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Editor's Note: I have never met Ted Skipper or his wife, Annie, except through the internet. But Ted and I have chatted for over 3 years. Ted says he heard my name through reading the MGH Forums; then we met in the PLWP chatroom. Living with PD for 7 years, Ted has been meditating since 1967. He considers TM to be the most important single thing he does everyday citing the deep rest he get as a result helps him get through the day. Ted and Annie live in Washington state. |
What is Transcendental Meditation?
The Transcendental Meditation Technique is a simple, natural, effortless process that allows the mind to get beyond the noisy, active levels of thinking, and experience increasingly quieter levels of the mind until one experiences, the most settled, silent level of human awareness which is a reservoir of energy, creativity, intelligence, and peace.
The TM Technique is practiced for 20 minutes in the morning and late afternoon or early evening while sitting comfortably in a chair with the eyes closed. It requires no belief or lifestyle change, it is not a religion, and it can be learned by anyone age 5 years or older, and any level of education. It was first introduced nearly 50 years ago by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and it is now practiced by nearly 5 million people around the world.
During TM, the mind experiences greater clarity while the body settles into a deep state of rest. Scientific research has found that oxygen consumption, cardiac output, heart rate, and respiratory rate significantly decrease, and the brain experiences greater alertness. People who practice the TM technique report the experience is very refreshing mentally and physically—tension and fatigue decrease and mental clarity increases not just in meditation, but in activity during the day and evening as well.
How does TM differ from other forms of meditation?
The TM Technique is different from other forms of meditation because it is a completely effortless, natural technique that does not involve any effort, focus, concentration, control of the breath, or uncomfortable body postures. It is very easy to learn—anyone can learn it—and it is enjoyable to practice. The technique itself is very effective in allowing the mind to settle down, and it is taught in a thorough, in-depth manner so anyone can learn and practice the technique successfully. Even skeptics can learn it successfully because success with the program does not depend on one’s
beliefs or attitudes about meditation. The TM Technique is also the most thoroughly researched system of meditation.
During the past 30 years, more than 600 scientific studies conducted at 210 independent research institutions and universities, including Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA Medical School have documented the profound benefits of the TM technique to all areas of life. The findings have been published in the world’s leading scientific journals and include increased intelligence and creativity, reduced stress-related diseases and improved health, increased productivity and improved relations at work, and decreased crime and international conflict in society as a whole. It benefits both the
individual and society.
How can TM help with a chronic illness?
The TM Technique is very beneficial for anyone because no one is living their full potential. People with chronic illness often experience fatigue, stress, a lack of optimism, financial concerns, and many other challenges. The TM technique allows one to cope better with these challenges. In some cases, it can actually affect the disease. For example, there are studies that show TM is effective in reducing high blood pressure and reducing the risk factors for stroke.
How can one get started in TM?
The best way to get started is to attend an introductory session at a TM Center. Most major cities have Centers that offer classes. Call 1 888 Learn TM to find a TM Center in your area, or you can look at www.tm.org for more information.
TM & Religion
The TM Technique is a mental technique that unfolds the full potential of mind and body. TM is not a religion or a set of beliefs, and it is practiced by people of all religions around the world including ministers, rabbis, and priests. Many people have been practicing the TM Technique for 20-30 years and have found that it enhances their religious life just as it enhances all aspects of life.
How does one become qualified to teach the TM Technique?
All of the teachers of the Transcendental Meditation Technique are trained under the direct guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Most of the teacher training courses have been held in Europe, and they include about 6 months of intensive course work.
Annie Skipper has taught the TM Technique for the past 32 years. She has served as the Director of the Seattle TM Program for over 10 years, and is currently teaching in Seattle and Bellevue Washington.
All those who believe in psychokinesis, raise my hand.