Random Blog: What is TM?

If it were up to me, I'd make it a requirement for all USC students to learn Transcendental Meditation (TM). TM is so easy to learn, and even easier to practice. TM involves the use of a secret "mantra", which is repeated during the meditation. The meditation is practiced for 20 minutes twice per day while sitting with your eyes closed. Primarily, TM helps to avoid distracting thoughts and promote an overall state of relaxed awareness. But there are a ton of additional benefits of TM. TM alleviates stress and anxiety, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, reduces cortisol, lowers the risk of heart attack, improves brain memory and function, and creates a greater sense of clarity and productivity.  I've been practicing TM for the past 6-7 months and can admit that I've experienced all of these benefits in my life.

What I love most about doing TM is that it is effortless. In order to do TM, you need to sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes and keep your neck and back straight. For the first 30 seconds, you shouldn't be thinking or reciting your mantra; just quietly sit there with your eyes closed. After 30 seconds, you should begin to repeat your "secret mantra" in your head, but don't force any particular rhythm. As you repeat the mantra, it's natural that thoughts will flow into your mind. When they do, don't ignore them or push them aside to repeat your manta. Allow these thoughts to flow. And at some point, you will feel a moment of "transcendence", where you'll feel a strong sense of restful awareness or mindfulness. Besides the feeling of "transcendence", I also love TM because it gives me time to myself. I utilize this time to reflect on my past experiences, and better plan for my future. It's so easy to get caught up with school work and other responsibilities, and this time to myself is absolutely crucial.