Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a meditation technique that involves silently repeating a mantra for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. It is designed to help individuals reach a state of inner peace and improve their overall mental and physical health. TM is taught by certified instructors and can also be learned through books, videos, and apps. The technique has gained popularity due to its potential benefits, which include stress relief, improved sleep, enhanced focus and memory, and reduced risk of certain diseases. While TM has a historical association with Hinduism, it is presented as a secular practice suitable for people from all religious backgrounds.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Time | 15-20 minutes |
Frequency | Twice a day |
Location | Quiet, dimly-lit room with no distractions |
Posture | Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor with hands on lap |
Eyes | Closed |
Breaths | Take a few deep breaths |
Mantra | A word or phrase silently repeated in the mind |
Focus | Focus on the mantra completely |
Duration | 4 days of instruction and follow-ups with a teacher |
Cost | $300 to $1,000 |
What You'll Learn
Transcendental meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety
Transcendental meditation, or TM, is a simple and effective form of meditation that has been shown to be effective at reducing anxiety and stress. It is backed by hundreds of research studies and is taught by certified instructors.
TM involves silently repeating a mantra, which can be a word, sound, or phrase, for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day. The mantra is chosen based on the individual's personal characteristics and is meant to be a good fit for them. This practice is done in a quiet, dimly-lit room with no distractions or music. Before starting, it is important to ensure that you will not be disturbed and that your phone is turned off or on silent.
TM is unique because it does not require any concentration or control of the mind. It is completely effortless and can be learned by anyone, even those who think they "can't meditate". The technique allows the mind to settle inward, transcending thought and entering a state of deep inner calm and peace. This is what sets TM apart from other meditation techniques and makes it so beneficial for the mind and body.
Research has shown that TM is effective in reducing stress and anxiety. A meta-analysis of 146 independent studies found that TM was twice as effective as other techniques in reducing trait anxiety. Another study showed that TM practitioners experienced substantial reductions in anxiety over the first two weeks of practice, and these reductions were sustained three years later. TM has also been found to improve sleep quality, which can further contribute to reduced stress and anxiety.
In addition to stress and anxiety reduction, TM has been associated with various other benefits for mental and physical well-being. These include improved brain functioning, heart health, depression, insomnia, addiction treatment, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. TM has also been found to lower blood pressure, with strong enough evidence that the American Heart Association recommends its consideration in clinical practice.
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It can improve your overall health and quality of sleep
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a technique that can improve your overall health and quality of sleep. TM is a simple, effortless form of meditation that can be practised by anyone. It involves sitting comfortably with your eyes closed and repeating a mantra silently for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. The mantra is a word or phrase that you repeat to help you stay alert and calm your mind.
TM has been found to have many health benefits, including improving sleep quality and reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Research has shown that TM may be as effective at reducing blood pressure as blood pressure medication. It can also help with pain management and improve your overall mental and physical health.
In addition to the physical benefits, TM can also provide mental and emotional benefits. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improve self-esteem and enhance creativity, intelligence, and awareness. TM can also increase your problem-solving ability and give you a greater spiritual connection to yourself.
TM is taught by certified instructors and typically involves a one-hour lecture, one hour of one-on-one training, and three follow-up sessions. The cost of these sessions can range from $420 to $980, and scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance. TM can also be learned through books, videos, and apps, but it is recommended to learn from a certified instructor to ensure proper technique.
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It can be learned in a few days and practised at home
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple and effortless technique that can be learned in a few days and practised at home. It involves repeating a mantra silently for 15-20 minutes, twice a day, in a quiet, dimly-lit room with no distractions. The mantra can be a Sanskrit sound taught by a meditation teacher, or a word or phrase of your choice. The aim is to reach a state of inner peace, where your body is deeply relaxed, your mind is quiet, but you remain wide awake.
TM can be learned in a few days through a standardised seven-step course over six days, taught by a certified TM teacher. The course includes a one-hour lecture, one hour of formal one-on-one training with your teacher, and three follow-up sessions. After these sessions, you receive your mantra, which is chosen specifically for you by your teacher. You then begin to practise TM on your own every day, twice a day.
TM is a completely personalised process, with one-on-one instruction and small group follow-up sessions. The mantra is also tailored to the individual, based on their personal interview with the teacher. TM teachers are trained to give their students personalised attention and to train them on the technique with precision and ease.
While TM is best learned from a certified teacher, there are also resources available online and in books to help you get started. The One Giant Mind app, for example, offers a 12-step structured program and a 30-day challenge to build meditation into your daily routine. However, it is important to note that TM cannot be learned from guided practices online, as it must be taught by a teacher first.
TM is a simple and natural technique that can be practised by anyone, regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs. It is a "mechanical, physiological process" that does not require any special circumstances or preparations. It is a great way to manage stress and anxiety and improve your overall health and well-being.
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It can help you feel calmer and happier
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a well-researched technique that can help you feel calmer and happier. It is a simple, effortless form of meditation that can be practised by anyone. TM involves silently repeating a mantra in your head for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day. The mantra is a word or phrase that you repeat to help you stay alert and focused. It is recommended to learn TM from a certified instructor, who will guide you through the process and provide personalised support.
TM has been found to have numerous benefits for mental health and overall well-being. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to a calmer and happier state of mind. The practice of TM allows your mind to settle inward and transcend to a state of pure consciousness, where you can experience clarity, peace, and stability. This can help you feel calmer and more relaxed in your daily life.
Research has shown that TM can be particularly effective for managing stress and anxiety. It allows you to move from a reactive fight-or-flight state to a calmer and more alert state. By regularly practising TM, you can carry this sense of calm with you throughout your day, improving your overall well-being. TM has also been found to have physical health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
TM is a flexible practice that can be adapted to your needs. It does not require any special preparation or circumstances and can be practised by people from all backgrounds and belief systems. You can practise TM at home or in a quiet space, and it can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. TM is a natural technique that can help you feel calmer and happier by bringing your mind to a state of inner peace and tranquility.
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Transcendental meditation has been found to have many physiological benefits
- Lower blood pressure: Research has shown that transcendental meditation may be as effective in reducing blood pressure as medication.
- Improved sleep: Transcendental meditation can help improve sleep quality.
- Pain management: It can be used as a distraction from pain and improve pain management.
- Mental health benefits: Transcendental meditation can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as manage post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Improved self-esteem: The practice can lead to enhanced self-esteem and self-awareness.
- Increased productivity: It can improve productivity, performance, and problem-solving skills.
- Enhanced creativity: Transcendental meditation is associated with enhanced creativity, intelligence, and awareness.
- Improved focus and memory: The practice can lead to improved energy levels, focus, and memory.
- Enhanced clarity: It can provide clarity of thoughts and feelings, as well as increased compassion and gratitude.
- Improved quality of life: Transcendental meditation can lead to a greater spiritual connection and improved overall quality of life.
Transcendental meditation has been found to be particularly effective in reducing anxiety when compared to other interventions like mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques. Additionally, it has been shown to lower cortisol levels more than other relaxation techniques.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is possible to learn transcendental meditation on your own, taking a class with a certified teacher ensures a more personalised and intuitive learning experience. A good teacher can guide you through the proper technique, allowing you to learn with ease and precision and establish a lasting TM practice.
Transcendental meditation (TM) has been found to have several benefits for mental and physical health. These include lower blood pressure, reduced stress, improved sleep, pain management, improved mental clarity and creativity, and enhanced energy, focus and memory.
TM involves repeating a mantra silently for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. This can be done in a quiet, dimly-lit room, free from distractions. The mantra, which is given to you by your teacher, is a word or phrase that helps you to transcend or settle your mind, allowing you to reach a state of inner peace and pure consciousness.
Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on your breath, a word or phrase, or your surroundings. With TM, the goal is to go beyond thoughts and feelings while staying in a conscious state, achieving deep mind-body relaxation. TM mantras are also typically meaningless sounds, chosen specifically for the student, whereas mantras in other meditation practices may be inspirational or grounding phrases.
The cost of learning transcendental meditation varies depending on the teacher and location. The sessions can range from \$420 to \$980, with reduced prices available for full-time students. Some centres also offer free introductory sessions.