners found a 47 percent reduction in total trauma symptoms, including anxiety, depression, dissociation, and sleep disturbance, and a significant decrease in perceived stress, compared to a non-meditating control group.
The two studies were led by Sanford Nidich, EdD, director of the Center for Social Emotional Health and Consciousness at MUM. “This study is a valuable addition to the research literature in women’s mental health, showing a natural and effortless alternative approach to reducing trauma symptoms,” said Dr. Nidich. “Previous studies have shown reduced trauma with the TM program in other populations, including veterans and African refugees.”
Surveys have shown that prisoners have one of the highest rates of lifetime trauma of any segment of society, with 85 percent having been a victim of a crime-related event, such as robbery or home invasion, or physical or sexual abuse. Trauma is associated with higher rates of recidivism and mental and physical health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
The subjects in the study were encouraged to practice the Transcendental Meditation technique individually in their prison cells twice daily and encouraged to attend group meditation sessions, supervised by a teacher of the Transcendental Meditation technique, twice a week over the four-month study period. Those practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique said they felt a lot better—less stressed along with a greater sense of inner freedom and resilience.
“Meditating twice a day has helped lessen my stress levels, allowed me to connect to and center myself at deeper levels, and to retreat, reflect, and problem solve,” said one subject. “Meditating helps facilitate my mental clarity, while at the same time calming me.”
Other MUM authors include Randi Nidich, EdD, and John Salerno, PhD, senior researchers at the MUM Center for Social Emotional Health and Consciousness, and alumna Angela Seng.
by Livia Horváth | May 10, 2017 | Achievements
MUM alumna Hilary Nelson
A 2016 piece titled “Hot From Running”
Hilary working on one of her pieces
MUM alumna Hilary Nelson is about to graduate from the University of Iowa with an MFA degree; however, her path to becoming an artist wasn’t always straightforward.
Hilary has always been making art, but after graduating from Maharishi School she was one of the first students to enroll in the Sustainable Living Program at MUM. Hilary was excited to be involved with the emerging new department, and the ideas of sustainability have influenced her lifestyle ever since.
After getting her BS degree in 2007, Hilary decided to pursue art and returned to MUM to get a BFA. Her experience in the art department helped her solidify her decision to continue studying art and apply for graduate school at the University of Iowa, where she earned an MA in painting in 2016.
“My time at MUM gave me the tools to maintain balance in my life and work,” said Hilary. “It helped me to establish a practice of flexibility and seeing the larger picture. Transcendental Meditation helps me remain grounded, and it often acts as a reset and provides me with a strong foundation for all that I do.”
Hilary appreciates that graduate school allows her to focus on her art and its development. She likes to use recycled materials, which serve as inspiration for her pieces that blend painting and sculpture. “I use a lot of found or surplus objects, things that used to be other things. These materials are already in motion and I think they ensure me a starting point.”
Hilary has also been teaching courses on painting and drawing at MUM, as well as at the University of Iowa, which awarded her several teaching assistantships. In addition, she has received the Len Everett Fund for Excellence Scholarship and the Mildred Pelzer Lynch Fellowship.
by Livia Horváth | May 10, 2017 | Achievements
Sustainable living student Sara Kille
Lobbying Iowa state legislators about social and environmental issues with Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
Celebrating her birthday with MUM friends
Sara Kille worked as a preschool teacher in her hometown of Tracy, California, when she discovered actor Jim Carrey’s MUM commencement speech on Facebook. Sara was planning to study environmentalism and sustainability, and Carrey’s speech deeply resonated with her. She became curious about MUM, and a few months later she attended a Visitors Weekend. She was delighted by the students and visitors she met, and she made up her mind.
Sara enrolled as a sustainable living major in 2015. Her passion lies in environmental activism and social change, and she managed to tailor her education to match her specific needs. In addition to taking classes in global sustainability, creating social change, and climate science and solutions, she completed a six-week internship with Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, an organization focusing on social, economic, and environmental justice for local communities.
For her senior project, Sara conducted research for a new environmental activism module the Department of Sustainable Living is planning to launch next year. In addition to fulfilling her academic goals, Sara also appreciates having “amazing friends and a like-minded community.” “It has been nice to feel at home here and find my soul family,” she said.
“Sara combines two wonderful characteristics,” said John Collins, instructor of sustainable living. “She has deep commitment to improving people’s treatment of each other and the environment; she also has a persistent drive to really get results. We’re looking forward to seeing her great successes.”
Sara was looking forward to learning the Transcendental Meditation® technique, and she has been pleased with the results. “TM has
smoothed out my emotions, so I feel more balanced,” she said. “I have more patience with myself and others.”
Sara is graduating this June and hopes to employ her enthusiasm for community and environmental activism by working for an organization in Hawaii. “I want to help people improve their lives and empower them to fight for what they need,” she said.
by Livia Horváth | Apr 26, 2017 | Scholarship
Mrs. Kumari Shibulal, Professor A. Thimmaiah, and S.D. Shibulal
S.D. Shibulal, a cofounder of technology giant Infosys, and Mrs. Kumari Shibulal received a Maharishi Award at the 2016 Fall Celebration, at which time they announced that their foundation would be providing scholarships totaling $100,000 for students from India who enroll in the new Regenerative Organic Agriculture Program that will begin in January.
Infosys is a global leader in technology services and consulting, with clients in more than 50 countries.
The Shibulals were honored with an award for their charitable work, which includes organizing social programs for the underprivileged in India in the areas of education, child cardiac surgery, pension plans, and organic farming.
The scholarships will cover 50% of the tuition for eligible applicants from India — 10 scholarships per year for two years.
The Shibulals founded the Sarojini Damodaran Foundation in 1999 out of a sense of responsibility towards society. The foundation began by offering scholarships and gradually expanded its reach to a range of causes, including education, cardiac care, pension projects, nutrition, organic farming, arts, culture, and sustainability in different parts of India.
“The Sarojini Damodaran Foundation, under the leadership of Mrs. Shibulal, has empowered thousands of economically deprived youth, women, and families in India,” said professor A. Thimmaiah, who is friends with the Shibulal family. “Every year they are reaching out to more and more people who need help. Confucius once said, ‘Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.’ Their humility and generosity is exemplary for other successful business leaders to emulate and serve humanity and mother Earth.”
Scholarship recipients will enroll in the new 10-month certificate program in regenerative organic agriculture that will begin in January. It will combine classroom instruction with six months of field work learning all facets of organic agriculture.
by Livia Horváth | Apr 21, 2017 | Achievements
Media and communications student Sophia Woodward
MUM student Sophia Woodward had wanted to become an actress since she was nine, but she never thought she would get some of her best acting opportunities in Fairfield, Iowa.
Sophia moved to Fairfield from Massachusetts at age seven and attended Maharishi School. At age 18 she moved to British Columbia, where she finished high school. She decided to pursue acting professionally, and soon enrolled in a six-month certificate program at the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts.
At the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard during the Los Angeles premiere of Lilith’s Awakening (from left to right: co-producer Mar Campillo, actress Eden West, Sophia Woodward, director Monica Demes, and actress/singer Barbara Eugenia)
During the next 5 years, Sophia auditioned for television, indie movies, and commercials while working a day job at a Western martial arts school, where she picked up swordplay. She also performed in theatre productions, including a play she wrote and co-produced at the Vancouver Fringe Festival.
In 2014 Sophia heard about an MUM course on “the creative process,” taught by Nynke Passi. She became so intrigued that she came all the way from Vancouver to attend just one class. It wasn’t long before she decided to become a full-time student in media and communications.
With director Monica Demes and Joanna Plafsky, co-founder of the DLMFA, at the 2016 Iowa Motion Picture Association Awards
In addition to attending classes and learning about creative writing and filmmaking, Sophia has secured multiple roles in student productions of the David Lynch MFA in Film Program. She was cast in three films and a web series, including the lead role in the feature film Lilith’s Awakening by Monica Demes. For her role in Lilith’s Awakening, Sophia received the Best Actress award from the Iowa Motion Picture Association in 2016.
“Sophia is a subtle writer, but her most outstanding work is always in performance, or a combination of writing and performance,” said Nynke Passi, assistant professor of creative writing. “She has the ability to access her emotions readily and deeply, spur of the moment, without defense. It’s entirely genuine — an unguarded connection to self that not everyone can make palpable before an audience.”
Behind the scenes of Lilith’s Awakening
In between her classes, Sophia has been globetrotting to attend premieres of Lilith’s Awakening in Los Angeles, Sweden, and Montreal. She hopes to attend two upcoming premieres in England and Argentina.
Sophia feels that the Transcendental Meditation® program has been an essential part of her life. “TM is my rejuvenating mini-vacation from stresses that arise from the daily activity of my very full life,” said Sophia. “It gives me the deep rest that I need to be wholly creative and enhances my clarity, helping me to achieve my goals.”
Currently, Sophia is completing a media project for her undergraduate degree, a dance/mime short film, which she wrote, directed, and performed. To find out more about Sophia’s adventures, visit her website.
