For years, many people have turned to meditation as a way to unwind, relax, refresh and reset their minds.
Meditation has been around for as far back as we have traced history. According to the Mindworks website, experts agree that it probably began thousands of years ago, long before modern civilization.
Translated literally, meditation means “to ponder.” It is an ancient wellness practice that focuses on training your mind to be more aware, relaxed, and attentive. In today’s busy world, it is relevant now more than ever to take some time away from technology and the fast-paced day-to-day activities to unwind and calm your mind. Meditation focuses on becoming more mindful, focused and peaceful. According to PositivePsychology, by taking up meditation, you will be more aware of your thoughts and actions and be more attentive to how you interact with others.
A medical study from Manoj Bhasin found that meditation focuses on becoming more mindful, focused, and peaceful.
Victoria Peterson is one person who has reaped the benefits of meditation, specifically one form of meditation known as Transcendental Meditation, or TM. Peterson has been practicing TM for almost 50 years and is a member of the Muncie Transcendental Meditation, located on West Jackson Street. At Muncie Transcendental, TM teachers, like Peterson, strive to help spread awareness of the TM technique and invite Muncie residents to participate in the practice. She is constantly trying to find ways to help the Muncie community relax and rejuvenate.
Back in the spring of 1973, Peterson decided she wanted to become a certified TM teacher. She traveled to Spain under the instruction of TM founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, for 10 weeks of training. Two thousand individuals from all around the world met on a beach in Spain to embark on their journey of becoming certified TM teachers. Their training included memorization of procedures and personal instruction, chants, deep experiences, knowledge of the technique, and meditation, of course.
“It was such an important thing for me when I learned, so I wanted to share it,” Peterson says. “I just felt called.”
Peterson’s passion for TM led her to further her knowledge and complete a training course to be a personal instructor through the TM app on smartphones. Through the app, individuals can do the classes from their phones and not have to physically go to the meditation center, which is ideal during the current coronavirus pandemic, according to Peterson.
TM isn’t the only form of meditation you can practice. Meditation comes in many forms, including spiritual, mindfulness, movement, focused, visualization, and chanting. Every person can meditate in their own way using some or all of these techniques. It is important to practice each type to see what technique you benefit the most from.
“It doesn’t matter what the experience is, when you’re doing it, you get the benefits,” Peterson stated.
Regardless of the method, the benefits are often universal. According to Bhasin’s study, benefits include reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration, and an increase in calmness and physical relaxation. There is also evidence that meditation helps individuals cope with illness and enhance overall health and well-being.
TM is one specific type of meditation that has been known to have great benefits to overall health and happiness. Known for providing inner peace and wellness, TM is reported to have three times greater effect on overall self-actualization than any other form of meditation or relaxation.
Throughout the TM course you learn how to “effortlessly transcend.” In other words, you will dig deeper into your awareness, thus finding this idea of “infinite bliss,” Peterson says.
If you are looking for a way to calm your mind in today’s very hectic society, try taking up the practice of TM. It is easy to learn and all it requires is a four day course with personalized instruction. Then after the four days there are three classes with another class two weeks after. That is the basic course, and then you meditate for 20 minutes two times each day.
If you are interested in ™, Peterson suggests checking out this beginner’s guide or looking for local TM teachers near you by going to the TM website and filling out your information.
Whether you are practicing meditation in general or the TM Technique, meditation is a skill that takes time to learn, just like any other. It takes consistent practice and patience. When you have time to practice, make sure you are choosing a quiet, peaceful environment. Simply sit, close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and try to stay focused. In some cases, individuals repeat a mantra to themselves to help tune into their practice and release any built-up tension. Just breath and let your mind do its thing.
