What is the difference between Transcendental Meditation and mindfulness meditation?” This frequent question arises from the growing popularity of these two traditional meditation practices. Due to the time and tuition requirements to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique, some people may ask themselves, “Are not all meditations basically the same?” Mindfulness practices can be easily learned from a book, online or from a therapist, while the TM course involves up to 15 hours of training and can only be learned from a certified instructor. It is no wonder that people often want to compare these meditation techniques
UNDERSTAND THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Time for you
Ideally, you should book around 15mn for practice each day. Once the mind is programmed to think or ramble, meditation should not be held for long.
Breathing
It is advisable to sit or, if you choose to stand, should be in a comfortable and quiet position. Breathing should be normal. Try to relax by focusing your attentions and sensations on the nostrils, chest or stomach. If you feel that your thinking is going in another direction, focus on your breathing again.
This step consists in trying to take your conscience to each activity of your day, not doing it automatically, and you should perform one task at a time without ever letting your mind wander:
– Eating: instead of eating to watch television, to read or any other thing, to taste what is in the dish, paying attention to the colors, textures, taste and all the sensations that can come;
– Ride: be aware of what surrounds you. The sounds, the smells, feel the wind, the sun on the face, etc …
– Brushing or takingshower:notice how the brush moves in your teeth and what movements you do, as well as when bathing, feel the sensations that the water transmits, the temperature, the smell of the shampoo and the like.
– Gym: Focus on the exercises you are doing and which muscles you are using to stay in shape. Avoid using music because it will be a distraction.
– Listening to music: Listen from the beginning to the end and pay attention to the sensations that it gives you.
These are small examples of how to practice mindfulness. What is important to keep in mind is that this can be applied to any day-to-day situation and activity. For example, if you are in a discussion with someone, practice breathing awareness and be aware of it, your body and emotions. Focus on the moment and do not wander into what was said or done in the past. You will become a better listener and prevent him from saying anything you can regret.
UNDERSTAND THE BENEFITS OF TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION
1. Simple: The Transcendental Meditation technique is a simple and effortless mental process, practiced for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day, sitting quietly and comfortably in a chair with eyes closed.
2. Easily learned: The technique of Transcendental Meditation is easily learned by anyone and their practice is enjoyable.
3. Immediate Benefits: The benefits of the Transcendental Meditation technique are immediate and increase over time. The positive effects of the technique – for mind, body and relationships – have been verified by hundreds of studies conducted in medical schools and published in more than 350 refereed scientific journals.
4. No need for belief: The Transcendental Meditation technique does not involve belief. In fact, you can be completely skeptical and the technique will still be fully effective.
5. Develop Total Brain: Brain Research shows that the Transcendental Meditation technique develops the total brain, enhancing creativity and intelligence, and enhancing decision-making and problem-solving skills.
6. It is not a lifestyle: The Transcendental Meditation technique is not a religion or philosophy and does not involve a change in lifestyle.
7. Reduce Stress and High Blood Pressure: Research at a medical school funded by the National Institutes of Health in the United States shows that the Transcendental Meditation technique is the most effective mind-body practice for reducing stress and stress-related illnesses , including hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke, and atherosclerosis.