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Mindfulness meditation might sound similar to transcendental meditation, but the two practices have different goals and benefits. Transcendental Meditation seeks to achieve a state of complete bliss, whereas mindfulness meditation aims at self-improvement and stress management.
It is important to understand the differences between these two techniques along with their different goals and benefits, to be able to choose the best one for you. So, lets explore the meaning and the detailed differences between these two meditation practices.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is an essential human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindfulness is observing and paying attention to yourself and your environment without judging or believing that there is a right way or a wrong way to feel. Our minds usually drift away; we lose touch with ourselves, and obsessive thoughts take over us before we know it. Yet no matter how far we drift away, mindfulness is right there to snap us back to where we are and what we’re doing and feeling.
What is Transcendental Meditation?
Transcendental Meditation, or TM, is a technique letting your mind settle down into a highly calm and wise state of rest. In other words, it means an active practice of avoiding distracting thoughts and conditioning your brain to be aware and relaxed. According to the people who practice TM, your everyday thinking process is “transcended” over time and is replaced by a state of pure consciousness. TM can essentially be considered a self-care kit; it helps achieve calm, clarity, and balance, opening up your mind to new ideas and perceptions.
Difference Between Mindfulness and Transcendental Meditation
These two approaches to meditation come from different traditions, are practiced differently, have different effects on the brain, and are different in the way they’re learned.
[wptb id=1914]Practicing Mindfulness and Transcendental Meditation at Home
Mindfulness
1. Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor, or sit loosely cross-legged, in lotus posture, or you can kneel. Make sure you are stable and in a position you can stay in for a while.
2. Follow the sensation of your breath as it goes out and as it goes in.
3. Inevitably, your attention will leave the sensations of the breath and wander to other places. When you get around to noticing this—in a few seconds, a minute, five minutes—return your attention to the breath. Don’t fight it immediately. Take your time.
4. Don’t judge yourself or obsess over the content of the thoughts you find yourself lost in. Just come back.
It can help to choose a short time if you’re beginning, such as 5 or 10 minutes.
Transcendental Meditation
1. Find a comfortable place, and sit in a comfortable position. It doesn’t have to be in the lotus position. Whatever works for you is just fine.
2. Choose a mantra. Any word (in any language) that has a significant meaning to you (or no meaning at all) should work. Start repeating the mantra in your mind in a relaxed manner.
3. Breath as slowly and long as possible as time passes. The rhythm of your breath and your mantra should not necessarily match.
Do this for as long as you want, start with 10 minutes.
Pick any of meditation technique that you like, but be sure to devote at least ten minutes every day for improved mental health and wellbeing.