Tuning into the sound of silence Excerpts from East Anglian Daily Times, 2 August 2008 Filmmaker David Lynch is on record as saying Transcendental Meditation lifted a persistent anger that had clouded his life. That's just one of the things it can do, says TM teacher Paul Kember. It also has the ability to alleviate chronic health problems, boost intellect, creativity and promote harmony. Mr Kember lives in a development of new homes at Rendlesham, designed to the movement's architectural principles and is instrumental in plans to build a nearby 'Peace Palace', where people can learn the art of meditation, Maharishi style. He says the meditation he practises every morning and evening takes him to a place of inner silence. "Through the technique your mind becomes less active until one transcends thought," he says. "You go beyond thought and experience the silence that is within us all. That silence is the source of our thoughts. When the mind becomes still so does the body and quite spontaneously the body achieves a state of rest. In that state physical abnormalities start to normalise." It is these health benefits that the relaunched Transcendental Meditation movement in Suffolk is keen to promote, especially as its rebirth coincides with publication in the American Journal of Hypertension of an analysis of 107 separate studies on stress reduction programmes and high blood pressure. It concluded that Transcendental Meditation can lower blood pressure by an average of 4.7 points, systolic (the top number) and 3.2 points, diastolic (the lower number). These effects were not noted in other relaxation or stress management techniques. Dr James Anderson, professor of medicine at the University of Kentucky and co-author of the analysis, says: "The magnitude of the changes in blood pressure with Transcendental Meditation are at least as great as the changes found with major changes in diet or exercise that doctors often recommend, yet Transcendental Meditation does not require changes in lifestyle." … Mr Kember says the study backs up what those who practise Transcendental Meditation have always known: it's good for the health of the body and mind." … And blood pressure is not the only area of health that can be helped, says Mr Kember. "Scientific research has associated a range of other benefits with Transcendental Meditation including reduced stress, increased longevity, improved mental health, less addictive and antisocial behaviour and greater productivity." Learning the technique involves a seven-step course with a six-month follow-up programme. But it is not cheap and, according to your personal circumstances, it could set you back several hundred pounds. Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to two free introductory talks before they sign up to learn the technique at four 90- minute sessions over consecutive days. These are followed by weekly meetings for a month, and monthly meetings thereafter. ... It is practised by people of all ages, religions, professions and cultural backgrounds: everyone from housewives to students, doctors and business people. "This is because Transcendental Meditation is a universal technique that is enriching to everyone,” said Mr Kember. • To find out more visit the Maharishi Foundation's website at www.t-m.org.uk or call 01695 51213. © East Anglian Daily Times 2008