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How To Learn Transcendental Meditation

By Esme Chau


Sitting in a field of flowers, legs crossed, wrapped in white cloth, the sweet smell of incense wafting through the air. That's what most people think of when they hear the word: meditation. But what we see and hear in the media is not always an accurate picture of reality. The Transcendental Meditation technique is a simple mental procedure that is practiced for twenty minutes twice per day. It has been learned by millions of people and has been the subject of hundreds of research studies. But just what is Transcendental Meditation (or TM) and how does one learn it? Here are some of the details regarding the TM technique and its practice.
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Environment-While it is certainly enjoyable to practice the Transcendental Mediation technique in a quiet place it is not necessary. Many busy people in all walks of life practice the TM technique in airports, train stations, lobbies and hotel rooms. Because the TM technique is an automatic and natural response of the mind and body, the process is easy in any kind of environment whether it is quiet and secluded or noisy and public.Posture--Transcendental Meditation (TM) is practiced sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. One can sit in a chair, on the bed or on the floor. Any location or sitting position is considered to be correct as long as one is comfortable. The TM technique is never practiced while lying down.

TM is not a religion.It has nothing to do with religion. It does not involve any discipline of having to be a vegetarian or doing yoga stance or postures or living like a swami (holy man). In fact it helps to make religion become more alive, more meaningful on the level of love and self-giving. It can be practice by anyone regardless of religion.

The Lowdown on Meditation - The Easy Way.Meditation is all about letting your thoughts flow without trying to stop them. Sit down, focus on your breathing, and watch your thoughts just like you'd watch the clouds go by. It's that easy. I like to compare it to standing on a busy street, just watching as people pass by. You don't get attached to any one person, instead, you simply observe. After practicing meditation consistently, you'll find that the street naturally gets less and less busy (so to speak). Now, if a specific thought persists allow your mind to flow with it.

I learned the TM technique from a qualified TM teacher when I was a senior in high school. Since then it has given me thousands of hours of inner peace and tranquility. It has made me a better person and a more effective human being. I hope that you will also have the opportunity to enjoy it soon.Transcendental Meditation, TM and Maharishi are registered or common law trademarks licensed to Maharishi Vedic Education Development Corporation and are used under sublicense.The Transcendental Meditation technique may be an effective and safe non-pharmaceutical aid for treating ADHD, according to a promising new study published this month in the peer-reviewed online journal Current Issues in Education.

The benefits of TM program is divided into three categories - the mental benefits, the physical benefits and the benefits that integrate both mind and body. TM develops five fundamentals necessary for progress and success in life - stability, adaptability, purification, integration and growth.

"Medication for ADHD is very effective for some children, but it is marginally or not effective for others. Even for those children who show improved symptoms with the medication, the improvement is often insufficient or accompanied by troubling side effects," Stixrud said. "Virtually everyone finds it difficult to pay attention, organize themselves and get things done when they're under stress. So it stands to reason that the TM technique which reduces stress and organizes brain function would reduce ADHD symptoms." While in some cases a child cannot function without medication, there is growing concern about the health risks and side effects associated with the common ADHD medications, including mood swings, insomnia, tics, slowed growth, and heart problems. In 2006 the FDA required manufacturers to place warning labels on ADHD medications, listing the potential serious health risks.

These high risks and growing concerns are fueling parents' search for alternatives that may be safer for their kids.The study was conducted in a private K-12 school for children with language-based learning disabilities. Participation was restricted to 10 students, ages 11-14, who had pre-existing diagnoses of ADHD. About half of the students were on medication. The students meditated at school in a group for 10 minutes, morning and afternoon.To determine the influence of the TM technique, at the beginning and end of the three-month period, parents, teachers and students completed standard ADHD assessment inventories measuring stress and anxiety, behavior and social competency, and executive function. Students were also given a battery of performance tests to measure cognitive functioning.

You may be wondering what is transcendental meditation and what makes it different from other forms of meditation? One of the most exciting elements of the transcendental meditation technique is that it so simple and easy to practice. With the right focus and dedication, you can learn transcendental meditation in a matter of moments.

Unlike my friends, I like being quiet. I don't mind being alone and don't need to surround myself with constant activity. As I continue my practice of Transcendental Meditation I realize that I have been given an invaluable tool for self-fulfillment: a gift I could never pay for in dollars and cents. The Transcendental Meditation technique really works. Almost everyone has heard about it, and almost everyone knows someone who practices it. Most people know that it brings results and benefits that are scientifically validated. Yet those same people, many of whom are willing to throw money after anything, complain that spending $2000 to learn Transcendental Meditation is just too expensive.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).The Center for Disease Control reports that nearly 50 percent of the 4.5 million children (ages 4-17) in the United States diagnosed with ADHD are on ADHD medication-and the majority of those on medication stay on it in adulthood.The rate of prescriptions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the U.S. has increasing by a factor of five since 1991-with production of ADHD medicines up 2,000 percent in 9 years.The commonly used drugs for ADHD are stimulants (amphetamines). These drugs can cause persistent and negative side effects, including sleep disturbances, reduced appetite, weight loss, suppressed growth, and mood disorders. The side effects are frequently treated with additional medications to manage insomnia or mood swings. Almost none of the medications prescribed for insomnia or mood disturbances are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use with children.The long-term health effects of ADHD medications are not fully known, but evidence suggests risks of cardiac disorders and sudden death, liver damage and psychiatric events. It has also been found that children on long-term medication have significantly higher rates of delinquency, substance use, and stunted physical growth.

It is interesting to note that adherents from all religions choose to learn transcendental meditation. Although it has roots in Hinduism, the transcendental meditation technique can be applied to any cultural context. In fact, those who learn transcendental meditation are encouraged to adapt symbols that have meaning and depth for the individual. For example, a rabbi may choose to focus on a symbol or image rooted in Judaism to enhance the effectiveness of the session. In contrast, an agnostic may choose an image from nature such as a beautiful meadow or sunset to achieve relaxation. The beauty of transcendental meditation is its flexibility.




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