What did TM actually do for you?

Deborah asked this very intriguing question:

For those who spent more than 10 years doing TM, what positive changes occurred for you as a result of TM? • Deborah | 09.09.09 - 9:22 pm | #

It seems to me that this is a very important question that we need to ask ourselves in whatever way it is possible to do so absent the impulse to render a TM introductory lecture or launch into a negative rant. In other words, can we be absolutely honest with ourselves and at the same time talk about the reality we experienced? Paul and Vaj have started off the conversation and I thought it would be really useful if we could keep these responses together – so here goes:

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I have found that regularly practising this meditation keeps my head clear and keeps me optimistic. I have also found that it keeps me pepped up so that I neither depend nor even use alcohol or recreational drugs (or prescription drugs for mood control). However, whilst I was entwined in the philosophy of TM, with its claims and fantasies, the benefits of TM were weakened by the unrealistic expectations I carried. • Paul M | Homepage | 09.10.09 - 2:45 am | #

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I have found that regularly practising this meditation keeps my head clear and keeps me optimistic. I have also found that it keeps me pepped up so that I neither depend nor even use alcohol or recreational drugs (or prescription drugs for mood control). However, whilst I was entwined in the philosophy of TM, with its claims and fantasies, the benefits of TM were weakened by the unrealistic expectations I carried.

I recently heard Herbert Benson speak and basically what you’re describing is a “relaxation response”. If you want a relaxation response there are 8 major meditation forms that produce this effect, most of them for a minimal price, without a lot of claptrap--and some of them are also have spiritual benefits as well. TM actually was one of the least beneficial forms of meditation but the most expensive--and touted as the best! For example in lowering blood pressure, every other major form of meditation did a better job! Even Progressive Muscle Relaxation was better. • Vaj | 09.10.09 - 7:09 am | #

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Vaj, my short description of ready benefits I have noticed was not supposed to be an exhaustive analysis, merely a quick reply to Deborah’s question. Since this form of meditation does not seem to have universal appeal I am glad to hear there are other available methods of ‘relaxation response’. • Paul M | Homepage | 09.10.09 - 8:00 am | #

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Now, we need to hear from YOU (anonymity is absolutely ok, too):