Dr. Deirdre Parsons
Dr. Deirdre Parsons

Dr. Deirdre Parsons

Executive Director

David Lynch Foundation UK

About

Category: Culture & Creativity

Track: Visual Arts

Industry: Education

Country: United Kingdom

Dr Deirdre Parsons is a leading expert in meditation, consciousness, and well-being. With over 38 years of Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice and 28 years as a certified teacher of TM , she is one of the UK’s most experienced and internationally recognised TM instructors.

She holds a PhD in physiology and health, an MSc in psychology, and is a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS). Her work demonstrates how meditation enhances cognition, creativity, and mental well-being across various sectors.

Trained by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Deirdre has introduced stress-relief programmes across Europe and the US. She co-founded the David Lynch Foundation UK alongside iconic filmmaker David Lynch to expand access to meditation for those who need it most. As Executive Director of DLF UK, she leads initiatives that integrate Transcendental Meditation into healthcare, leadership, and other high-stress industries, focusing on creating sustainable well-being strategies.

In particular, Deirdre collaborates with scientists at leading UK universities to conduct research on Transcendental Meditation and its effect on cognitive function, stress regulation, and problem-solving. This research is shaping the future of meditation-based interventions in workplace well-being, trauma recovery, and professional development.

Recognising that meditation extends beyond relaxation, Deirdre views it as a tool for enhancing clarity, fostering creativity, and increasing adaptability. In a world of constant demands, she emphasises that by accessing deeper states of consciousness, individuals can unfold their full potential—both personally and professionally.

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