Norman E. Rosenthal's Blog, page 4

Meditation & Yoga? The Seahawks’ Superbowl Advantage

Recently, a friend asked me if I thought the Seattle Seahawks had a leg up on their Superbowl competition because coach Pete Carroll encourages his team to meditate and do Yoga as part of their routine.

Although the news media have responded with curiosity to the Seahawks meditating as part of their Superbowl preparation, emphasizing how strange and novel it seems… It actually makes a tremendous amount of sense.

The general concept of meditation is that it makes you kinder, sweeter, softer — mushy even. How does this correspond to the Titanic — even aggressive — efforts needed to win a hugely prized contest? In fact, there is no paradox at all. I have worked extensively with people at the highest levels of achievement, including athletes, corporate tycoons, and CEO’s who can be tough as nails and more than a match for any competitor. In most if not all instances I have recommended transcendental meditation (TM) as a means of maximizing their potential. TM has been shown to improve brain coherence. Simply put, that means that brain waves in different parts of the brain correlate with one another more highly, indicating that these different regions are collaborating more efficiently. In fact, one study of Norwegian competitive athletes showed that the more successful the athlete, the higher the level of brain coherence as measured by electro-encephalogram (EEG).

Photo Credit: Peter Yang for ESPN

When one meditates, extraneous information falls by the wayside putting you in a better position to focus on the essentials of the matter at hand, whatever that happens to be — for example, the Superbowl. As one hedge fund owner who has been practicing TM for decades said to me, “Thanks to meditation when I am in the throws of negotiating a deal, I feel like a ninja. It feels as though things come at me in slow motion and I am able to respond more effectively. It is just that kind of ninja sensibility that the Seahawks will be looking for during Sunday’s Superbowl and maybe their meditation practice will give them the edge over their competitors in a battle royal — where even the slightest advantage can make the difference between winning and losing.

Wishing you Light and Transcendence,

Norman

For more information regarding meditation and its benefits you may wish to read my book, “Transcendence: Healing and Transformation Through Transcendental Meditation.”

Additional Articles:

ABC News: Seattle Seahawks Will Have ‘Ohm’ Team Advantage

ESPN.com: Lotus Pose on Two

Elite Daily: So That’s Their Secret: Pete Carroll Makes All Seahawks Players Take Yoga And Meditate

 

Seahawks, Yoga & Meditation

Recently, a friend asked me if I thought the Seattle Seahawks had a leg up on their competition because coach Pete Carroll has the team meditate and do Yoga as part of their routine.

Although the news media have responded with curiosity to the Seahawks meditating as part of their Superbowl preparation, emphasizing how strange and novel it seems… It actually makes a tremendous amount of sense.

The general concept of meditation is that it makes you kinder, sweeter, softer — mushy even. How does this correspond to the Titanic — even aggressive — efforts needed to win a hugely prized contest? In fact, there is no paradox at all. I have worked extensively with people at the highest levels of achievement, including athletes, corporate tycoons, and CEO’s who can be tough as nails and more than a match for any competitor. In most if not all instances I have recommended transcendental meditation (TM) as a means of maximizing their potential. TM has been shown to improve brain coherence. Simply put, that means that brain waves in different parts of the brain correlate with one another more highly, indicating that these different regions are collaborating more efficiently. In fact, one study of Norwegian competitive athletes showed that the more successful the athlete, the higher the level of brain coherence as measured by electro-encephalogram (EEG).

Photo Credit: Peter Yang for ESPN

When one meditates, extraneous information falls by the wayside putting you in a better position to focus on the essentials of the matter at hand, whatever that happens to be — for example, the Superbowl. As one hedge fund owner who has been practicing TM for decades said to me, “Thanks to meditation when I am in the throws of negotiating a deal, I feel like a ninja. It feels as though things come at me in slow motion and I am able to respond more effectively. It is just that kind of ninja sensibility that the Seahawks will be looking for during Sunday’s Superbowl and maybe their meditation practice will give them the edge over their competitors in a battle royal — where even the slightest advantage can make the difference between winning and losing.

Wishing you Light and Transcendence,

Norman

For more information regarding meditation and its benefits you may wish to read my book, “Transcendence: Healing and Transformation Through Transcendental Meditation.”

Additional Articles:

ABC News: Seattle Seahawks Will Have ‘Ohm’ Team Advantage

ESPN.com: Lotus Pose on Two

Elite Daily: So That’s Their Secret: Pete Carroll Makes All Seahawks Players Take Yoga And Meditate

 

Norman Rosenthal TEDxLowerEastSide

On the morning of Friday October 25, 2013 Doctor Norman E. Rosenthal will be speaking at the TEDxLowerEastSide event in New York, NY.

The theme of this event is called, “The Heroes Journey.”

Description of event from – http://www.tedxlowereastside.com

We all want to pursue lives of meaning. It is the stories — the ones we tell about ourselves, the ones we tell to ourselves — that are the vehicles we use in that pursuit. And so it is “the heroes journey,” that one overarching story, which is the blueprint for all stories. Why do we resad Homer’s Oddyssey and the story of the Buddha? Why do we love watching Star Wars and The Matrix? These are all epic tales that contain a Departure, an initiation and a Return. The hero hears a call, initially and refuses it, but eventually crosses the threshold into a new world. He faces challenges and existential angst, but he receives wisdom from mentors, and transforms himself. The hero returns committed to improving both worlds.

TEDxLowerEastSide has curated scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, yogis, monks, educators and activists who will tell”hero’s journeys”, sharing wisdom to open our hearts and cleanse our doors of perception.

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us” – Joseph Campbell

 

View TEDxLowerEastSide below:

 

October 25th, 2013 11:00am – 8:30pm

The Angel Orensanz Foundation for the Arts

172 Norfolk Street, New York, NY

 

Speaking In New York City This Weekend

Dear Friends,

I wanted to offer the details for FOUR separate talks in the New York City area this coming weekend. All talks are free and open to the public.

I will be speaking about The Gift of Adversity and it’s connection to Meditation.

SATURDAY

Saturday, September 21 2-3:30 PM

Short Hills Hilton

41 John F Kennedy Pkwy

Short Hills, NJ 07078

——————————-

Saturday, September 21st 5:30-7 PM

Julius S. Held Auditorium

304 Barnard Hall (Building is right in front of the gates)

3009 Broadway New York, NY 10027

Directions: http://barnard.edu/visit/directions

——————————–

SUNDAY

Sunday, September 22nd 7-9PM

Garden City Hotel

45 Seventh St. Garden City, NY

——————————-

Sunday, September 22, Noon – 4pm

Hilton Hotel, 699 Westchester Ave, Rye Brook, NY

Four Events In New York City This Weekend

Dear Friends,

Below is the announcement for the FOUR separate talks in the NYC area this coming weekend. All talks are free and open to the public.

I will be talking about The Gift of Adversity and it’s connection to Meditation.

SATURDAY

Saturday, September 21 2-3:30 PM

Short Hills Hilton

41 John F Kennedy Pkwy

Short Hills, NJ 07078

——————————-

Saturday, September 21st 5:30-7 PM

Julius S. Held Auditorium

304 Barnard Hall (Building is right in front of the gates)

3009 Broadway New York, NY 10027

Directions: http://barnard.edu/visit/directions

——————————–

SUNDAY

Sunday, September 22nd 7-9PM

Garden City Hotel

45 Seventh St. Garden City, NY

——————————-

Sunday, September 22, Noon – 4pm

Hilton Hotel, 699 Westchester Ave, Rye Brook, NY

___________________________________________________________________________

Furthermore, I would like to give you a quick update on “The Gift of Adversity” book launch.

Gift of Adversity Progress and News:

1) Jane Brody, a veteran writer recently wrote an article about the book called, “Life’s Hard Lessons” in the New York Times.

2) The Gift of Adversity is currently ranking #1 in Stress Management on Amazon. The price is fluctuating a bit in Amazon, and is currently available at 24% off. The e-book version can currently be purchased for $11.99.

3) Because of all the buzz being created around the book I have decided to keep the Bonus Offers going a little longer. Anyone who currently purchases a book is eligible to receive FREE bonus gifts worth up to $732. I am not sure how much longer this offer will last?

Thank you all so much for continuing to share this journey with me.

Wishing you Light and Transcendence,

Norman

 

4 Events In New York City This Weekend

Dear Friends,

Below is the announcement for the FOUR separate public talks in the NYC area this coming weekend.

I will be talking about The Gift of Adversity and it’s connection to Meditation.

SATURDAY

Saturday, September 21 2-3:30 PM

Short Hills Hilton

41 John F Kennedy Pkwy

Short Hills, NJ 07078

——————————-

Saturday, September 21st 5:30-7 PM

Julius S. Held Auditorium

304 Barnard Hall (Building is right in front of the gates)

3009 Broadway New York, NY 10027

Directions: http://barnard.edu/visit/directions

——————————–

SUNDAY

Sunday, September 22nd 7-9PM

Garden City Hotel

45 Seventh St. Garden City, NY

——————————-

Sunday, September 22, Noon – 4pm

Hilton Hotel, 699 Westchester Ave, Rye Brook, NY

___________________________________________________________________________

Furthermore, I would like to give you a quick update on “The Gift of Adversity” book launch.

Gift of Adversity Progress and News:

1) Jane Brody, a veteran writer recently wrote an article about the book called, “Life’s Hard Lessons” in the New York Times.

2) The Gift of Adversity is currently ranking #1 in Stress Management on Amazon. The price is fluctuating a bit in Amazon, and is currently available at 24% off. The e-book version can currently be purchased for $11.99.

3) Because of all the buzz being created around the book I have decided to keep the Bonus Offers going a little longer. Anyone who currently purchases a book is eligible to receive FREE bonus gifts worth up to $732. I am not sure how much longer this offer will last?

Thank you all so much for continuing to share this journey with me.

Wishing you Light and Transcendence,

Norman

 

The Gift of Adversity with Dr. Norman Rosenthal

How can we make the best of difficult times? The video below features award-winning pianist Roy Eaton, CEO of Strategic Investments Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg, and physiotherapist and trainer, Stacy King.



[Video 3:04] The Gift of Adversity

 

 

Here’s what the experts are saying about 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., host of The Dr. OZ Show

 

 

“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 archeologists as a Rosetta Stone in understanding how we advance as individuals and as a culture.” —Russell Brand, Actor

 

 

“Dr. Rosenthal presents an intriguing and inspiring work on the endless ‘blessings in disguise’ which 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 best-selling 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 NY Times bestselling author, Happy for No Reason, Love For No Reason, and Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul

 

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.”

 

The Gift of Adversity is a wonderful book. Dr Rosenthal, psychiatrist and humanist, vividly describes the pains and setbacks brought about by our actions or circumstance and how we can use them to give substance and meaning to our lives. The Gift of Adversity is an important gift in its own right.

—Kay Redfield Jamison PhD, author of An Unquiet Mind

 

I really loved Norman’s book—and i agree that adversity can be a great teacher and a great friend. —David Lynch, filmmaker

 

 

If you’ve ever wondered what a world-class psychiatrist really thinks when pondering his life journey, then read The Gift of Adversity. You’ll be treated to short and savory stories covering Dr. Norman Rosenthal’s extraordinary roller coaster ride from a young boy in South Africa, to an acclaimed physician and scientist. His wit and wisdom will captivate you as you learn the priceless lessons gifted to you from life’s challenges.

—Pam Peeke MD, MPH, FACP, Assistant Professor of Medicine U of MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Hunger Fix

 

Adversity is a Gift with Dr. Norman Rosenthal

The simple way of looking at adversity is that it is really bad news and something to be avoided. I would rather not have adversity. However, as I personally looked over the lessons of my life it occurred to me that what I learn the most from, was when things went wrong. That led me to think that this is perhaps a general principal –that although we don’t want adversity and we rightfully avoid it, we can’t really escape it. It is an inherent part of life, and so since we are going to get it anyway what can we do with it, what can we make out of it that actually turns it into a gift? (Click video below for more)

[Video 3:51] Adversity is a Gift

 

 

Here’s what the experts are saying about 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., host of The Dr. OZ Show

 

 

“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 archeologists as a Rosetta Stone in understanding how we advance as individuals and as a culture.” —Russell Brand, Actor

 

 

“Dr. Rosenthal presents an intriguing and inspiring work on the endless ‘blessings in disguise’ which 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 best-selling 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 NY Times bestselling author, Happy for No Reason, Love For No Reason, and Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul

 

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.”

 

The Gift of Adversity is a wonderful book. Dr Rosenthal, psychiatrist and humanist, vividly describes the pains and setbacks brought about by our actions or circumstance and how we can use them to give substance and meaning to our lives. The Gift of Adversity is an important gift in its own right.

—Kay Redfield Jamison PhD, author of An Unquiet Mind

 

I really loved Norman’s book—and i agree that adversity can be a great teacher and a great friend. —David Lynch, filmmaker

 

 

If you’ve ever wondered what a world-class psychiatrist really thinks when pondering his life journey, then read The Gift of Adversity. You’ll be treated to short and savory stories covering Dr. Norman Rosenthal’s extraordinary roller coaster ride from a young boy in South Africa, to an acclaimed physician and scientist. His wit and wisdom will captivate you as you learn the priceless lessons gifted to you from life’s challenges.

—Pam Peeke MD, MPH, FACP, Assistant Professor of Medicine U of MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Hunger Fix

 

From Transcendence to the Gift of Adversity

I had a 10 year hiatus between a book that came out about 12 or 13 years ago and my latest batch of books, because in the last 5 years I have written 4 books and those happened to be the 5 years when I have been doing Transcendental Meditation. And, what happened as I started to meditate I began to access wells of creativity and consciousness within myself. (Click the video below for more)

[Video 4:48] From Transcendence to the Gift of Adversity: How Transcendental Meditation helps people overcome life’s difficulties

 

 

Here’s what the experts are saying about 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., host of The Dr. OZ Show

 

 

“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 archeologists as a Rosetta Stone in understanding how we advance as individuals and as a culture.” —Russell Brand, Actor

 

 

“Dr. Rosenthal presents an intriguing and inspiring work on the endless ‘blessings in disguise’ which 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 best-selling 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 NY Times bestselling author, Happy for No Reason, Love For No Reason, and Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul

 

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.”

 

The Gift of Adversity is a wonderful book. Dr Rosenthal, psychiatrist and humanist, vividly describes the pains and setbacks brought about by our actions or circumstance and how we can use them to give substance and meaning to our lives. The Gift of Adversity is an important gift in its own right.

—Kay Redfield Jamison PhD, author of An Unquiet Mind

 

I really loved Norman’s book—and i agree that adversity can be a great teacher and a great friend. —David Lynch, filmmaker

 

 

If you’ve ever wondered what a world-class psychiatrist really thinks when pondering his life journey, then read The Gift of Adversity. You’ll be treated to short and savory stories covering Dr. Norman Rosenthal’s extraordinary roller coaster ride from a young boy in South Africa, to an acclaimed physician and scientist. His wit and wisdom will captivate you as you learn the priceless lessons gifted to you from life’s challenges.

—Pam Peeke MD, MPH, FACP, Assistant Professor of Medicine U of MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Hunger Fix

 

Hidden Marijuana, Hidden Fears – The Gift of Adversity Book

Author and psychiatrist Dr. Norman Rosenthal recounts an amusing and poignant story about growing up in South Africa, describing how one of the family’s domestic helpers (who was more like a friend) ran into trouble with the South African police.  Rosenthal winds the story to an unexpected conclusion.

[Video 3:27] Hidden Marijuana, Hidden Fears – The Gift of Adversity Book:

 

 

Here’s what the experts are saying about 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., host of The Dr. OZ Show

 

 

“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 archeologists as a Rosetta Stone in understanding how we advance as individuals and as a culture.” —Russell Brand, Actor

 

 

“Dr. Rosenthal presents an intriguing and inspiring work on the endless ‘blessings in disguise’ which 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 best-selling 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 NY Times bestselling author, Happy for No Reason, Love For No Reason, and Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul

 

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.”

 

The Gift of Adversity is a wonderful book. Dr Rosenthal, psychiatrist and humanist, vividly describes the pains and setbacks brought about by our actions or circumstance and how we can use them to give substance and meaning to our lives. The Gift of Adversity is an important gift in its own right.

—Kay Redfield Jamison PhD, author of An Unquiet Mind

 

I really loved Norman’s book—and i agree that adversity can be a great teacher and a great friend. —David Lynch, filmmaker

 

 

If you’ve ever wondered what a world-class psychiatrist really thinks when pondering his life journey, then read The Gift of Adversity. You’ll be treated to short and savory stories covering Dr. Norman Rosenthal’s extraordinary roller coaster ride from a young boy in South Africa, to an acclaimed physician and scientist. His wit and wisdom will captivate you as you learn the priceless lessons gifted to you from life’s challenges.

—Pam Peeke MD, MPH, FACP, Assistant Professor of Medicine U of MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Hunger Fix