Transcendental meditation comes from the Hindu tradition and uses a mantra, a word, sound, or phrase, to prevent distracting thoughts from entering an individual’s mind3. The founder of this movement, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, was a well-educated man who earned a degree in physics before pursuing his spiritual path. His movement began to spread rapidly in the 1960’s when popular celebrities such as the Beatles began to utilize meditation. Maharishi also accomplished getting transcendental meditation introduced to public school in New Jersey.4 Transcendental meditation, as mentioned previously, is a mantra based meditative technique. When practicing a mantra style meditation individuals start by sitting in a comfortable position and vocalizing their chosen mantra, which should only be a few syllables. After a few minutes of doing this the meditator would stop enunciating the mantra and simply move their mouths as if they were still stating it. Then they would move to mentally repeating the word. However, if an unwanted thought inserts itself in the meditators mind he/she would begin the process again by vocalizing the mantra. …show more content…
It is thought to be connected with a person’s health, security, and sense of connection to the world. The second focuses on the naval area and contains the pleasure, sexuality and creativity of an individual. Chakra number three is in the solar plexus, or abdomen, located here is discipline and power. The fourth is the heart, connected naturally with love and emotions. The fifth chakra is the throat, which known for wisdom, communication, and honesty. The sixth of the seven chakras is called the brow, and is located directly between the eyes. The brow contains perception and imagination. Last, is the crown associated with the individual’s spirit and mind.9
Not only are there many forms of meditative practices, but there are also a variety of ways that these practices can enhance someone’s health. The word meditation essentially comes from the same Greek and Roman roots as the word medicine.10 Meditation is considered a type of complementary and alternative medicine and an effective mind-body medicine. It is used to aid people who suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and other