Transcendental Meditation, or TM for short, is great meditation technique for anyone just getting into meditation. It’s very easy to learn and fits easily even into a busy schedule. The TM technique was introduced to the world at large by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi beginning in 1958, and is known for being one of the few meditation techniques backed by legitimate published scientific studies. Studies show the technique’s effectiveness for reducing stress and anxiety.
You can learn TM from a qualified teacher at one of the many centers around the world. You will receive a mantra to meditate with, and be given careful instructions on how to use it. The recommended practice is twenty minutes, twice a day, where you will be seated with your eyes closed meditating with your mantra. Although it can be expensive to learn, you get life-time ongoing support with your meditation practice, and many teachers offer free group meditations where you can share and connect with other meditators.
One of the things I love about TM is that it’s so easy to do anywhere. I’ve also noticed that meditating in a space can totally change the atmosphere in a room. Walk into a room with hectic, negative, or gloomy atmosphere, and twenty minutes later when you finish meditating, the atmosphere has completely lightened up. Now, this could be in part due to the positive change in your own attitude, but after 25 years of practicing TM, I have to say, I think there’s definitely more to it than that!
Since I learned TM when I was so young, I can’t really imagine what my life would have been like without it. However, I can say that one thing TM has given me is a constant in life. No matter what else is going on in my life, TM is always there for me, whenever and wherever I need a timeout, a recharge, a fresh perspective, a sense of peace – and there’s something extremely comforting in knowing that.
If you’re interested in learning more about Transcendental Meditation, you can check out www.tm.org.
Do you practice TM? Please share your experiences in the comments section below!