More reports from university students on the benefits of the Transcendental Meditation Program
Reprinted from the US website: www.au-tm-study.org
22 May 2008

In a research and demonstration project on "Effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on Neurophysiology, Cognitive Development, and Health in College Students", American University in Washington, D.C., U.S.A., has been conducting the largest study ever to evaluate the effects of Maharishi's Transcendental Meditation program on college students.

The two-year, $1.2 million randomized control study of 250 meditating students from American, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Howard University, the University of the District of Columbia, and surrounding college campuses was approved by American’s Internal Review Board of scientists and physicians.

The following are benefits of the practice of the Transcendental Meditation program reported by few of the students who took part in this study.

Ibrahim Yansane, University of the District of Columbia:
"Before I began to practice Transcendental Meditation, I was prone to depression. I was frustrated about not being able to fulfill my desires. Now, am doing much better in so many ways. Studying and comprehending is easier than before. My mind is clearer and my energy level is higher. I am making better choices and am no longer so oppressed by time. It’s not that I don’t have moments of anger or frustration—it’s that these feelings no longer bring me down.

"My heart is so much softer. I am more natural with people—more compassionate, more forgiving, and have greater empathy. Also TM has helped me enjoy my religion more. One seems to affirm the other. I am experiencing more silence in prayer, and am realizing that the essence of religion and the essence of my self are the same—unbounded love and peace."

Anne Barton-Veenkant, Georgetown University:
"I’m just as busy as I was last semester, but since I have been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique, I don’t feel as overwhelmed as I did then. It's easier to stay organized. I’m more efficient, staying on top of things—both in the big picture and keeping track of the details. I am much happier and freer to take on more things. Also when I make mistakes I'm better able to deal with them practically and emotionally, simply taking corrective steps without beating myself up. My relationships with others are better because my relationship with myself is better."

Mary Catherine Fixel, Georgetown University:
"Within two months of practicing Transcendental Meditation I have already noticed a greater mindfulness which I applied to every action – whether it was listening to a friend, taking a walk, or drinking a cup of tea.  My every day experience has become more meaningful. I believe that Transcendental Meditation has awakened in me a profound awareness of my surroundings.  Because of this, I am able to find a peaceful, direct connection to everyone and everything around me.  I feel more ‘present’ and more able to genuinely listen.

"I feel much more at ease despite the increasing level of work that I have to do everyday. The greatest thing Transcendental Meditation has done for me is to have taken the wind out of the sails of anxiety, so to speak, leaving me with a more peaceful mentality with which I approach any given situation."

Tasha Daniels, American University:
"I think that when I first started TM I thought stress would just disappear. It’s not that stress doesn’t happen. Stuff still happens that create problems. It’s just the way I respond to stress is different. I can now step back from situations and be calmer and react in a much more effective, creative ways. There’s also the whole thing that you just feel better—your body feels better, you sleep better—and all that’s good for sure. But I think that the best thing about TM is that you can handle stress better."

Quintin Jose Pastrana, Executive MBA, Georgetown University:
‘My Transcendental Meditation practice has enabled me to feel fully relaxed. At the same time, it’s helped me to be more focused and responsive—to stay restfully alert so that I can more effectively respond to demands at work and at school. It’s also enables me be more confident, deliberate, and thoughtful in my interactions with others. I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity to have learned Transcendental Meditation so that I can continue developing my potential in a completely holistic way.’

Hunter Sheetz, Georgetown University:
"I have a large course-load, intern at Congress, and participate in several campus organizations. Fitting it all in is a major challenge. Since learning the Transcendental Meditation technique, I’m more organized and better able to channel my energies in the most effective ways. During times in which I would usually succumb to stress—'losing my cool'—I have found myself much more calm, balanced, and composed. Transcendental Meditation has enriched all my experiences with a clearer focus originating out of a new-found inner happiness and peace."

Jaclyn Boyle, American University:
"Transcendental Meditation changed my life. The changes did not happen overnight or even suddenly enough for me to even notice right away, but when I look back to how I was before I began meditating, it is hard for me to believe how far I’ve come.

"One of the most obvious benefits is simply how much more productive I am. I love to remain busy, and meditation recharges my energy levels so that I can accomplish everything that I want to, and I accomplish things with greater ease and less stress.

"Meditating also helps me to adapt to any situation that is presented to me. I now have a peaceful center that allows me to take on any challenge that life throws at me. Regardless of what happens, I can feel safe and secure, knowing that I have a calm and content place inside. As I continue to meditate daily, I can feel this serenity growing larger. I am able to handle stressful situations and conflicts with greater ease and can communicate my feelings and ideas more clearly. In the past, if I had a conflict with another person, I would feel angry and frustrated, and handle the situation according to these emotions. Now, I have a greater understanding of their frustrations without my own getting in the way, and can work to remedy the situation in a quiet, peaceful manner. I cannot remember the last time I had to raise my voice, though yelling used to be my greatest defense mechanism.

"I am so grateful for learning the Transcendental Meditation technique and cannot imagine my life without it."

Reprinted from the US website: www.au-tm-study.org

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