Meditation has been sweeping the globe in popularity, and it is little wonder that it has been on the increase. Meditation offers quantifiable mental, emotional, and even physical benefits to the regular meditators. From reducing stress to going a little bit extra with learning about oneself, meditation is of many different types to meet different objectives. I would like to explain the vast differences between two popular meditation techniques that are often discussed in the media, transcendental meditation (TM) and mindfulness meditation. They both are said to form a more focused, calm mind, but otherwise differ in approach and intention in all other ways.
What is Mindfulness Meditation?
Mindfulness meditation was developed from Buddhist societies and is the practice of being present. It is one of the practices of developing awareness of surroundings, emotions, and thoughts without judgment. Practice is most commonly directed through the use of the breath, the body, or sensory data such as sounds or images. But it's a common question in health and wellness FAQs about how mindfulness compares to other practices.
Mindfulness meditation is predicated on becoming proficient at observing your mind without resistance or judgment of what arises. Non-judgmental watching, as practiced, leads to healthier regulation of emotions, less tension, and better thinking. Body scan, observing your breath, and observing everyday activity like walking or eating are standard practices. For those wondering about guided meditation vs mindfulness meditation, mindfulness offers the freedom to explore independently without structured guidance.
What is Transcendental Meditation?
Transcendental meditation, or TM, is a technique that uses an official and mantra procedure to calm the mind. TM was promoted in the 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and is a standardized effortless technique. During a session, students sit quietly with their eyes closed and quietly chant a personal mantra—a sound or word specifically designated for them by an accredited teacher.
The TM mantra is not a figurative tool, but one that is employed to enable the mind to settle into an extremely deep relaxation state. The method is intended to transcend active thinking and enable the mind to be in a state of pure consciousness—a state free from mental commentary. TM is practiced 20 minutes twice a day and is highly renowned for its purported ability to maximize creativity, decrease anxiety, and maximize overall health. Comparing mindfulness meditation vs transcendental meditation, TM focuses more on entering a transcendental state rather than being present in the moment.
Mindfulness Meditation vs Transcendental Meditation
While TM and mindfulness meditation both aim to lead the mind to a center, they diverge methodologically and philosophically. Mindfulness is focused on the present moment and requires one to be present to sensation, feeling, and thought at all times. TM is reflective and uses a mantra to lead to a still, transcendent state.
This distinction is often highlighted when discussing mindful meditation vs transcendental techniques. Mindfulness meditation is easy to learn anywhere with no special instruction or external assistance, and is thus easily available to students. Mindfulness meditation is distinct from TM, where strict adherence to a preordained procedure requires one-on-one coaching and time. The debate between the two often comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.
I want to point out that many of my clients who suffer from ‘the monkey mind syndrome’ - which gets its name from comparing our non-stop thinking minds to a monkey jumping from branch to branch - find mindfulness meditation not as helpful and more difficult than other methods of meditation. It all comes down to personal preference.
Their effect is diverse, to some extent. Mindfulness gives greater concentration, emotional calmness, and awareness of oneself by developing an eternal relationship with the present moment. TM adds relaxation, reduced stress, and entry to a pure state of consciousness, but less energetic but more activating. For many, the debate of transcendental meditation vs mindfulness relies on whether they prefer flexibility or structure.
Which Meditation is Best for Beginners?
One size does not fit all when it comes to meditation. One of my favorite meditation teachers once said, ‘The best meditation technique is the one that works for you!’ Transcendental meditation and mindfulness meditation are only two different meditation techniques, and many of my clients have felt the need for additional techniques and tools. This is the reason why I customize all of my meditation techniques for my clients.
Meditation decreases stress and improves upon one's own wellbeing. The key is to start where you feel most comfortable and engaged. At Stop and Breathe, you’ll find individual and corporate/group workshops that will allow you the tools to deal with stress and lead a more peaceful, fulfilling life.
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