Meditation way forward for the peace process
Belfast News Letter, Belfast
9 August 2002
by Kim Hewitt
IF David Trimble and Gerry Adams were to learn a "simple
mental technique" Northern Ireland would be a less stressful
place.
That's the opinion of Holywood woman Andrea Gribben, a
transcendental meditation teacher, who believes the world
would be a healthier and happier place if the Government was
to learn the technique.
Andrea was speaking yesterday as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the
founder of the worldwide Transcendental Mediation movement,
delivered a global news conference on world peace via
satellite.
The Maharishi recently announced his decision to create
world peace through his Vedic approach to defence.
He is establishing groups of experts in his
coherence-creating TM and Yogic Flying programme in every
country and in every major city of the world.
Said Andrea: "I have been practising TM for 15 years and the
benefits are tremendous. It's a simple mental technique that
I practise two times a day for 20 minutes. It gives the mind
and the body profound rest, much deeper than sleep.
"It's something I really look forward to. I was aware of TM
for many years. I knew there was something more to life and
when I discovered TM it was like coming home."
Andrea and her husband Gerry run a number of furniture shops
and find TM reduces stress levels.
"I have taught people from three years to 81!
"I have taught individuals and families. People come for all
sorts of reasons and after feel rested and invigorated."
Said Gerry: "I have been practising TM for around 12 years
and it makes me very quiet inside.
"Things that used to annoy me before don't anymore. I can
cope much better."
Maharishi has launched a bold plan to bring about world
peace in establishing 3,000 peace palaces globally where
people can practise TM.
Andrea and Gerry are currently in talks with a number of
businessmen who are interested in the venture.
Meanwhile, the couple are planning to knock down their
Holywood home to replace it with their very own peace
palace.
"The Troubles out there are not because of Catholic versus
Protestant. It's stress versus stress. This stress becomes
violence and it spills out onto our streets. TM can get rid
of that stress, thus creating a more peaceful world." she
added.
GRAPHIC: LESS STRESSFUL SOLUTION: Photo of Andrea Gribben,
watching his Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, believes
government would benefit from learning Transcendental
Meditation
Copyright 2002 Century Newspapers Limited