Importance of Transcendental Meditation and Well-Being
TM is a unique meditation technique that promotes the state of “transcendence”. In allowing one’s mind to effortlessly ‘go beyond’ all thought and sensory awareness, the simple and often blissful practice, ultimately results in the experience of ‘pure’ or ‘transcendental’ consciousness. Unlike more active meditation techniques, TM allows practitioners to easily access the deepest state of human awareness – a distinct fourth state of consciousness – as shown by Professor Keith Wallace at UCLA back in the 1970’s. (Wallace 1970).
Allowing one to experience the very source of all thoughts, feelings and emotions, like watering the roots of a tree to nourish every branch, leaf and flower of a tree (an analogy made famous by TM’s founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi), TM spontaneously and simultaneously nourishes all areas of one’s well-being – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.
The practice of TM is grounded in what Maharishi referred to as “restful alertness,” a state where the body experiences deep rest while the mind remains alert. Maharishi explained that during TM, the mind transcends the busy stream of thoughts and settles into a state of profound calm, which brings about a deep level of rest for the body. This restful state allows the body to repair and rejuvenate itself with maximum effectiveness, helping to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote overall well-being. The experience of restful alertness also facilitates a deeper connection to one’s inner self – known as “Self-actulaization” – leading to enhanced mental clarity, creativity, and emotional stability.
Dr. Fred Travis, a world-renowned neuroscientist who has extensively studied TM, elaborates on the phenomenon of restful alertness by explaining how it triggers a unique alpha brain wave pattern, akin to what is experienced in flow or zone states commonly seen in athletes and artists. This alpha wave activity signifies a calm, yet focused, state of mind that allows for heightened creativity and productivity. According to Dr. Travis, TM enables individuals to enter this flow-like state more easily, helping them to access their full mental potential, enhance performance, and approach life’s challenges with greater ease and composure.
Research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of TM. Over 350 peer-reviewed studies have been completed, with several highlighting significant improvements related to well being: E.g.
- Anxiety Reduction:
A study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion (2012) found that TM participants experienced a 50% reduction in anxiety levels after three months of practice. - Blood Pressure:
Research published in Psychosomatic Medicine (2014) reported a 10-15 mmHg reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after six months. (Also see Anderson 2008). - Stress Reduction:
A meta-analysis in JAMA Internal Medicine (2014) showed that TM was associated with a 23% decrease in stress levels in participants compared to control groups. - Quality of Life:
A study in Health and Quality of Life Outcomes (2014) indicated a 30% improvement in overall quality of life measures among TM practitioners over a year. - Depression:
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2015) reported a 31% decrease in depression symptoms over six months. - Sleep Quality:
Research in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (2012) found a 33% improvement in sleep quality after just eight weeks of practice. - Heart Rate Variability:
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2016) showed a 40% increase in heart rate variability, indicating better stress resilience. - Immune Function:
A study in Psychosomatic Medicine (2009) indicated a 48% increase in immune function markers demonstrating the technique’s impact on physical health.
Prominent figures in health and wellness, including Dr. Oz and Arianna Huffington, have advocated for TM, citing its profound effects on mental clarity and emotional resilience. Celebrities like Hugh Jackman and Katy Perry attribute their sustained high-level success to their long-term practice of TM, emphasizing its role in enhancing creativity and performance.
“What I realized very quickly is it changed everything in my life into better: My relationships, my sense of who I am, my accountability with who I am — and literally, every aspect of my life changed,” Hugh Jackman.
Pull Quote:
“The practice of TM is grounded in what Maharishi referred to as “restful alertness,” a state where the body experiences deep rest while the mind remains alert.”