Interview with the Editor

Stephen Cardinal, fellow TM practitioner and graduate of the Communications Program at Maharishi University of Management, talks with Johan Svenson, the editor of the Meditating Student Blog.

Stephen: Let's get to know the man behind the curtain. Johan, you're a man of many talents. How did you become involved in this project?

Johan: Well Stephen, it's actually part of my doctoral project. My dissertation adviser suggested it. Actually I'm surprised it hasn't been done already. I think this new generation is one that values large scale communication more than ever. People want to know whats going on, how to get involved. It's like Farris Beuller said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once and a while you just might miss it."

Stephen: Cool. So you mentioned that people now days want to know more and get involved. How does this blog serve that purpose?

Johan: Two reasons really. Those that don't meditate but who are looking for some larger understanding of themselves based on personal experience, could benefit from hearing the stories and insights
of those who are making these discoveries for themselves. And for those already meditating, it's a way for them to stay connected with one another. It can help confirm some of their experiences and give them ideas on how they could make a positive impact in the world using this new understanding of who they are.

Stephen: Well this sounds incredible! I have to ask, how, when and why did you get started meditating?

Johan: My parents meditated when I was growing up, so I got a bit of a head start on the process. They had me instructed in the children's walking TM technique when I was three. When I was old enough to learn the sitting technique they asked me if I wanted to try it. I wanted to be sure I wasn't missing anything. So I gave it a try. I learned when I was eleven in Seattle, WA. I remember it so vividly. It was like waking from a dream.

Stephen: Interesting story. For those out there that are not familiar with TM can you give them a brief introduction?

Johan: It's an easy, natural mental technique for getting rid of stress and learning about yourself. Ultimately, meditation is self-discovery, something we could all use a little of. After all, if you don't know who you are... what are you doing?

Stephen: I agree with you there 100%. Well it is very exciting to see you doing this blog! What can we do as readers to get involved and contribute to this project?

Johan: If you have a meditation experience or story you'd like to share, send it to me and I'll post it. Otherwise just check out the posts and give us some feedback. I'd like everyone to be able to see for themselves the impact meditation can have in one's life. So take a look and send us your thoughts. You might be surprised at what you find and have to share.

Stephen: Well Johan, all of this sounds very intriguing and I look forward to seeing the content offered from others out there. It really seems like people are hungry for this kind of thing considering the state of our world today. Any final words?

Johan: I do want to thank you for taking your time to conduct this interview. And I'd like to thank the readers too. If you've made it this far in reading the interview, your the kind of seekers this world needs.