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Transcendental Meditation ®
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A brief introduction to the Transcendental
Meditation technique: John Hagelin Ph.D,
(2 mins)
The Transcendental Meditation technique is a simple, natural, effortless mental technique: it is not a lifestyle, philosophy,or religion and is learnt in a structured seven- step meditation course run by a qualified TM teacher.
TM is practised 15-20 minutes twice a day anywhere you can sit comfortably and close the eyes.
TM is Twice as effective against Stress and Anxiety |
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How stress damages the brain
Stress, pressure, fatigue, poor diet, alcohol, and drugs damage neural connections between the brain’s prefrontal cortex — or “CEO” — and the rest of the brain. When you are overtired or under intense mental or physical stress, the brain bypasses its “higher,” more evolved, rational frontal executive circuit — it starts using more primitive stimulus/response pathways. Consequently, you respond to daily demands without thinking; you make impulsive, shortsighted decisions. When the CEO goes “offline,” strong emotions, such as fear and anger, take over, adversely colouring your view of the world. STRESS SIGNSWeak executive functioningTendency towards
Stressed physiologyTendency towards
Imbalanced emotionsTendency towards
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How the Transcendental Meditation technique optimizes brain functioning
The stress-reducing, non religious Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique provides the experience of “restful alertness,” which reduces stress, strengthens communication between the brain’s prefrontal cortex and different areas of the brain, and develops total brain functioning. As a result, the TM practitioner displays stronger executive functions, with more purposeful thinking and farsighted decision-making. When the CEO is fully “online,” the emotional response to the world is more balanced and appropriate. TM SIGNSStrong executive functioningTendency towards
Healthy physiologyTendency towards
Balanced emotionsTendency towards
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How stress damages the heart Psychological stress has been shown to increase activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. This increased activation releases adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol, which lead to faster heart rate, increased cardiac output, and narrower arteries. These changes, in turn, create increased blood pressure. Activation of these systems also accelerates the progress of atherosclerosis and can lead to acute plaque rupture, which results in ischemia of the heart (angina) and coronary heart disease and stroke. |
How the Transcendental Meditation technique promotes a healthy heart The twice-daily practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique reduces activation of the sympathetic nervous system — which, in turn, dilates the blood vessels and reduces stress hormones, such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol. Published research confirms that the TM technique: Reduces high blood pressure • Reduces atherosclerosis • Reduces constriction of blood vessels • Reduces thickening of coronary arteries • Reduces use of antihypertensive medication • Reduces mortality rates. |
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Research validates the benefits of the TM Program to health
The National Institutes of Health has granted over $20 million to study the effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on the prevention and treatment of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. In addition, hundreds of other studies have been conducted on the beneficial effects of the TM program for mind, health, behavior, and society at over 210 independent universities and research institutions in 33 countries, including Harvard, Yale, and UCLA Medical School. |
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Reduced High Blood
Reduced High Blood Pressure and
Reduced Atherosclerosis
Reduced Thickening of Coronary Arteries
Reduced Constriction of Blood Vessels
Reduced Blood Pressure
Reduced Myocardial Ischaemia
Slowing of Aging |
Reduced Hospitalization Rates
Decreased Medical Care
Increased Creativity
Improved Memory
Increased Intelligence
Decreased Anxiety
Reduced Alcohol Abuse
Increased Productivity
Reduced Blood Pressure: |
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Transcendental Meditation Naturally Reduces High Blood Pressure
David Haaga, PhD, co-author of the study at American University, said, “The Transcendental Meditation Program, a widely-used standardized program to reduce stress, showed significant decreases in blood pressure and improved mental health in young adults at risk for hypertension.”
Blood pressure, psychological distress, and coping abilities were measured at the beginning of the study and three months into the study by the researchers. 298 college students were made to participate in the study. They received instruction in Transcendental Meditation or were put on a wait list. The wait list acted as a control group. 159 of the total 298 students were at risk of getting hypertension.
The at-risk students who practiced Transcendental Meditation showed significant improvements in blood pressure, stress levels, and coping abilities. Compared to the control group, at-risk students in the Transcendental Meditation group showed a reduction of 6.3 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 4.0 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure. Such reductions translate to a 52 percent reduced risk of hypertension later in life.
Experts estimate that 18 million college students have mental health issues. College life is inherently stressful. Students must deal with rapid change, interpersonal and social problems, pressures to succeed, financial strains, and uncertain futures (many of which probably seem gloomy considering the current economic crisis).
Statistics show a 50 percent increase in the diagnosis of depression and a 100 percent increase in the use of psychiatric medications among college students over the past decade. In 2007, approximately 15 percent of college students reported having been diagnosed with depression. Surveys show that more college students than ever are seeking psychiatric help to deal with stress. Psychological stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression contribute to the development of high blood pressure, even in young adults. College students with blood pressure above the normal range are three times more likely to develop hypertension in later years.
The recent study shows that Transcendental Meditation is one effective way to lower stress levels as well as high blood pressure and improve mental health.
Psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, and anger contribute to the development of hypertension in young adults,” said lead author Sanford Nidich, EdD, of the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at the Maharishi University of Management. “This is the first randomized, controlled study to show in young adults at risk for hypertension reductions in blood pressure that were associated with changes in psychological distress and coping.
The grant for the research was funded by The Abramson Family Foundation, the David Lynch Foundation and the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine -posted Oct 4th 2010
For more on creativity and TM go to
www.DavidLynchFoundation.0rg
and watch these short video links on TM and Developing your Creativity(7mins)
The TM technique allows your mind to settle inward, beyond thought, to experience the silent reservoir of energy, creativity and intelligence found within everyone - a natural state of restful alertness. During the practice, your brain functions with significantly greater coherence and your body gains deep rest.
TM is taught through a 3 phase TM Meditation Course with instruction by a certified TM teacher.
Phase One: 7 steps
Step 1: Introductory Lecture: A vision of all possibilities through the TM Program-enhancing mental potential, health& social relationships, promoting world peace. 1hr
Step 2 : Preparatory Lecture: Explains the mechanics of the technique-how it works, why it's easy to learn and effortless to practice, how it differs from other forms of meditation, and the origins of the technique.( 40mins)
Step 3: Personal Interview: A brief private meeting with a qualified TM teacher, following the Preparatory Lecture. (10-15mins). The first 3 steps are usually done together.
Four days of Instruction-over four consecutive days 1 1/2hrs each day.
Step 4: Personal Instruction: One on one instruction in the TM Technique with a qualified teacher (1 1/2hrs)
Step 5 : First Day of Checking: Verifying the correctness of practise and further instruction.(1 1/2hrs)
Step 6: Second Day of Checking: Understanding the mechanics of the TM Technique based on personal experiences (1 1/2hrs)
Step 7: Third Day of Checking: Understanding higher states of consciousness
Phase 2: The 16 week follow-up program
10 Day Check: Further knowledge& checking of the practise (1 1/2hrs)
Once you have completed these steps you have the intellectual and experiential knowledge of how to meditate. Next comes a series of important weekly and monthly personal checking sessions (30mins) to ensure that you are meditating properly and gaining the benefits. These classes will be scheduled at your convenience over the first several months of practise.
Phase 3:Free Lifetime Program
As a TM meditation course graduate, you are eligable for lifetime follow-up at any Transcendental Meditation learning centre worldwide. This includes checking of your meditation, Advanced Lectures, special events, group meditations and celebrations.
Remember anyone over 10 years can learn the practise (There's a special technique for children under 10)
Tuition for the four-month Transcendental Meditation course
Your course tuition covers the following:
-Initial 7-steps of instruction when you first learn how to practice the TM technique.
-A 16-week follow-up program of individual and group meetings offered at your convenience.
-A lifetime of additional, free follow-up meetings, as needed and free worldwide.(which also includes a lifetime of free follow-up):
Adult course fee $1500
Full-time student/Concession $750
Family course fee for couples who learn together $1500+$750= $2250(Single income family and includes all children under 18)
Children under 18 (who are learning seperately but have a meditating parent) $375
Course fees include GST. Payment plans available for those in genuine financial need.
The Transcendental Meditation Program is taught by a non-profit educational organization whose sole purpose is to bring the benefits of TM to as many people as possible, including at-risk populations in Australia and around the world. In wealthier countries, like Australia, part of the course fee supports programs in developing nations. For example, over 10,000 school children in impoverished conditions around Johannesburg, Sth Africa recently learned TM, only because TM course fees funded the project. See www.DavidLynchFoundation.org for more great work with kids!
Also watch a moving real life story of our work with kids:' Saving the Disposable Ones' www.davidlynchfoundation.org/global-outreach.html
Why does it cost money to learn TM?
To learn Transcendental Meditation properly you need a qualified teacher and a thorough, personalized course of instruction. This ensures that every person, regardless of their learning ability, culture, age or background can learn to meditate properly, and, thereby experience the many important benefits that come from the experience of the correct practice of meditation.
Providing you with a proper educational experience necessitates certain expenses, including compensating the professional instructors who teach the technique, and paying for teaching facilities. The tuition helps our nonprofit organization cover those expenses.
Good education is an investment, and learning a reliable method to develop your consciousness is one of the best investments you can make.
As with other educational organizations, we do our best to offer financial aid to those with demonstrated need. Over the past five years full scholarships have been given to more than 150,000 at-risk students and others.
“I am a great supporter of Transcendental Meditation. I have been using it for almost 40 years. I think that it is a great tool for anyone to utilize as tool for stress…. But it’s especially important considering the stress that our men and women of our armed forces go through. I think that it is a great system to use in life in general—otherwise why would I have been doing it all these years!” Clint Eastwood
Transcendental Meditation Blog-Find news, videos, stories and other interesting articles on TM and the people who practise it.
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“Back in 1962 when I was 19 I had the good fortune of learning Transcendental Meditation. Ever since it has been a regular and essential part of my life. Since that time I have gained a PhD in mathematics, held senior teaching and research positions in universities around the world, and published 60 research papers and two books in mathematics, physics, and finance. There is no question in my mind that what I have achieved and the general equanimity and peace of mind is due to my practice of TM. I invite and encourage everyone to attend an introductory lecture on the technique and experience the benefits for themselves.” Dr. John Price - CEO Conscious Investing Pty. Ltd, former Professor of Mathematics and Finance, University of N.S.W. |
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“The Transcendental Meditation program is now a well-established strategy in Preventive Medicine today. It is non-religious, easy and pleasant to do, and systematically taught by well-qualified teachers. I highly recommend it.” Dr Timothy J. Carr, general practitioner, Sydney |
Transcendental Meditation the benefits for Women Professionals(2 mins)
Lynn Lass began TM as a skeptic and is now sold out(1min)
Watch a video of Hugh Jackman talking about his 15 year practise of TM (2 mins)
RUSSELL SIMMONS- on Happiness and Transcendental Meditation
Russell Simmons
Chair and CEO of Rush Communications. He was recently named one of the “Top 25 Most Influential People of the Past 25 Years” by USA Today for his groundbreaking entrepreneurial vision. From creating Def Jam Recordings in 1984 to the 2007 publication of his New York Times bestseller Do You!, his influence in music, fashion, finance, television, film, and philanthropy is recognized globally. A devoted practitioner of Transcendental Meditation and yoga, Russell also leads the nonprofit division of his empire, Rush Community Affairs, which is dedicated to empowering at-risk youth.
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Click here to see more about the over 700 published scientific studies >
• Reduce stress • Improve your concentration
• Give you deep relaxation • Give you greater confidence
• Provide inner peace • Improve relationships
• Improve your health • Increase efficiency
• Give you improved sleep • Increase your creativity
• Result in clearer thinking • Reduce biological ageing
• Let you enjoy more energy and clarity