In last week’s post, I told you the story of how my wife finally got me to take a yoga class and the benefits I experienced. The stress just melted away, and I wondered whether I could do something more to feel even better. According to Dr. Tony Nader, a leading neuroscientist and expert in the field of consciousness, the nature of the brain is to always seek out more and more pleasurable experiences. Yoga made me feel so good that I began searching for ways to make life even more pleasurable.
To say that I stumbled on Transcendental Meditation™ (TM) wouldn’t be totally accurate. I had heard about it, but I didn’t know anything except for the fact that some highly successful people (The Beatles, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen Degeneres) practice TM. I really don’t remember the moment I chose to Google the topic “Transcendental Meditation,” but that was truly the moment my life changed.
Transcendental Meditation is not a religion. And it is not a philosophy. It is a technique that helps the brain to focus inward toward the center where peace and calm reside. TM is like plugging yourself in to get the energy that you need to live to your full capacity. As our mental, social, emotional, and physical batteries drain, TM provides us with an opportunity to recharge all those batteries.
Transcendental Meditation is NOT about trying to clear your mind. I can’t emphasize that enough. I believe that many forms of meditation have value. Transcendental Meditation is just the technique I chose. It truly is one of the easiest things I have ever learned. I understand that putting your faith in the words of a stranger is difficult—especially someone who questions everything and is always skeptical. You are right to be wary. I can’t convince you to try TM. It is something you have to experience to understand. If what you have been doing isn’t making you truly feel better, why not try it?. If TM is not for you, I strongly encourage you to find a form of meditation and physical movement that suits your needs.
Transcendental Meditation took the positive effects of yoga and supercharged them for me. I always thought it would be cool to write a book, but I never believed I would be able to do that. It was just a dream. In the 9 months since I began meditating, I have written a book, created a website, began recording a podcast, taken a Master Course on Consciousness, and become a Consciousness Advisor. I’ve never had more energy, and I can’t remember a time when I was as happy as I am now.
There is no task this week. I just wanted to bring awareness to Transcendental Meditation as a possible technique for you to try. If you are interested in learning more, the following links will provide additional information.