Does TM Work?
The Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique is the purest, simplest and most effective type of meditation known in the world. It is the automatic transcendence technique, which brings our mind to the most powerful and simplest state of consciousness, free from any mental control or thought process.
Transcendental Meditation is a universal practice that comes from the oral tradition of millions of years ago, and was founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
What is Transcendental Meditation?
Compared to other meditation techniques, which require concentration or mind control, TM requires no effort and is practiced twice a day, for 20 minutes, comfortably seated on a chair, with eyes closed. It can be practiced on the train, on the plane, in the car (unless you are driving!). There is no philosophy associated with TM and it is not linked to other beliefs of a religious nature. Furthermore, it does not involve changes in one’s lifestyle.
To understand how this works, we will use the ocean analogy. Imagine you are on a small boat in the middle of the ocean and suddenly a storm breaks out, with waves over 200 meters high. However, if you could divide it horizontally, you would realize that the ocean is absolutely calm and silent deep inside. That is to say, unleashed on the surface and quiet in the depths. Well, that’s just how our mind works.
If we stop only on the surface, we will tire from the “must” of our mind. However, by including Transcendental Meditation in our lives, we will establish the calm and balance that naturally reigns in our souls; we will reach the unified or transcendent field of pure consciousness that characterizes every human being.
The effect of Transcendental Meditation
The results of various researches show that during TM, the mind reaches a level of rest and relaxation that, in many cases, is even deeper than when we sleep, and allows us to eliminate tension and anxiety.
Studies also show a greater impact of the amygdala, the frontal lobule and both cerebral hemispheres. There is a strengthening of the connection of the frontal lobule and the posterior part of the brain, which allows us to better process decisions, plans, judgments and reasoning.
Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain connections stimulated during meditation last all day. And so the brain evolves from chaos towards coherence, integrating the successes of the day with more clarity, noting an increase in alpha waves, which intervene in the “state of calm and alert”. It allows our mind to calm down deep inside, beyond thought, in the most silent and peaceful level of consciousness, of our deepest self.
Benefits of Meditation
At the hormonal level, cortisol is segregated from the adrenal gland when we go through states of anxiety, reaching a point that is continuously self-reinforcing. However, the levels of this hormone are reduced by up to 30% when we meditate, while they tend to increase the levels of serotonin and prolactin, both hormones that affect the feeling of well-being.
On a physical level, the habitual practice of meditation has repercussions on a significant reduction in hypertension, cholesterol, the risk of suffering from apoplexy, arteriosclerosis, heart attacks … as well as a large list of disorders associated with them.
What is a mantra and how to use it to meditate?
In order for the mind’s attention to calm down effortlessly, mantras are used in Transcendental Meditation, which are personal and confidential.
A mantra is a sound or word that is used in silence, which has no meaning and which always produces a positive frequency. This mantra will be given to you by a TM teacher. The technique is taught for four consecutive days and during the first meeting the practitioner will provide you with the mantra that will serve as a guide to move forward.
How to transcend?
The state of calm mind already exists within us, in an innate way, so we will not have to create it, as the mind always tends to opt for what is most satisfying to it.
Let’s take an example: you are at a party and you participate in a conversation that doesn’t interest you at all; not far away, hear a person talking to a group of friends about your great passion. Who will you turn your attention to? This is a spontaneous phenomenon, the same happens to our mind which relaxes when we meditate.
During Transcendental Meditation, therefore, allow your mind to flow naturally towards your soul, and it will automatically move towards calm, promoting not only psychic, but also physical relaxation.
