[Wabun Wind]

Transcendental meditation is simply a mental technique for deep rest with specific effects on mind and body. It is said to be derived from the Vedas, and was first taught in 1955 by the Indian ascetic Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

You can practice it twice or more a day for several minutes while sitting with closed eyes. It is not necessary to employ any concentration, contemplation, faith, belief or even change of life style! Important is that you have to empty yourself and mind your way of breathing.

The transcendental meditation produces a state of restful alertness. While practicing your body becomes relaxed. This can be noticed by e.g. reduction in respiration, minute ventilation, tidal volume, blood lactate .... a condition of being "nearly" dead by your brain function is still working. This body state promotes regulation of cortisol and other hormones like serotonin.

According to this fact, you can use the transcendental meditation as a means of self-healing. It can reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Furthermore, it can decrease insomnia, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, anxiety and outpatient visits. In addition, it contributes to a younger biological age. Moreover, illness in general and medical expenditures are reduced as well. Results also have shown in improving creativity, all ranges of intelligence and independence.


Here is somewhat like a little instruction:


Firstly you should make sure that you cannot be disturbed during the next 30 minutes. Search a quite and calm place far away from noise and people. You can either choose a room that you can lock or if you prefer freshness, perhaps under a tree on a beautiful meadow. It is up to you.


Then you should assume a comfortable position. You can sit on a chair, armchair, at the bottom or even on "nothing". I myself prefer two positions (lotus position or half kneeling sitting on my heels). There again it is up to you, where ever you feel quite comfortable.


Your hands should rest in your lap. The open left hand palm should be placed above the open right hand palm. The thumbs of both hands should be joined together in form of a triangle which garantees best energy flow like in an uninterrupted circle.


After that you should close your eyes, not fixed or firmly, just soft, so that the light cannot penetrate. Do not do something uncomfortable by force while having the wish to meditate.


Now empty your head and put yourself in a most relaxed state!


It works like this:

Take a deep breath and inhale through your nose, then let your breath circulate for a while in your body and after that exhale through your mouth.

While your breath is in the circulating modus you can practice various things:

- counting (you can e.g. count till 10 and then exhale through your mouth)

- visualizing (you can imagine your breath e.g. as a white beam that rushes up and down and down and up)

- feeling (you can e.g. feel a draft passing your lungs, a wind that is getting stronger passing the solar plexus, tossing and tearing around the navel and climbing softly like on a ladder up, feeling little tappings)

It is again up to you how to get best relaxed but follow your breath. That greatly helps.


You should continue controlled breathing with your eyes closed during the following 20 to 30 minutes. You can practice this meditation several times a day.


To "come back" just stop breathing for a while and open your eyes. You will automatically adopt your usual breathin method. It could be that you feel a little tired afterwards. Therefore, you should stretch your body, rub your eyes and/or take a litte walk (if you have the possibility to do so).


(written by Wabun Wind)

[Caesar]

WOW great work. I love reading new opinions from people in other nations!