"Dr. Norman Rosenthal's Transcendence is the best-ever book on Transcendental Meditation: accessible and substantive, engaging and scientific, practical and profound. A very enjoyable read that can change your life, for good." —David Lynch "I have been meditating for over 10 years, and I found Transcendence to be a uniquely compelling introduction to the art and science of Transcendental Meditation. Dr. Norman Rosenthal's book will propel TM into the mainstream where it belongs." —Russell Simmons In this definitive book on the scientifically proven health and stress-relieving benefits of Transcendental Meditation, a renowned psychiatrist and researcher explores why TM works, what it can do for you, and how to use it for maximum effect. This New York Times bestselling paperback edition includes a new afterword by the author on the latest research and breakthroughs. Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D., a twenty-year researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health and the celebrated psychiatrist who pioneered the study and treatment of Season Affective Disorder (SAD), brings us the most important work on Transcendental Meditation since the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Science of Being and Art of Living -- and one of our generation's most significant books on achieving greater physical and mental health and wellness. Transcendence demystifies the practice and benefits of Transcendental Meditation for a general audience who may have heard about the method but do not necessarily know what it is, how it is learned, or what they stand to gain, physically and emotionally, from achieving transcendence. Dr. Rosenthal clearly and practically explains the basic ideas behind Transcendental Meditation: It is a nonreligious 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. Alongside exclusive celebrity interviews-where figures like Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Martin Scorsese, Russell Brand, Laura Dern, Moby , and David Lynch openly discuss their meditation-Dr. Rosenthal draws upon experience from the lives of his patients and a wealth of clinical research amassed on TM over the past generation (340 peer-reviewed published articles). He provides the fullest and most accessible book ever on the broad range of benefits of this remarkably simple practice, from relief of anxiety, stress and depression to new hope for those experiencing addiction, attention-deficit disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The noted research psychiatrist explores now life's disappointments and difficulties provide us with the lessons we need to become better, bigger, happier, and more resilient human beings. Adversity is an irreducible fact of life. Although we can and should learn from all experiences, both positive and negative, bestselling author Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal, believes that adversity is by far the best teacher most of us will ever encounter. Whether the adversity one experiences results from just plain bad luck, poor decision-making, a desire to test one's mettle, Rosenthal maintains that our most important lessons--from the value of family to the importance of occasionally cutting corners--can best be learned from life's challenges. Running counter to society's current prevailing message that things should always run smoothly--or, at least, appear to--and that failure or mistakes of any sort are to be avoided at all costs, The Gift of Adversity shows that such setbacks are inevitable. Indeed, engaging with our own failures and defeats is one of the only ways we are able to live authentic and meaningful lives. The book illuminates how each different type of setback carries its own challenges and has the potential to yield its own form of wisdom. Using stories from his own life--including his childhood in apartheid-era South Africa, his years after suffering a violent attack from a stranger, and his career as a psychiatrist--as well as case studies and discussions with well-known figures like Viktor Frankl and David Lynch, Rosenthal shows that true innovation, emotional resilience, wisdom, and dignity can only come from confronting and understanding the adversity we have experienced. Even when life is hardest, there are meanings to be found, riches to be harvested, and gifts that can last a lifetime. Rosenthal illustrates his message through a series of compact, memorable chapters, each one drawn from episodes in the lives of his patients, colleagues, or himself, and concluded with a take-away maxim on the lesson learned. Early praise for The Gift of Adversity 'Dr. Rosenthal catalyzes conversations around adversity with tales of wisdom and survival that we can all treasure.' Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. 'Dr. Norm is a cosmonaut of consciousness, launching into the murky abyss and returning with meteoric treasures for us all. His writing on the value of adversity may come to be regarded by alien archaeologists as a Rosetta stone in understanding how we advance as individuals and as a culture.' Russell Brand, actor 'This charming book joins deep insights from psychoanalysis to the humane wisdom of a life fully lived. Rosenthal captures both the complexity of our emotions and the pragmatics needed to harness them, and he does so with humor and grace.' Andrew Solomon, author of Far from the Tree 'Dr. Rosenthal presents an intriguing and inspiring work on th endless 'blessings in disguise' that shape our lives and our world. He shares frank personal experiences along with stories of others, including historical events on a global scale. He offers suggestions on how to navigate through rough patches in life and celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.' Laura Dern, actress 'In this timely and beautifully written work, renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author Norman Rosenthal tells intriguing stories that converge on an important theme - that many of life's greatest lessons and joys aren't the products of perfection, but the gifts of adversity. Each short chapter is its own delicious dish in a wonderful feast of a book.' Marci Shimoff, #1 New York Times-bestselling author, Happy for No Reason, Love for No Reason, and Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul 'Dr. Norman Rosenthal, the acclaimed psychiatric researcher and writer who put seasonal affective disorder on the map, has done something at once intriguing and audacious. Drawing from his own life experience and work with patients, Rosenthal shows us how we can extract wisdom and comfort from adversity. In so doing, Rosenthal has given us a gift of a book that is by turns humorous, erudite, compassionate, and wise.' Richard A. Friedman, M.D., professor of clinical psychiatry and director of the Psychopharmacology Clinic, Weill Cornell Medical College

"Using the engaging tools in this skillfully crafted workbook, sufferers of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can create their own blueprint for greater well-being all year long. Simple checklists, fill-in-the-blank forms, and nuggets of information help readers monitor their symptoms; determine which treatments to try (including light therapy, meditation, and other self-help options, as well as antidepressants and psychotherapy); and keep track of what works. Readers can download and print additional copies of the worksheets and forms. Individuals with SAD will return to this book repeatedly as they test out Dr. Rosenthal's proven strategies for overcoming low moods, fatigue, sleep problems, and food cravings. See also Dr. Rosenthal's Winter Blues, Fourth Edition, which provides a comprehensive overview of SAD and its treatment"--