CHAPTER FIVE
(beginning only)
The most widespread recovery program, the Twelve Steps, incorporates, among other things, the recommendation for "meditation." However, no specific method is suggested. The word meditation has come to mean many things. Common among them is the use of the mind. Apart from that, they are as diverse and different as you can get. The Transcendental Meditation technique is a specific form of meditation. It is a special and distinct way of using the mind.
WHAT IS THE TRANSCENDENTAL
MEDITATION TECHNIQUE?
Transcendental Meditation is a technique with one purpose: to transcend and restore self-referral. It enables us to find our Self. In chapter 2 we explained how transcending results in self-referral awareness. Although it wasn't made explicit, what we were really describing was the process of Transcendental Meditation.
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple, natural, effortless, easy-to-learn mental technique. It is practiced for twenty minutes twice a day while sitting comfortably in a chair with one's eyes closed. It does not involve concentration or contemplation (or visualization, or affirmations, or guided imagery, etc.). It is not a philosophy, and it does not require any change in lifestyle. It is certainly not a religion. TM refers only to a technique of using and developing the mind.
TM results in profoundly deep rest, which allows the body to release deeply rooted stresses. During this process, the mind becomes highly alert. The combination of deep rest and alertness is responsible for the body adopting a healthier pattern of behavior.
How It Works...
