Alvaro

Looking back at the different periods in my life, I can’t see anywhere near the extent to which I have changed since I started practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) here at Maharishi University of Management (MUM). When I say that I have changed, I don’t mean that I have become a different person. It means that I have become more of my Self; I feel more in tune with my inner Intelligence. I see this by how much easier it is to follow my natural desires and not give attention to unnatural or non-life supporting desires that might come up. For example, feeding junk food to my cells is not something I’d feel even slightly inclined to do anymore, or when the weekend comes up I’m no longer anxious about having to do something to feel good. I can feel good wherever I am because true happiness is not dependent upon outer stimulus; happiness comes from my Self. I have started understanding and experiencing what Maharishi means by one being Self-sufficient. I only need my Self which is within me, everywhere I go or not go, in all those around me, and everywhere else. Therefore, when I feel like doing something (partying, watching a movie, studying, walking outdoors or just plain chilling) or going somewhere I do it having Being (Consciousness) as the driving force.

A few months after I started doing TM I noticed how my relationships had become more transparent and loving. For example, even though I’m thousands of miles away from my mom, I feel closer to her than ever as I have started being more communicative with her and allowing her love to grow more within my heart. I also feel a calling to eventually go back to my country and offer my services where they are most needed. One very possible idea is that when I have fulfilled my academic desires in Ayurveda, I go back to Colombia and work closely with Father Gabriel Mejia by helping restore, through Ayurvedic procedures, the health of the children and adolescents that have been recovered from the streets. Restoring balance in their physiology will allow them to have a clearer path that leads them to the reunification with the Self.

So in conclusion, practicing TM is not about becoming a monk or sacrificing your outer life for your inner growth; it’s about truly enjoying and making the most out of your outer life by awakening to your inner, higher Self. One last thing I’d like to mention is that even though TM is a great factor in my evolution I can’t isolate it as the sole cause of my development as a spiritual Being in a human body. I also recognize the application of Maharishi Ayurveda, understanding of Maharishi Vedic Science, and the AMAZING, EXTRAORDINARY!! people I have met here at MUM, as contributing factors to my growth.

Thank you ALL!!!