Meditation

Meditation is Mainstream

Meditation has gained mainstream acceptance, just like organic foods and yoga. These were considered on the fringe in the early 1970's. Now, neuroscience research has shown a wide range of benefits associated with meditation.

Back in the day (1971-1974), I was a teacher of "TM" - transcendental meditation, and I hung out with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (who also taught the Beatles) at large gatherings, including a six week retreat at Arcata California, a six month teacher training in Southern Spain, and other retreats and trainings in Europe. 

Back then, it was a "movement" and was actually two organizations. SRM, or Spiritual Regeneration Movement, was the original name of the organization, but it was later "Westernized" and changed to Science of Creative Intelligence. 

However, there was an inspiring speaker, Charlie Lutes of SRM, who gave talks in West L.A. every Friday night. A group of us from the Pasadena TM Center, which I had co-founded at age 21, went down to see Charlie speak every Friday and socialize with friends.

Once, we went over to Al Jardin's home  (yes, Al Jardin of the Beach Boys), who still practices TM (I think I read that somewhere).  After a Friday night seminar, we were invited to his home and had a memorable visit. I remember seeing all of the gold and platinum awards on the wall. We also had a private concert with Kenny Loggins in Pasadena. I remember a scientist from CalTech - John Lewis - who joined us occasionally for group meditations.

At the age of 21, I was giving seminars to a full room of people who, after hearing about it on the Merv Griffin show, had decided to try it to reduce stress and reap other health benefits.

Of course, meditation is an ancient method and is practiced in many traditions- Christian, Hindu, Native American, Buddhist, and as a non-religious spiritual or wellness therapy. 

I have not practiced "TM" for years, but I have meditated sporadically over the years, combining it with prayer and affirmations. I am trying to make it a daily routine, in order to balance out the many other activities going on in my work and free time. So far, I have not gotten into the daily routine.

According to Brendan Burchard, one of the top motivational speakers and high performance trainers in the world, "Neuroscience has proven that meditation is powerful, not only to reduce stress levels, but also in growing neurons and activating our capacities for more creativity, empathy, and achievement."

Meditation is being recommended by "mainstream" organizations, as well as by many coaching and self-help programs. As an example, WebMD has something to say about mediation and its benefits for health:

Meditation- Topic Overview
Also see the following link: Yoga, Meditation, May Help Dementia Patients (June 5 2014)