And there's often quite a lot of noise going on. I usually have an array of TV jingles, and dance anthems battling it out with forgotten jobs and conversations with my bank manager. But at some point, somehow, it all melts away into a moment of serene quiet and calm. What really amazes people when they take up TM, however, are the subtle and unexpected changes. More energy, better concentration, better relationships are some of the reported pay-backs.
People find they are more relaxed, confident, successful and have more time on their hands.
Which is interesting when the most common objection is 'I don't have time to meditate'. According to a report in the London Evening Standard, Cindy Crawford, Sting and Madonna all meditate. Meditation is now fashionable and you don't have to be a hippy or on a spiritual quest to do it. Other celebrity meditators include Sir John Harvey Jones and William Hague. An increasing number of GPs are coming round to the idea of meditation.