A Gift That Lasts: Bringing Transcendental Meditation to a Zurich Private School

Some visions take time to become reality. This one took more than 50 years.

For over five decades, the owner of a renowned private school in Zurich has practiced Transcendental Meditation (TM). Throughout those years, she dreamed of one day offering this simple, evidence-based technique to the teachers and staff at her school, believing that supporting those who educate others is one of the most meaningful investments a school can make.

With the launch of the David Lynch Foundation Switzerland, that vision became possible.

As a gift to promote health, well-being, and resilience, every teacher and staff member was offered the opportunity to learn Transcendental Meditation.

The initiative began in early 2025 as part of the school's professional development program. Around 50 of the school's 70 employees attended introductory information sessions held in both German and English. The response exceeded expectations. Approximately 20 participants enrolled in the first TM courses immediately after the presentations, with many more registering in the following days.

To provide a calm and supportive learning environment, the courses were held at the DLF Resilience Center rather than on the school campus. The setting allowed participants to step away from the demands of daily work and fully immerse themselves in learning the technique.

Within just a few days, many participants reported experiencing noticeable benefits, including greater calm, improved well-being, and renewed energy. Encouraged by these early results, they began incorporating TM into their daily routines.

The project also offered valuable insights. A dedicated meditation space within the school would make it even easier for staff to maintain a regular practice. The experience also showed that introducing TM before the summer holidays provides an ideal opportunity for participants to establish the habit before returning to a busy school schedule.

The success of the initiative has led to its continuation. In 2026, all staff members who have not yet learned TM—or who have since expressed interest—will again have the opportunity to participate.

This partnership demonstrates how investing in the well-being of educators benefits an entire school community. It is a powerful example of sustainable health promotion in education—and of how a vision nurtured over decades can become a lasting gift for generations of teachers, staff, and students.