The Power of Transcendental Meditation

We learned Transcendental Meditation at the Victoria TM centre in London nine years ago, and it has been one of the most powerful and useful things we have ever done. It helps the flow of creativity, promotes good health, and helps with focus and relaxation. But one of the most important factors, is that it’s a really simple technique to learn and easy to incorporate into a busy lifestyle. You don’t have to wear an orange robe, drink blessed water from an ancient well or join a cult, and it has nothing to do with religion.

A course consists of four sessions, taught by a qualified TM teacher, on four consecutive days with each session lasting about two hours. There is an optional follow-up programme over the next six months. At the end of the four days, you come away with a truly valuable skill that will last a lifetime. Here at CELLOPHANELAND* we really look forward to our meditation times: 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening. It really is that simple.

So what actually happens when you meditate and how do you feel? During meditation the mind naturally transcends (goes beyond) thought to experience a state that is described as Pure Being. At the basis of all natural phenomena is the Unified Field of Natural Law. Via TM, together with he help of a personal mantra, which is a sound/thought/vibration, the mind reaches this field which is also described as an ocean of pure consciousness. Filmmaker, David Lynch, refers to this as “diving within”.

Basically it’s connecting with the self, and it all feels very natural, restful and blissful. Meditation in a peaceful room or out in nature is preferable, but it is still actually possible to meditate on a busy train or any form of public transport. One is still aware of surroundings but the mind is settled.

David Lynch has not missed a meditation since he first learnt the technique in 1973. He likens his first meditation to “being in an elevator with the cable cut”. The David Lynch Foundation was established in 2005 to promote the benefits of TM to at-risk populations such as inner-city students; veterans with PTSD; American Indians suffering from diabetes; people suffering from cardiovascular disease and incarcerated juveniles and adults. The foundation has achieved great success in bringing TM into American schools, funding scholarships for students. It has been proved to significantly lower crime rates and improve academic results. There is also a UK branch of the David Lynch Foundation which focuses on groups who need it most. These groups include stressed teachers and students, the homeless, prisoners, and the many thousands of war veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the David Lynch Foundation created the Heal the Healers Now initiative. This has raised considerable sums of money to bring TM to the healthcare workers on the front line, to help combat stress.

Paul McCartney, Jerry Seinfeld, Katy Perry, Hugh Jackman, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Aniston, Russell Brand, Oprah Winfrey and Mick Jagger are just some of the artists who have gone on record to say how much TM has helped them in their lives.

But we will leave the last words to David Lynch: “If you don’t already meditate, take my advice: Start. It will be the best decision you ever make”.

Information on the David Lynch Foundation please visit: here

For further information or to contribute to Heal the Healers Now please visit here

Information on Transcendental Meditation, and to find a local centre where you can learn to meditate, please visit: here

Further reading: Catching The Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness and Creativity by David Lynch. Buy here.

Further reading: Transcendence: Healing And Transformation Through Transcendental Meditation by Dr. Norman Rosenthal. Buy here.

For our curated recommendations for Wellness books, plus Art, Culture, Design and Architecture visit the CELLOPHANELAND* bookstore