Do not ignore or mask the dangers of stress and trauma with temporary fixes like excessive coffee, alcohol, or medication. Instead, recognize these as serious issues that need to be directly addressed, similar to a physical ailment, rather than simply ‘bucking up’.
In Transcendental Meditation, think a mantra—a word or sound without meaning—effortlessly and easily, as taught one-to-one by a teacher. This technique allows the mind to naturally settle and access deeper states of calm, aligning with its inherent desire for greater satisfaction.
Do not attempt to tame or corral the mind, as its deep nature is to be drawn to something more satisfying. Instead, allow the mind to effortlessly settle inward, as if drawn to beautiful music, rather than forcing it into stillness.
Avoid an aggressive or hostile attitude towards your own mind’s comings and goings, as fighting its crazy and chaotic nature is counterproductive. Instead, simply observe your thoughts and let them go, recognizing that this acceptance is the most effective approach.
View meditation practices as a ’toolbox’ with many different techniques, rather than choosing one exclusively. Embrace a ‘yes, and’ approach, recognizing that various methods like TM and mindfulness can complement each other for comprehensive mental training.
Recognize that transcendent experiences, similar to the ‘zone’ athletes describe or the bliss felt with a newborn, are not random occurrences. The purpose of meditation is to regularly and intentionally access these states of deep quiet, clarity, and unbounded awareness.
Engage in Transcendental Meditation for two 20-minute sessions every day. This consistent practice is designed to be deeply satisfying and allows time to pass quickly, even for those who initially struggle with shorter meditation durations.
When practicing Transcendental Meditation, do not concentrate on the mantra with clear pronunciation or repetition. Instead, use it as a fluid, faint idea or intention, allowing the mind to effortlessly settle inward and potentially be without the mantra for minutes at a time.
You can be 100% skeptical about transcendental meditation, and the technique will still work just as effectively. This removes the barrier of needing to ‘believe’ in the practice for it to be beneficial.
Explore meditation as a viable alternative or complement to medication for managing stress and trauma, especially given concerns about over-medication. While not anti-medication, this approach suggests meditation can play a significant role in addressing underlying issues.
Practice Transcendental Meditation for 20 minutes first thing in the morning. This routine is described as being more restorative than sleep and can provide a significant boost of energy for the day.
Supplement your regular Transcendental Meditation practice with other mindfulness tools like body scans and breathing techniques for use during intense moments in the day. This ‘yes, and’ approach allows for spontaneous mindfulness to arise from a calmer inner state, enhancing overall resilience.
When seeking to learn meditation, especially techniques like TM, commit to learning from a certified teacher rather than solely relying on books or online resources. This personalized instruction ensures proper technique and ongoing support, akin to consulting an expert doctor or tutor.
Consider investing in personalized, one-to-one instruction for meditation techniques like TM, which typically involves about 10 hours of training. This initial investment provides ongoing, lifetime support from any certified teacher globally at no additional cost, ensuring proper learning and sustained practice.
If you genuinely wish to learn Transcendental Meditation but face financial constraints, know that there are flexible pricing options, ranging from $960 to $360, and even free access for those with no money. This ensures financial obstacles do not prevent learning the technique.
If you find meditation difficult or ineffective, continue exploring different methods, but prioritize those supported by scientific data and substance. This ensures you invest your time in legitimate forms that address significant issues like anxiety or a desire for happiness.
Understand that meditation, while beneficial, does not eliminate human emotions or make you impervious to life’s challenges. View it as a tool for personal growth and improving future responses, rather than achieving an unrealistic state of constant imperturbability.
Understand that meditation practices, including the ability to transcend, are not inherently tied to any specific religion, even if they’ve been historically organized by them. Approach meditation as a universal technique, independent of religious belief.
If large-scale societal change feels overwhelming or ineffective, consider focusing on individual, one-at-a-time efforts, such as through education, to create impact. This suggests a more direct and personal approach to making a difference when broader political avenues seem blocked.
Approach education not as merely imparting information (‘filling the pail’), but as inspiring curiosity and intrinsic motivation (’lighting a fire’). This encourages fostering a love for learning rather than just rote memorization.
Adopt an Ayurvedic approach to health by focusing on strengthening your immune system through specific herbs, supplements, and diet, rather than solely relying on medication to cure disease. This aims to build natural resistance and overall vitality.
Apply Vastu architecture principles to your living environment by considering practical elements like natural sunlight and ventilation. This approach, similar to green architecture, aims to create a healthier and more harmonious indoor space.
The ability to transcend is presented as everyone’s birthright, not an acquired skill taking months or years, but something that can be mastered within a few days through Transcendental Meditation. This suggests a rapid path to experiencing deeper states of consciousness.
For advanced practitioners, consider exploring the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which describe techniques like ‘yogic flying’ (hopping like frogs). This practice integrates yoga and meditation, aiming to harness deeper laws of nature and provide an energizing, blissful inner experience.
Before learning Transcendental Meditation, participate in a brief ‘ceremony of Thanksgiving’ to honor the tradition of teachers who came before. This cultural, non-religious practice serves as a reminder of the lineage and depth of the technique.
To find a certified Transcendental Meditation teacher, visit the TM.org website. Teachers are available globally and often travel to smaller towns, or you can visit a TM center in a larger community.
If you have questions, complaints, or concerns about Transcendental Meditation, you can email Bob Roth directly at Bob@DavidLynchFoundation.org. He personally answers emails and offers to connect you with relevant resources if he cannot answer himself.