Hi Friends,

I would like to share something deeply personal with you.

Yesterday (October 31, 2017) was a very scary, sad and tragic day here in New York City. It was especially scary for me.

Let me begin by letting you know that my family and I are all safe. For this, we are supremely grateful.

But the terrorist attack happened literally around the corner from our apartment. Less than one city block away. Our daughter’s bedroom window looks out directly over the crime scene. This is an intersection we frequent often on our way to the park where our daughter likes to play.

The tragic event occurred shortly after 3pm, when, like countless other children, our daughter was on her way home from school.

I was on a business call when I saw a text from my wife that there was a shooting in our neighborhood. Our nanny was on the text too, but there was no response from her. I immediately called our nanny who let me know that she and our daughter were safe inside our apartment. It was less than one minute between the time I saw the text and heard our nanny’s voice on the phone, but it felt like an eternity. In my mind, I had the thought that every parent fears the most--that something terrible had happened to our child.

It is on days like yesterday where I am most grateful for my meditation practice.

I learned Vedic Meditation almost a decade ago and have been teaching it since 2013, but I still remember what life was like before I was meditating. I can tell you with great certainty that yesterday's horrific event would have triggered a full blown panic attack and I would not have been able to sleep last night. It would have likely made me depressed for weeks or months. But I was fine and will continue to be fine.

A regular daily practice of Vedic Meditation makes a difference. In addition to relieving anxiety, depression and insomnia, it allows us to be exponentially more adaptable to all of life’s demands.

If you're struggling during these uncertain times, I would like to help you.

With Gratitude,

Ben