In this day and age, it’s easy to get stressed. Rushing to meet deadlines. Paying bills. Providing for families. Pressure can take its toll on a person.

The need for relief from everyday stress is building. Exercising, the after-work drink, holidays. These are such examples of how people deal with stress. Yet, there is one addition to stress relief.

Transcendental Meditation (TM). A “spiritual” experience, it has proved to relax practitioners to unprecedented levels.

Influenced by the teachings of Krishna, the Buddha and Shankara. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced TM to India in the mid-50s. Alongside other teachers, Maharishi developed this meditative technique while teaching others of its benefits. Once the 60s came along, TM exploded across the globe. People all over the world began to hear about it. Thus, they indulged in the relaxation technique.

The Transcendental Meditation and Stress Meditation movement spread like wildfire. At the beginning, it was presented as a religious movement. With Buddhist, Hindu and Hare Krishna teachings, it’s easy to see how. Although, only three United States courts upheld it as a religion. The basis of which was that it did not meet the requirements of being a religion. At least, as per United States stature.

When the 70s rolled along, the organisation shifted towards having a scientific presentation. Whilst maintaining many religious elements, it set about monitoring the medical benefits. The argument is that such high amounts of relaxation has many. Improved sleeping patterns, immune system and increased mental clarity being amongst them.

At least, that’s the view of the organisation. To which, is an argument that is understandable and logical. Although, independent reviews have thus far have found no benefits other than relaxation and health education. And like any other religion, or religious group, there are sceptics. All of whom have dismissed the Transcendental Meditation movement as a “pseudoscience”.

All that said, practising TM is as simple as other meditation secrets and technique. Practised within a secluded area, away from any distractions. The practitioner utilises a mantra (sound) in place of thought. A mantra is considered to release all thoughts, feelings and stresses out of the mind. In doing so, the individual’s attention naturally shifts to a quieter style of mental functioning. This is done morning and evening for 15-20 minutes each time.

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