Transcendental Meditation For the Beginner

Transcendental Meditation or "TM" is a practice that helps a person regain focus, peace and clarity in their inner person. I decided to research the transcendental meditation techniques to see if I could connect to a way of gaining control of my life and my thoughts. I needed a stress reduction technique. So come with me on my journey to find out what TM is and what it can do for the human psyche and stress reduction.

Can you relate to the following statements? Life has a way of catching you when you least expect it. In particular I am referring to the hours in which we wish to sleep and escape the demands of life. The mind runs rampart when we are trying to quiet ourselves. We think of things that must be done and things that are out of our control. What is a person to do? in an effort to take back my peace I discovered TM.

Transcendental Meditation Defined

TM is defined as a mantra meditation. It is believed to encourage relaxation but its value goes far deeper when practiced by experts in TM. It is also called the TM technique.Transcendental Meditation (TM) was introduced in the 1950's by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It became a world wide practice ten years later, in the 1960's. When it was first introduced, it was viewed as an religious practice from India. It is currently viewed as a spiritual, scientific and non-religious meditation practice. The general opinion is the practice was redefined so as to appeal to the Western cultures.

The Mantra

TM is a type of meditation in which an individual known as a guru or a master assigns a personal mantra to the person practicing TM. The mantra is a chant or sound the individual repeats while meditating. The guru assigns a mantra that best meets the needs of the person. All mantra's have specific meanings and purposes. It is important the mantra assigned to the person is a chant the individual feels comfortable with.

When an individual is taught meditation by a master or guru it is considered guided meditation. The master takes the individual through several progressive steps of meditation. When the process is complete, within a week or so, the individual will be well equipped to perform TM on his or her own.

If an individual can not afford the assistance of a master, they may research mantras and their meaning. Then carefully select a mantra that meets their specific needs.

The act of meditation requires training the mind to concentrate on a specific objective. The first steps to training the mind is the area in which the meditation will take place. It is important that a person learning how to meditate set up a routine that tells the mind you are about to meditate. That environment would be similar to the following...

1. At least twice a day, set aside 20 minutes for meditation. Use a timer to keep you within the designated time.
2. Select the same quiet area and time each day.
3. Make sure all distractions are eliminated, i.e. cell phones, TV, noise generating items and etc.
4. Select your word or sound ( known as your mantra)
5. Focus and quiet your mind, letting your mind know you are about to meditate. This may done by closing your eyes.
6. Listen to and focus on your breathing. Hear the steady rhythm of your breathing.
7. As you listen to your breathing, you are calming down. As you come to a state of calm, start saying and repeating your mantra. This may be done verbally or in your mind.
8. Address distracting thoughts and go immediately back to your mantra.
9. It may take several attempts to reach a state of calmness and control of distracting thoughts but don't give up.
10. Before you know it, you will learn new things about yourself. Tranquility will come over you. Peace will be felt. You will learn the truth about your person, The truths will come apparent because your mind is calm. Your clear mind will allow the body to heal and enlighten you inner person.
11. You will also experience sensations that come and go. Don't resists them, be open and let them happen.
12. Expert recommend beginners should meditate for at least 30-40 days consecutively .The magic is believed to reveal itself the 35th day. All of a sudden everything falls into place.Your TM will work as expected.
    

Once you have trained your mind...

• you will be able to distinguish between what is a distraction and what is going on in the world around you. That is known as centered and focused awareness..
• You will become aware of the formlessness of space while much aware of the world around you
• your awareness will focus on sound vibrations.
• the sensations in your hands to the transcending of your mind and body will happen. Don't be afraid or fight it.
  
• keep saying your mantra and listening to it. Be aware and let things happen naturally.
• Once your meditation brings you to the place of feeling centered, focused or comfort, continue repeating your mantra
• You will soon be able to meditate whenever and where ever you wish. That could be in public places, at home, at a meeting or any place you need to recapture your focus and peace.