Millennials love meditation, which is why we see tonnes of photos tagging mindful meditation, yoga and focused meditation. But what about transcendental meditation, a classic form of meditation loved by WallStreet giant Ray Dalio? That’s right. This highly effective form of meditation hasn’t caught on yet — but that means you get the chance to be a trendsetter.
What is transcendental meditation?
Transcendental meditation is a type of meditation founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It’s a loved form of meditation in the finance industry, with proponents ranging from Ray Dalio to David Lynch. That’s because it’s a great form of meditation to reduce stress and anxiety, a common issue in the finance industry.
Benefits
The benefits of transcendental meditation are endless — from lowered blood pressure to a reduction in stress-producing hormones. That’s why it’s so loved amongst finance professionals, veterans, prisoners, and students with ADHD. Plus, these benefits are backed by science. In fact, the Maharishi Foundation in the US has over 380 peer-reviewed pieces on the health impacts of transcendental meditation.
How to practice it
In general, you’ll need to practice transcendental meditation with an instructor. You can find guided sessions near you, and once you’re more comfortable, you can practice it at home. Follow these steps for a quick at-home transcendental meditation session.
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Wait for 30 seconds before proceeding with your mantra. Your mantra is a word that you hum during meditation, which will be provided by your instructor or guide.
- Repeat the mantra. As you chant, allow your mind to wander. This is known as “transcending” your body.
- Beginners should try meditating 10 minutes a day, then work this up to 20 minutes a day.
- When you’re more comfortable with meditation, try practising twice a day.
Mastering transcendental meditation
Follow these tips to help you master transcendental meditation.
- Join a group. There are plenty of certified transcendental meditation coaches around the world. They often lead group meditations at offices, community centres or even public spaces. Join a meditation group and learn from your peers.
- Use a Timeqube. A Timeqube is a timer that changes color with the passing of time. It’s a small, portable cube that you can use at home, at work, or on your commute home. This means you can time your transcendental meditation any time, anywhere.
- Practice every day. Meditation is a skill. Just like baking, driving, or riding a bike, you need to practise meditation as often as you can. Beginners should try to schedule as many meditation practices as they can in a day.
- Keep a meditation schedule. Practising isn’t just for beginners. Once you feel comfortable with transcendental meditation, you should try to practice it as often as you can. This way, you won’t forget about your form.
- Have a meditation space. Meditation is practised best when you are in the right frame of mind. And more often than not, that depends on your space. Being in a comfortable, distraction-free zone could thus help you meditate the best that you can.
