How do you balance the practical benefits of TM with its more spiritual claims?
I have practiced TM consistently for a long time and have rarely skipped a meditation.
When I first learned TM, the effect was very noticeable. I felt calmer, more grounded, and less overwhelmed. I still experience real benefits from the practice, especially a greater sense of calm.
At the same time, I have also gone through periods of stress, anxiety, and depression. Because of that, I sometimes wonder whether I am getting the full benefit from TM, or whether I have gradually developed unrealistic expectations about what it should be able to do for me.
I recently wrote to my TM teacher and explained that I may need a more honest conversation about what TM can and cannot help with. I do not want to feel disappointed every time I fall into another period of anxiety or depression, especially when I have practiced consistently.
She kindly suggested that we meet and talk, and also mentioned gemstone light therapy as something that might be helpful for me.
Her response made me notice a tension I already had. Part of me is open to the spiritual side of TM. Another part of me mainly sees TM as a very effective meditation technique that helps regulate stress and gives the nervous system deep rest. I am not sure how much of the wider spiritual framework I actually believe.
I do not want to throw away something that clearly helps me. But I also do not want to interpret every difficult period as evidence that I am meditating incorrectly, releasing stress, or needing another spiritual treatment.
Has anyone else had to recalibrate their expectations of TM over time?