5 Things I’ve Learned Over a Month of Practising Transcendental Meditation
Meditation has always been a bit of a puzzle for me. Over the years, I've experimented with various types, from mindfulness to guided visualizations, each promising peace and clarity. However, it wasn’t until I stumbled upon Transcendental Meditation (TM) that things truly began to click. Now, after a month of dedicated practice, I want to share five valuable lessons I’ve learned on this journey.
1. Meditation Can Be Easy
One of the biggest revelations I’ve had is that meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. TM is incredibly straightforward. It involves sitting comfortably with your eyes closed and silently repeating a mantra for 20 minutes twice a day. There’s no need to focus intensely or try to empty your mind forcibly. This simplicity has made meditation accessible and sustainable for me. For anyone intimidated by the idea of meditation, TM offers an easy entry point that doesn’t require special skills or extensive practice.
2. Meditation Amidst Chaos: Yes, It’s Possible
As a parent of 3, finding a quiet moment for myself can be a challenge. My kids often run around like mad, creating an environment that seems far from conducive to meditation. Surprisingly, I’ve discovered that I can still practice TM even in the midst of this chaos. While it’s not ideal, it’s possible. The mantra helps anchor my mind, allowing me to meditate without needing complete silence. This flexibility has been a game-changer, proving that you don’t need perfect conditions to benefit from meditation.
3. Improved Sleep
One of the most significant benefits I’ve noticed so far is the improvement in my sleep. Before starting TM, I often struggled with restless nights and difficulty falling asleep. Since incorporating TM into my daily routine, my sleep has become deeper and more restful. I wake up feeling refreshed and more energized. This improvement alone has been worth the effort!
4. Abundant Support on the TM Journey
Embarking on the TM journey, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the amount of support available. From the initial training sessions to ongoing resources, the TM community provides ample guidance. Instructors are approachable and eager to help, and there are numerous online forums and groups where practitioners share their experiences and tips. This support network has made the journey less daunting and more encouraging, helping me stay motivated and on track.
5. Finding Joy in Meditation
Perhaps the most unexpected lesson I’ve learned is that I’ve come to genuinely enjoy meditating. In the past, meditation often felt like a chore—something I knew was good for me but struggled to stick with. Now, if I miss a day or two, I find myself looking forward to getting back to it and the practice feels less like an obligation.
Reflecting on this past month, I can confidently say that TM feels like the most promising meditation method I’ve tried so far. Its simplicity and the profound benefits I’ve experienced have set it apart from other techniques I’ve explored. For anyone curious about meditation or seeking a new approach, I highly recommend giving Transcendental Meditation a try. It might just be the key to unlocking a more peaceful and balanced life, even amidst the chaos.
