Transcendental Meditation

Whenever the name of Transcendental Meditation is mentioned, it creates controversy and lively discussion. From the early days in l957, when it was founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, millions of people have been taught the technique, me amongst them.

In the early 80's, I was living in Pembrokeshire, a beautiful part of Wales, when friends mentioned they had been to a meeting about meditation. Having enjoyed the benefits of meditation taught by my various Yoga teachers, I went along with curiosity. Heard the lecture, joined the transcendental meditation programme and derived immense benefit from the technique.

You are given a personal mantra from a teacher of Transcendental Meditation and taught how to use it. Several sessions are given to you personally to ensure you are deriving benefit. You sit in a chair, relaxed, with closed eyes and softly say your mantra, verbally during the learning stage and then in your head. Whichever feels good for you.

A very easy explanation was given by my teacher - "imagine the active 'conscious' level of your mind is the surface of the ocean. It has movement, maybe ripples, maybe waves of varying level of activity. Between this level and the sea bed is your 'unconscious' mind where experiences are stored. Some you can recall, others are dormant. When you allow your mind to settle and it descends (hence 'transcendental') you may come across knots as in a 'fishing net' your thoughts, experiences, problems, stresses (good and bad)'.

This is the main difference I found between Transcendental Meditation and others. You allow your mind to deal with and accept those knots, not fighting or dismissing them, allowing any feelings of (dis)ease which manifest in your body to eventually dissipate. Step-by-step the teacher explains and helps you to deal with situations.

Your thoughts rise from the sea bed as a tiny bubble which grows and grows until it reaches the surface, where it 'pops' and the feelings 'pop' with it. The time taken to release your knots varies, by individual and day by day. Sometimes your mind will flow downwards where you will experience great calm and relaxation, other times, it has lots to deal with. You just gently bring it back to neutral by using your mantra. Recommended time is 20 mins morning and night. The more you adhere to a routine, the greater the benefits.

Now, personally, I have never had difficulty in accepting something so easy and natural with such great mental and physical benefit. It brought great joy to my life. I was going through many difficulties as a result of mental and physical abuse from my ex-husband. Eventually, I found the courage to leave and start anew. Regained my confidence and self-respect and learned forgiveness. My ever-growing spiritual and psychic awareness increased. Guilt left me (yes I felt guilty as the victim - was I in any way responsible? did I do anything to provoke?), yet I knew the answer was no. I understood the need to experience and grow, whatever situation is presented.

The technique is simple, you pay to learn. Once taught, you have life-time maintenance if you seek to join the many groups, wherever you live (to be found in most telephone directories or a call to one of the TM Centres). My personal choice was not to go into the higher levels of study, but I know many who have and have received great joy.

Highlights have been joining other people from the transcendental meditation movement, for a group meditation, when the energy, peace, love and calm are greatly enhanced. Experiencing friendship and love with like-minded souls.

I still practice meditation, using my mantra, and it helps me cope with small to major issues (I am human - subjected to day to day stresses). It is something which can be used at any time and anywhere - obviously of greater benefit if in a calm, relaxing environment. Yet for me a 'first-aid kit' if feeling anxious and in need to settle myself.

There are many, many, websites accessible on the internet regarding the Transcendental Meditation Movement (www.tm.org) for those of you interested in finding other points of view, and of course, sites of those with views against!