New York, N.Y. Kevin McGovern, founder and chairman of The Water Initiative, partnered recently with the Global Stress Initiative (GSI) to host an evening in his penthouse home in honor of the good works of the David Lynch Foundation to bring stress-reducing meditation to at-risk populations, including inner-city youth and veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Bob Roth, executive director of DLF, Robert Cancro, M.D., medical director of GSI, and Lorraine Cancro, MSW, executive director of GSI, spoke on the critical importance of stress-reduction in McGovern’s fabulously stress-free environment high above Central Park.
Kevin McGovern of The Water Initiative at the event. Photo: The Stewardship Report.
Kevin explained how TM had given him focus and peace of mind while developing The Water Initiative:
“I find bringing customized and innovative solutions globally to those in need of clean drinking water is spiritually rewarding. Working with TM — particularly for needy children and with the wonderful people working on the David Lynch Foundation — is also spiritually rewarding and an excellent complement to our work.”
Photo: Rose Billings.
“Post-traumatic stress and other stress disorders are on the rise and can precipitate alcoholism, substance abuse, depression, depending on a person’s genetic predisposition. I recommend TM because it helps combat stress. Research has shown that TM can increase attention, clarity, focus and decrease anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Given there are no side effects this technique is well worth considering since it improves a person’s quality of life.”
“Kevin is an incredibly successful business leader, a true visionary, and a practical man with a huge heart. The David Lynch Foundation is very grateful for his time, attention and support.”
“GSI is promoting alternative techniques to help in the alleviation of stress disorders. One of our programs goals is to spread awareness of TM and its efficacy as an alternative technique for the alleviation of stress and in some cases supplement to psychopharmacologic treatment for Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) which not only impacts military members, their families but civilian survivors of trauma from man-made and natural disasters. TM is making a huge difference in people’s recovery from stress disorders.”
with actress Kelly Le Brock. Photo: Rose Billings.
Photo: Rose Billings.
“Mental illness has long been stigmatized so this deters people from pursuing treatment. TM offers a way to relieve the pressure and stress of the day and may help prevent the manifestation of disorders of which one may be genetically predisposed.” He said, “It gives a person a tool to decompress which is even more needed in our fast paced, information driven world that increases our stress levels.”
“Another disabling condition in returning veterans is chronic low back pain (CLBP). If a soldier in active duty develops disabling back pain there is only a small chance that they will ever return to active duty. In multiple studies, approximately 50 percent of patients with CLBP were also found to have PTSD. Meditative practice is effective for CLBP and PTSD and is a safe and inexpensive method to help disabled vets. Hats off the David Lynch Foundation and Global Stress Initiative!”
Another highlight of the evening was the launch of brilliant musician Lisa Nemzo’s stirring song called “Arlington” which was launched recently (video). The song was composed by the artist in an effort to raise awareness of the losses veterans and their families endure from loss of lives, limbs, dignity and mental health. Several listeners at this David Lynch event were moved to tears. Lorraine Cancro, MSW stated:
“Music is a universal language and through such a song GSI hopes to open up people to the suffering of so many and encourage them to enlist in helping the military population.”
The performer, Lisa, stated:
“As a nation, we must support our veterans and their families who suffer from stress disorders since they put their lives on the line for America. Even if you do not agree with the war, they performed their duty for all of us. We owe them our allegiance, support and care.”
Proceeds from Arlington are being used to help military members and their families through the good works of the David Lynch Foundation’s Operation Warrior Wellness, Global Stress Initiative, and the Arlington Project.
Photo: Rose Billings.
“From a narrative perspective, to appropriately treat post-traumatic stress mental health professionals must integrate and incorporate lenses from a biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual aspect of care for the individual and his or her family. Not one of the aforementioned lenses should be left out of one’s scope of practice. This then leads to an empathic, tailored and holistic approach for the healing and recovery process.”
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Originally published in The Huffington Post, June 28, 2012.
