Asheesh Sharma
How Transcendental Meditation Changed My Life at 37 - A Personal Journey
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth at 37, I found myself turning to Transcendental Meditation (TM). This ancient yet profound practice has not only transformed my life but also equipped me with the tools to face life’s challenges with grace and clarity.
I would like to share my story with you and present some facts on how it helped me improve my productivity and effectiveness in performing my day today tasks , control mind wandering and becoming a better person altogether.
My Personal Journey with Transcendental Meditation
Early Introduction to TM
My first encounter with Transcendental Meditation dates back to my childhood. Growing up in a Brahmin family, I attended Maharishi Vidya Mandir (MVM), where TM was a compulsory part of our daily routine. From kindergarten to eighth grade, our day began and ended with 10 minutes of meditation. While I didn’t grasp its significance back then, I now recognize the foundational impact it had on my life!
Mantras have always been significant to me, and I thought they are used to perform miracles. I was just not aware of the miracle which was happening inside me through my practice of TM!
When I look back now , it's not difficult to realise that it was a true miracle that a child from a family , where no one ever attended college, completed not just his formal education, but a post-graduation from one of the most prestigious Business schools of the country (MBA from Symbiosis , Pune) .
Reconnecting with TM
After a gap of over two decades, I was reintroduced to TM during a very turbulent phase of my life. Meeting James Egan, a Purusha who had spent years with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, reignited my connection with this practice. It felt like destiny was working to bring us together, when we meditated together by the banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh. That experience reignited my transformation process.
After a gap of more than 23 years, since I had never meditated after I left Maharishi Vidya mandir (MVM), this meditation session was a revelation.
All those older memories of school came flying back and the overwhelming feeling I had was of nostalgia.
After meditating , I felt calm and saw things more clearly. I could immediately feel this, though it was my first time after so long . This itself is a testament to the potency of the technique.
Now I would meditate when I met him, and very soon I started meeting him only to meditate together, such was the attraction. I was the one approaching him, as I could see the immediate benefits.
Transcendental Meditation Benefits: A Life Transformed
Within a week of restarting my meditation journey, I was a completely different person. A few weeks back , I could not sit for a minute without thinking and was so mentally troubled, I used to shake sometimes .
I asked him to guide me to a proper way to practice the technique and he helped me by answering my doubts, guiding me thoroughly so i could meditate for 20 minutes again.
Emotional Resilience and Freedom from Addictive Habits
Within just a week of practicing TM, I noticed remarkable changes. I went from a state of constant worry and stress to experiencing unparalleled calmness. Regular meditation helped me combat personal challenges, including unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking.
Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus
As I committed to meditating for 20 minutes twice daily, my ability to focus improved dramatically. My monkey mind was now able to focus naturally on the task at hand, which gave me higher output with a reduced level of effort.
Personal Growth and Self-Improvement
TM has become an integral part of my journey to self-improvement. Just 20 minutes of practice twice a day allows me to reap innumerable benefits that have enhanced all aspects of my life, be they mental, emotional, physical, behavioural or social.
My Takeaway from my TM Practice
Looking back, I see TM as the greatest gift I’ve given myself. It has helped me overcome stress, achieve mental clarity, and embrace emotional resilience. If you’re navigating life’s challenges or seeking personal growth, I encourage you to explore Transcendental Meditation. The journey inward is often the most rewarding path.
