What the hell is Transcendental Meditation (TM) and what is the deal with all of the buzz surrounding it? Every famous person and their dog seems to be investing in the power of Transcendental Meditation, claiming that it is a total game changer that is easy to do and simple to access. I have been spending a bit of my free time looking into the rising phenomenon of TM and trying to work out what it is actually all about and whether or not it is just another zen-based sham that hooks in unsuspecting people that are just looking to get a little more well-being into their lives.
From what I can understand, TM dates all the way back to the Vedic traditions of India, however the primary person responsible for bringing it to Western cultures during the 1960's and 1970's was Maharishi Mahesh yogi. He taught his methods to various people who then became his disciples, spreading out and teaching his TM methods to millions of people around the globe. Maharishi Mahesh yogi himself has also taught many celebrities the art of TM, including the Beatles way back in the 60's, which would explain the Sergeant Pepper phase of The Beatles musical career.
The meditation practice itself apparently involves the use of a simple and natural technique that requires the repetition of a mantra for 15-20 minutes twice a day whilst sitting with your eyes closed. Sounds pretty simple right? TM also vehemently claims that it is NOT religion or a philosophy of any sort, just a new way of engaging and calming the mind.
It is reported to be one of the most widely practised forms of meditation today as well as the most researched form of meditation being used. Users swear by its life changing benefits and famous people are seriously jumping on board the TM bandwagon like bees swarming around a honey pot. Some famous people are extremely vocal about their appreciation of the practice and are constantly online tooting and tweeting about TM's miraculous benefits. Celebs like Ellen Degeneres, Hugh Jackman, Cameron Diaz, Jerry Seinfeld, Paul McCartney, Russell Brand, Katy Perry are all huge advocators, and director David Lynch has even opened his own foundations to support the use of this ancient Vedic practise.
The transcendental meditation process has been proven to help people heal from addiction, depression, insomnia, PTSD, loss and anxiety with very positive results, and it is even being used effectively to assist children with ADHD and Autism with managing their levels of stress as well. Is there nothing that TM cannot do? It literally sounds like a wonder drug doesn't it? So why aren't we all doing it if it's so damn good?
Well the answer to that is quite simple really, it's frickin' hella expensive! Around $1500 for 4 x 60 to 90 minute sessions to be exact, and that is why we aren't all TM ourselves stupid all of the time, it's not free to get that zen apparently! However, after further delving into TM, it appears that there are in fact free avenues that can be accessed, and that you can save yourself a lot of money if you look into those methods before committing to a very expensive program.
The feedback that I have seen from the free methods, does appear to be as good as the actual TM trademark, but hey, the proof is in the pudding right? So I am personally committing to trialing a 30 day TM program (the free method of course because I am not paying anyone $1500 for four hours of meditation) and I will let you all know just how life changing TM is over the coming weeks. Will it be as amazing as all of the propaganda claims that it is? Or is TM really just a Vedic based money making machine for the rich and the famous? Watch this space and I will keep you informed as the month unfolds.
From what I can understand, TM dates all the way back to the Vedic traditions of India, however the primary person responsible for bringing it to Western cultures during the 1960's and 1970's was Maharishi Mahesh yogi. He taught his methods to various people who then became his disciples, spreading out and teaching his TM methods to millions of people around the globe. Maharishi Mahesh yogi himself has also taught many celebrities the art of TM, including the Beatles way back in the 60's, which would explain the Sergeant Pepper phase of The Beatles musical career.
The meditation practice itself apparently involves the use of a simple and natural technique that requires the repetition of a mantra for 15-20 minutes twice a day whilst sitting with your eyes closed. Sounds pretty simple right? TM also vehemently claims that it is NOT religion or a philosophy of any sort, just a new way of engaging and calming the mind.
It is reported to be one of the most widely practised forms of meditation today as well as the most researched form of meditation being used. Users swear by its life changing benefits and famous people are seriously jumping on board the TM bandwagon like bees swarming around a honey pot. Some famous people are extremely vocal about their appreciation of the practice and are constantly online tooting and tweeting about TM's miraculous benefits. Celebs like Ellen Degeneres, Hugh Jackman, Cameron Diaz, Jerry Seinfeld, Paul McCartney, Russell Brand, Katy Perry are all huge advocators, and director David Lynch has even opened his own foundations to support the use of this ancient Vedic practise.
The transcendental meditation process has been proven to help people heal from addiction, depression, insomnia, PTSD, loss and anxiety with very positive results, and it is even being used effectively to assist children with ADHD and Autism with managing their levels of stress as well. Is there nothing that TM cannot do? It literally sounds like a wonder drug doesn't it? So why aren't we all doing it if it's so damn good?
Well the answer to that is quite simple really, it's frickin' hella expensive! Around $1500 for 4 x 60 to 90 minute sessions to be exact, and that is why we aren't all TM ourselves stupid all of the time, it's not free to get that zen apparently! However, after further delving into TM, it appears that there are in fact free avenues that can be accessed, and that you can save yourself a lot of money if you look into those methods before committing to a very expensive program.
The feedback that I have seen from the free methods, does appear to be as good as the actual TM trademark, but hey, the proof is in the pudding right? So I am personally committing to trialing a 30 day TM program (the free method of course because I am not paying anyone $1500 for four hours of meditation) and I will let you all know just how life changing TM is over the coming weeks. Will it be as amazing as all of the propaganda claims that it is? Or is TM really just a Vedic based money making machine for the rich and the famous? Watch this space and I will keep you informed as the month unfolds.
INCEPTION
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 148 mins
Here's a science fiction movie that either seemed to mesmerize or annoy the shit out of people, some were claiming it to be a stroke of pure genius, others found the layered narrative a nightmare to follow and generally didn't enjoy it at all. Although I did enjoy the film, trying to explain the storyline could tip me over the edge, so I will just attempt to entice you with a very simplistic idea of what the film is about.
A professional thief (Leonardo DiCaprio) has the ability to infiltrate the subconscious minds of his targets, whilst in a dream-like state. He is offered the chance to clear his criminal record if he agrees to perform a mind altering job called Inception, a procedure where a person has the ideas of another implanted into their subconscious - it is also a procedure that is considered to be impossible.
With an absolutely massive ensemble cast, we stumble around within the subconscious and conscious minds of people, blurring the lines between reality and fiction and bearing witness to some pretty cool special effects. However, be warned, this is not an easy sci-fi viewing, it is really layered - just like the subconscious, and for that reason, you do need to be on your toes throughout. No tipples before indulging here - you need to have your full consciousness to really grasp just how in-depth this is, and at almost two and a half hours, strap yourself in, it's a long and bumpy ride.
FINAL SAY: If we are gonna perform Inception then we need imagination.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2010
Rating: M
Running Time: 148 mins
Here's a science fiction movie that either seemed to mesmerize or annoy the shit out of people, some were claiming it to be a stroke of pure genius, others found the layered narrative a nightmare to follow and generally didn't enjoy it at all. Although I did enjoy the film, trying to explain the storyline could tip me over the edge, so I will just attempt to entice you with a very simplistic idea of what the film is about.
A professional thief (Leonardo DiCaprio) has the ability to infiltrate the subconscious minds of his targets, whilst in a dream-like state. He is offered the chance to clear his criminal record if he agrees to perform a mind altering job called Inception, a procedure where a person has the ideas of another implanted into their subconscious - it is also a procedure that is considered to be impossible.
With an absolutely massive ensemble cast, we stumble around within the subconscious and conscious minds of people, blurring the lines between reality and fiction and bearing witness to some pretty cool special effects. However, be warned, this is not an easy sci-fi viewing, it is really layered - just like the subconscious, and for that reason, you do need to be on your toes throughout. No tipples before indulging here - you need to have your full consciousness to really grasp just how in-depth this is, and at almost two and a half hours, strap yourself in, it's a long and bumpy ride.
FINAL SAY: If we are gonna perform Inception then we need imagination.
4 Chilli Peppers
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