Interesting article, long but very worthwhile read. Although not about Transcendental Meditation, (TM) relevant to why it works for so many people in ways you wouldn’t always expect. Of particular interest to me as someone who has taught TM (Transcendental Meditation) for over 40 years, in that it chimes with the experiences of thousands of people from all age groups, backgrounds & nationalities looking for ways to cope better with the pressures of modern day life. One of the most common comments from those about to learn Transcendental Meditation is “I’ve got a very busy mind.” They are looking for a way to truly relax on a regular basis – to give the mind a break. In taking up TM people are often amazed at the across the board effect on mind and body. As the author says : “We need to have an open conversation in society about the mind and body, health and illness.” Alastair Santhouse Author
Part of the human condition, how could you be human and not sometimes feel depressed. P.S. That includes men btw. 🙂
Many people find meditation makes a difference. Why? Because most people don’t realise how run down they have become through everyday wear and tear. This results in a gradual accumalation of mental and physical fatigue, even exhaustion which can result in low moods and depression.
Transcendental Meditation (TM) gives one a simple, ultimately “effortless” and absorbing break. Something that, importantly people don’t just enjoy, but begin to look forward to, little moments of deep mental and physical relaxation, which experienced daily can become transformational.
“The clinical watchdog also recommends mindfulness and meditation as possible alternatives to anti-depressants in new guidelines under consultation.”
When I first started teaching Transcendental Meditation in the late 70’s, on every course there would be a middle aged man (40’s / 50’s) suffering from work related stress, burnout. Often referred by their GP for conditions like high blood pressure. Teaching TM regularly since then, I can’t help but notice that while I still get people like this on most of my courses, the big difference over the last 20 years is that :
A/ There are as many women as men suffering from stress at work.
B/ The most common age group in this situation is late 20’s early 30’s.
For many Transcendental Meditation is one of the antidotes to the pressures of modern day life.
Interesting article. Worth remembering the approach to Transcendental Meditation is the complete opposite to Mindfulness – easy, effortless, unfocused.
Not to say mindfulness doesn’t work of course, just TM is more natural, easy, direct, less contrived. Most people find it far more do-able, enjoyable, something they’re more likely to continue with through out their life.
Penelope Cruz uses transcendental meditation to ease any stress in her life.
She said: “I practiced meditation as a teenager, I stopped for a while, then I took the transcendental meditation courses and I chose to dedicate myself to it.”
https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity/meditation-penelope-cruzs-escape-1316024.html
“I got lucky enough to get introduced to TM (transcendental meditation) when I was in high school so that was really important…” Susan Silverman
Key points
The United States currently spends more than $4 trillion on healthcare yet the healthcare systems ranks 22nd in the world.
Chronic stress is responsible for a large part of healthcare costs and has been called the “health epidemic of the 21st century.”
Studies suggest that teaching patients to meditate decreases physician fees and reduces the need for healthcare services.
Even though Vanessa feels fortunate to be able to do something she loves for a living, she also needs time to decompress. Meditation is one of her favorite ways to do that. During an interview with The New York Times, Vanessa said, “I usually meditate twice a day, Transcendental Meditation. For some reason, I always forget to meditate on Sunday, because it’s such a weird day, and I’ll remember at 5 and meditate for 20 minutes. And it’s great, because I’ll feel like I’m getting something done. Even though I am sitting on the couch.”
Contact
Our TM courses are available online with unlimited follow up sessions.
Tel: +44 (0)191 213 2179
Email: info@twentyminutesmeditation.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)191 213 2179
Email: info@twentyminutesmeditation.co.uk
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