What is Transcendental Meditation (TM) and How Can It Transform Your Life?

My Own Story

My journey with TM began in early 2019 while working at the Invisible Wounds Center at Eglin Air Force Base. In our center, professionals would often give presentations on advanced treatment techniques for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other physical and psychological conditions impacting our nation’s active-duty service members. One day, a psychiatrist and functional medicine doctor came to speak with us on all things TBI. She highlighted TM as a valuable tool for treatment, mentioning that Prudence Farrow (the “Prudence” from the Beatles song “Dear Prudence”) was living nearby on 30A and teaching TM locally. Although she spoke about TM’s benefits, I wasn’t exactly sure why I needed to learn it myself; after all, I was already working on my certification in iRest Yoga Nidra, which seemed to offer similar benefits.

As 2019 went on, however, I began receiving more subtle nudges to explore TM. While leading yoga nidra classes for service members at the clinic, some of them would tell me privately how much they loved our yoga nidra classes and that they had also learned TM which they also loved. I’d pick their brains on the differences they noticed, slowly opening to the idea that TM could complement what I was already practicing. Meanwhile, I was still personally dealing with lingering side effects from my own TBI and PTSD, so I sought assistance from the same functional medicine doctor. After running tests, she discovered that I had the cortisol pattern typical of someone with TBI and PTSD—a pattern that was reversed. She offered two options: I could start a daily prescription medication or I could learn TM, which she said had already been proven to work just as effectively in correcting backward cortisol patterns.

You can probably guess that I chose TM over the prescription. When I was ready to start, I was excited to study with Prudence herself, only to find out she was retiring and passing on her center. I had the fortunate opportunity to take one of her TM yoga classes, but had unfortunately just missed my chance to learn TM with her. However, I was still very well taken care of by the team who had come to take over that center and who made my learning experience wonderful. As soon as I learned TM in October 2019, I began my daily practice, and I haven’t missed a day since.

One of my favorite memories from my early days of practicing TM was an encounter with a colleague on my first day back at work after having practiced TM first thing that morning. He was a particularly grouchy colleague, and every morning when I’d pass him in the hallway he always seemed in a bad mood and always had something to complain about. Immediately after beginning TM, I felt a noticeable boost in my energy, and that morning, when I passed him, I could feel a shift. He smiled a big smile as we crossed paths, as though the positive energy was contagious. This experience of essentially “cleansing” each morning and reflecting a higher energy that would be so obviously mirrored back has been so tangible that it immediately became a non-negotiable part of my daily routine.

I’ve begun each day since with my practice. Whether I was waking up extra cold and early on the Everest Basecamp Trek, waking up extra early before super early flights, waking up early to do my TM before intensive full days in yoga and meditation trainings, waking up early to do my practices before days of caregiving for loved ones or providing therapy services for clients – wherever, I know that I prefer the energy I have to show up for the day when I begin with TM.  I guess a good metaphor is how it feels better to start the day by brushing your teeth before you really get into it and start interacting with other people. Starting the day with TM for me is like this but for the clarity of my mind and as a refresh for my energy. Plus, I’ve encouraged my husband to learn TM as well and it definitely has a positive impact on our relationship. Firstly, we have better energy in general, and secondly, if we’re ever at an impasse with something, we know we can take a break to TM and when we come back we are able to have a more constructive conversation. I know others who have learned TM and it wasn’t their favorite cup of tea, but that’s alright, it’s always good to try something new with such benefits and see if it happens to stick.

Current Special Opportunity to Start Your Own Journey

Though I’m not certified to teach TM (a process that requires aspects I haven’t been able to work into my life just yet), I value it deeply as part of my personal practice, and I’m eager to share it with my community. Currently, Meditate America, a nation-wide initiative, in Collaboration with the David Lynch Foundation, is on a mission to help as many people as possible boost their creativity, energy, revitalization, while decreasing toxic stress. Meditate America currently offers a Lifeline Scholarship Fund, providing TM at a reduced fee to firefighters, police officers, veterans, healthcare workers, women survivors of violence, and families in under-resourced communities through December 31, 2024. If you’re interested in learning TM, I highly recommend reaching out to your local TM chapter to see if this practice might be right for you. Learn more about Transcendental Meditation and find a center near you.

What is Transcendental Meditation (TM)?

Transcendental Meditation, or TM, is a technique founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s. TM is not just about relaxing or quieting the mind; it’s about going beyond thought altogether. Unlike many other forms of meditation that involve focusing, concentrating, or controlling the mind, TM allows the mind to settle naturally into a state of profound peace, relaxation and awareness. The practice involves silently repeating a mantra for 20 minutes, twice daily, (ideally), to reach a deeply restful and rejuvenating state. 

How Does TM Work?

The TM technique allows the mind to access what’s known as a “transcendent state” — a deep rest that helps release stress, promote healing, and increase mental clarity. When we repeat our unique, personalized mantra, the mind naturally begins to settle down, entering a space that’s both peaceful and alert. This isn’t about “clearing the mind” of thoughts but rather allowing it to naturally de-excite, creating a state of relaxed yet heightened awareness. When you first learn TM you will be given a personalized mantra and have a couple sessions of education to learn deeper how and why it works as well as opportunities to practice this style of meditation with the cohort of people learning beside you.

Proven Benefits of TM

Research on TM is both extensive and compelling, showing how the practice supports mind, body, and spirit:

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: One of TM’s most powerful benefits is its ability to reduce cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Studies have shown significant drops in anxiety, particularly in people facing high-stress situations, such as military veterans.
• Improves Brain Function and Cognitive Abilities: Regular TM practice has been shown to enhance memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. By calming the mind, TM helps improve both cognitive functioning and emotional resilience.
• Boosts Physical Health: TM has shown measurable health benefits, such as lowered blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health. Some studies even indicate that TM can boost the immune system, leading to improved overall wellness.
• Enhances Mood and Emotional Well-being: Many people report feeling more centered, calm, and emotionally resilient after incorporating TM into their lives. The benefits even extend to reduced depression and increased happiness.

TM in Action: Famous Creators and Innovators Who Practice TM

Transcendental Meditation has found its way into the lives of many creators and visionaries who credit the practice with fueling their creativity, focus, and resilience. Here are a few well-known figures who have integrated TM into their daily routines:

• David Lynch – The acclaimed director behind films like Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet, Lynch has been a dedicated TM practitioner for over four decades. He even established the David Lynch Foundation to promote TM in schools, veterans’ programs, and underserved communities, highlighting how TM can support creativity, clarity, and mental well-being.
• Paul McCartney – The legendary musician and former Beatle began practicing TM in the 1960s and still incorporates it into his life today. McCartney credits TM with helping him handle the pressures of fame and fostering his creativity during his years with The Beatles and beyond.
• Oprah Winfrey – As a powerhouse in media and business, Oprah has shared how TM helps her manage stress, boost focus, and enhance her overall well-being. She even introduced the technique to her entire company, aiming to support her team’s mental health and productivity.
• Ray Dalio – Billionaire investor and founder of Bridgewater Associates, Dalio attributes much of his success to the clarity and calmness he finds through TM. He has said that TM is the single biggest reason for his success, calling it his most valuable life tool.
• Hugh Jackman – Known for his roles in The Wolverine and Les Misérables, Jackman is a dedicated TM practitioner who credits the technique with helping him balance his high-energy career and personal life. Jackman describes TM as “life-changing” and essential for maintaining his mental health.
• John Mackey – Co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, Mackey has practiced TM for years. He credits meditation, including TM, as part of his philosophy for conscious capitalism, supporting not only his well-being but also his ability to lead and innovate within the health-conscious grocery industry.

These individuals are just a few examples of the power of TM to inspire creativity, enhance focus, and create resilience. From Hollywood to Wall Street, people across industries are finding that TM supports them in reaching their highest potential.

A Note on “Dear Prudence”

Prudence Farrow, the inspiration behind The Beatles song “Dear Prudence,” studied TM with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India alongside the band in 1968. The song itself was written by John Lennon to encourage Prudence to come out and enjoy life more fully, as she became deeply immersed in meditation during their stay. “Open up your eyes” refers to asking her to take a break from her TM practice. Her dedication left a lasting impression on the band, resulting in this beloved song that encourages us all to “come out and play,” however when I hear it now I think back to the chance I had to take one of her memorable TM yoga classes in a studio in beautiful 30A in the panhandle of Florida.

Want to Dive in Deeper Yourself?

I am not an affiliate of TM or Meditate America, I just know the benefits I’ve received myself from my personal practice and believe this is a great opportunity for you to take advantage of if you’re interested. A reminder that Meditate America is currently offering a Lifeline Scholarship Fund, providing TM at a reduced fee to firefighters, police officers, Veterans, healthcare workers, women survivors of violence, and families in under-resourced communities through December 31, 2024. If you’re interested in learning TM, I highly recommend reaching out to your local TM chapter to see if this practice might be right for you.

Need One-on-One Personalized Support?

If you or someone you know is searching for a sense of greater peace and wholeness despite the current physical, emotional, or situational challenges that are taking place right now, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

• Check out Flourish Momentum and all of the services we offer to support your optimal health and wellness including mind, body, soul, and space.
• Contact Jackie or book a free call to discuss the services that would best suit you.
• In the meantime grab a free resource that will begin to support you on your own time and subscribe you to our newsletter for insights, tips, and resources that can help you flourish in mind, body, and spirit.

Photo Credit: Monique Feil