Thousands of people practice Transcendental Meditation, commonly known as TM. It is a meditation technique that has been growing in popularity over the past few decades. With origins rooted in ancient Vedic tradition, this technique is now widely practiced and scientifically proven to have numerous benefits.
Read about other popular mediation techniques.
What is Transcendental Meditation?
Transcendental Meditation is a simple, natural, and effortless technique for accessing the deep, peaceful, and transcendent level of consciousness that exists within every human being. It involves sitting comfortably with eyes closed for 20 minutes, twice a day, while silently repeating a unique mantra.
How Transcendental Meditation Grew
Transcendental Meditation was introduced to the Western world in the 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, an Indian guru who taught the technique to thousands of people worldwide. In the following decades, TM grew in popularity, with celebrities and public figures like The Beatles, David Lynch, and Oprah Winfrey publicly advocating for its benefits.
The Benefits of Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental Meditation has been scientifically proven to have numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. Research has shown that regular practice of TM can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while increasing overall feelings of happiness and well-being.
One of the key benefits of Transcendental Meditation (TM) is its ability to help reduce stress immediately. By practicing TM, individuals can experience a state of deep relaxation and inner peace, which can have a profound effect on reducing stress and anxiety levels. This is because TM helps to activate the body’s natural relaxation response, which can counteract the negative effects of the body’s stress response. Research has shown that just a few minutes of TM practice can result in significant reductions in stress and anxiety, leading to increased feelings of calm and well-being.
According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, “TM has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving emotional well-being, and reducing perceived stress.”
In addition to its mental health benefits, TM has also been shown to have positive effects on physical health. Studies have found that regular practice of TM can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall cardiovascular health. A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that “TM produces a clinically significant reduction in high blood pressure that is associated with decreased risk of stroke and heart attack.”
Overall, the benefits of Transcendental Meditation are numerous and wide-ranging. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving cardiovascular health, TM has been shown to be an effective tool for improving both mental and physical well-being.
How to Practice Transcendental Meditation
Practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple and easy process that can be done by anyone, regardless of their age or experience with meditation. Here are some basic guidelines for practicing TM:
When to Practice: It is recommended to practice TM twice a day, ideally in the morning before breakfast and in the late afternoon or early evening before dinner. This regular practice helps to establish a routine and allows the body and mind to experience the benefits of TM more fully.
Where to Practice: TM can be practiced anywhere that is quiet and comfortable, such as a quiet room in your home or office. It is important to create an environment that is conducive to relaxation and free from distractions.
How to Practice: To practice TM, sit comfortably with your eyes closed and repeat a specific mantra silently to yourself. The mantra is chosen specifically for you by a certified TM teacher and is meant to be a tool for helping you reach a state of deep relaxation and inner peace. While practicing, it is natural for thoughts to arise. When this happens, simply return your focus to your mantra and continue repeating it silently.
How Long to Practice: It is recommended to practice TM for 20 minutes twice a day. This may seem like a short amount of time, but regular practice can have profound benefits on both mental and physical health.
Overall, practicing Transcendental Meditation is a simple and effective way to improve overall well-being and reduce stress and anxiety. If you are interested in learning more about TM or finding a certified TM teacher near you, visit the official website for the Transcendental Meditation organization.
Conclusion
Transcendental Meditation is a powerful and effective meditation technique that has been practiced by millions of people worldwide. With its numerous benefits and simple practice, TM has become a popular choice for those seeking to improve their mental and physical well-being. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced meditator, Transcendental Meditation offers a path towards deeper understanding and inner peace.
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