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Hi:
I just read about a study where Transcendental Meditation worked to decrease stress and anxiety, and it stressed the difference between TM and just relaxing quietly (passive). I'm assuming that the "passive relaxation" didn't involve quieting the mind of thoughts and TM does? All I can find about TM says it has to be learned from an instructor and not from books, etc. I understand meditation, but is there something specifically different about TM?
Thanks!
Tab
In Reply to: What's the difference between TM and "regular" meditation? posted by Tabby [6.1461] on January 31, 2005 at 11:12:20:
My humble opinion is that when you pay several hundred dollars for TM "instruction" and your own special mantra, you are probably more motivated and more likely to follow through. I think that's why TM claims it's more successful. The group is simply self-selected to try a bit harder than someone who learns from a book or a website.
Read Dr. Herbert Benson's "The Relaxation Response" and the skilled relaxation workbook Dr. Stoll recommends. There you'll learn that the relaxation response can be accessed in a variety of ways. TM is a business and has its own PR machine to keep the customers coming. My husband learned TM in the 70s and after trying some other methods, now practices a simple meditation focusing on the breath. Works better than TM for him.
In Reply to: Re: What's the difference between TM and "regular" meditation? posted by Jen [421.8] on January 31, 2005 at 13:08:22:
Thanks, Jen. I guess the studies I found were ones promoted by the TM foundation. Takes nothing away from it, of course, just makes some think that TM is the only way to go.
Tab
In Reply to: What's the difference between TM and "regular" meditation? posted by Tabby [6.1461] on January 31, 2005 at 11:12:20:
Hi, Tabby.
Listen to Jen. I have personally participated in a number of SR "techniques" for professional reasons. Statistically, TM is effective in 49% of participants. Silva Mind Training is effective in 70% of trainees. I know of no one approach that is more than 70% effective. Individual differences are a LOT more important than any one approach. The "workbook" is 85% effective in finding that one approach that is most likely to work for you. It costs less than $20.
Let us know what you learn.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: What's the difference between TM and "regular" meditation? posted by Jen [421.8] on January 31, 2005 at 13:08:22:
***My husband learned TM in the 70s and after trying some other methods, now practices a simple meditation focusing on the breath. Works better than TM for him.***
I practise TM, as well as guided meditation, and just listening to relaxing, meditative music.
I don't think TM is any superior to any of these techniques. Whatever gets one into the alpha is what works. I think TM was way overpriced. It's just a simple mantra meditation, and anyone can practise that, and not pay hundreds of dollars. Just choose a word for yourself.
BTW, can you describe the breath meditation your husband uses?
i would like to learn Zen meditation, and they are running a buddhist meditation starting tomorrow. hopefully, I can make it and learn another form of meditaiton.
In Reply to: Re: What's the difference between TM and "regular" meditation? posted by Blissy [4.1431] on February 01, 2005 at 06:53:10:
***BTW, can you describe the breath meditation your husband uses? ***
It's the same one I use, and it's almost ridiculously easy. Just sit with a straight back, relax the muscles, close your eyes, bring your attention to the sensations of the breath in the body. You're watching and feeling the breath coming in and going out, noting more and more subtle sensations -- temperature of the breath, movement of hairs in your nose, how the breath tapers off into a moment of total stillness, then moves the other direction. Do it as if nothing else matters. When thoughts pop up (like popup windows on the computer!) notice that they are just thoughts, and release them, coming back to the breath. Counting the breaths will help keep the focus if your mind is really jumpy (and it likely will be if you're a beginner). Start at 10 and count backwards to one - "10" on the inhale, "9" on the exhale, etc. If/when you find yourself carried off by thoughts, release the thoughts, return to 10 and begin counting down with the breath again. Let the process be as effortless as possible, and you'll begin to feel your hands and feet warm up, and an ease and lightness in the body. Trying too hard will create more tension, so you monitor the body lightly and keep releasing tension, such as jaw clenching, tightness in thighs, belly, hands, etc. Hope this helps!
In Reply to: What's the difference between TM and "regular" meditation? posted by Tabby [6.1461] on January 31, 2005 at 11:12:20:
There are many ways to obtain TM without spending thousands of dollars.
I have a friend who does it and is very happy with it.
I did the workbook and found it very elementary and not of help, though MANY people do find it helpful.
For me, going to yoga and having meditation taught in that realm was one of the most helpful ways...
also - centerpointe medidation cds (also pricey) were a GODSEND to me and my husband....
Hope this helps.
In Reply to: What's the difference between TM and "regular" meditation? posted by Tabby [6.1461] on January 31, 2005 at 11:12:20:
Thank you all for your comments on TM vs other forms of meditation. I certainly wasn't considering paying a huge amount to learn TM, I was just curious about it after reading some studies where it specifically mentioned TM. And now I know--thanks.
Anyway, now another question. Is it all right to meditate if you're sick--like the flu or something? I seem to remember my Taiji instructor saying NOT to do it if you're sick at the moment because it (meditation--Qigong) will drive it deeper into the body. Anyone heard this before?
Thank you!
Tab
In Reply to: Thanks, and another question re meditating when sick? posted by Tabby [15.1461] on February 01, 2005 at 12:58:23:
Thanks, Tabby.
If that is not the silliest thing I have ever heard it comes close.
Walt
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