Transcendental Meditation: How to practice on your own

Get ready to relax and enjoy life. If you are looking for an effective relaxation technique that will help you maintain serenity and peace in this world, try transcendental meditation.

What it is?

Many have probably come across articles and videos about a special meditative technique, during which a mantra is mentally pronounced. There are hundreds of organizations around the world that are united by one name: the Transcendental Meditation Movement.

Thanks to this technique, the physical and emotional state improves and, in general, it has a beneficial effect on the psyche. Usually the practice takes place in the morning and in the evening, for 15-20 minutes: adherents repeat the chosen mantra to themselves, sitting, lying or standing. It is not necessary to take the lotus position and chant the sacred sound «om», everything is simpler.

How to do transcendental meditation

You can do it at home or in a group, under the guidance of a certified instructor. For those who want to master the practice on their own, it is enough to find a quiet place and make yourself comfortable. Sit down, lie down or stand, the main thing is to be comfortable.

Choose a mantra to chant in your mind. By repeating it to yourself, you can turn off the endless stream of thoughts that constantly rush about in your head. Do not worry if at this time it is not possible to drive away an obsessive thought. Be aware of it, let it go, and keep focusing on the mantra. Try doing this for 15-20 minutes, twice a day or more.

History of Transcendental Meditation

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi first introduced his technique to India in the mid-1950s. In the 1960s and 1970s, knowledge spread throughout the world, and many celebrities began to practice this type of meditation. Among the adherents is film director David Lynch, who founded his own foundation in support of its widespread use in the education system.

Today’s goals of the project are to improve the academic performance of schoolchildren and students, reduce stress among prisoners, help the military and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and substance addictions. The David Lynch Foundation helps women who have experienced sexual and domestic violence. Universities and health institutes have conducted studies that have confirmed the beneficial effects of meditation.

The TM technique is beneficial for mental health and normal brain function. In addition, it has gained wide acceptance in clinical applications, particularly for lowering blood pressure and sugar levels in diabetes. One of its main benefits is the reduction of stress and anxiety.

Personal experience

For several decades, the technique was considered mystical and secret. I was first introduced to this stress management technique in the 1990s while living in California, but did not begin my own practice until ten years later. Interest again woke up during the period of work in the field of social protection, where stressful loads are inevitable.

For a couple of years I was just exploring what transcendental meditation could do for a social worker, and then I took the plunge and joined a group. Today, I still exercise to keep my peace of mind and keep stress under control. For me, the main advantage is that by meditating, I reduce psychological stress and can calmly respond to daily unforeseen situations.

Social security is endless stress. Those who work here have almost no time for a good rest. The usual mode is to act, then think. Due to depression, anxiety, poor sleep, people are always on edge, in the alert expectation of the next catastrophe. This type of meditation supports the ability to detach from experiences and adequately respond to the most egregious cases.

Regularly meditating, I became more attentive, learned to think before answering automatically. Thanks to inner peace, it is possible to consider situations from all sides, take into account different opinions, and then begin to work together to solve problems.

Transcendental Meditation is not only effective for social workers, who often feel jittery, tired, and unappreciated. This is an amazing way for anyone who wants to maintain emotional balance. If you are anxious, frustrated or exhausted, it will help you return to normal.