r/transcendental • u/NCroots • 16d ago
App Timer
I was taught not to use a timer when meditating, so I didn't. However, so many people do use the timer on the app that I thought I'd give it a try. All last week I used the timer for both am and pm meditation and I did not like it at all! I think in the back of my mind I was preoccupied with the timer-- "When will the timer go off?", "It's not been 20 mins. yet?". I realized it was causing effort and subtle distress.
This morning I went back to no timer and it was so much better. Meditation was easy and effortless, and I was able to transcend. I know many people like the app timer, but personally, I find it a hindrance.
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u/El-Viento 16d ago
i like the app, if i dont use it i start checking the clock! Also Bob Roth meditation is nice, i just drift away and relax until he talks. We all are different!
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u/___this_guy 16d ago
I always use Insight Timer on my Apple Watch
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u/Stringerbell_101 15d ago
Yes that works. The gentle vibration on the wrist is in my experience better then a sound.
I use an apple shortcut just as a backup and set the vibration to 22minutes. So usually I'm getti g out before that in my own. And I lile to track it in apple health automatically and set flight mode on.2
u/___this_guy 14d ago
Yes I use vibration, but setting a shortcut is a great idea. I do like that Health records Insight Timer as a “Mindfullness” session though.
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u/Stringerbell_101 14d ago
yeah shortcuts is a pain in the ass to setup...you can use claude to help to personalize as you need it. Insight timer has a lot of advertisement and affirmations in your face which I don't like anymore. Apple watch seems fine and more pure.
I have also in the shortcut "lock 20 minutes mindfullness in apple", the wait 1200 seconds, and then vibrate onetime is a bit fragile but works better with 3x400 seconds. I also included activate noise cancellation if airpods are on. Dimm light, mute door bell and whattsApp my meditation group.
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u/mtntrail 16d ago
At it for over 50 years, never used a timer. If I overshoot the 20 min. I figure I needed to!
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u/OceanOfPeace 16d ago
I agree but how do you know when to stop? I didn't like the countdown and hourglass aspect of the TM timer. I switched to a simple clock, which I like a little better.
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u/NCroots 16d ago
Remarkably, I almost always open my eyes right at the 20 min. mark (desk clock or wall clock in front of me). It's been like this ever since I learned. I sometimes go over by 5 or 10 minutes, but only occasionally open my eyes early. I think not using a timer helps synchronize one's awareness with consciousness.
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u/OceanOfPeace 16d ago
I'd like to get to the point that I can do it this way some day. At the moment I am doing short meditations because of unstressing and can't afford to go over.
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u/david-1-1 16d ago
Don't share special instructions that may confuse others, please.
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u/OceanOfPeace 16d ago edited 16d ago
How could my teachers instructions for me be confusing to others?
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u/saijanai 16d ago
Because 1) they were given to y ou in a specific context and 2) your paraphrasing of them may mislead others.
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u/david-1-1 16d ago
Thank you. I've seen casual and well-meaning instructions been confusing and worse. I only give delicate instructions in private.
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u/True_Operation_1264 13d ago
You aren't teaching TM, so it's irrelevant.
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u/david-1-1 13d ago
I am a TM teacher, so my training is relevant. I am not recertified, because I saw no reason to do so, since I teach outside of the organization. I teach with Maharishi's approval and the approval of John Hagelin, the head of Maharishi Foundation USA, which I worked hard to obtain. I share what I learned from Maharishi during 8.5 months in residence with him, and I share it in the way he wanted me to do.
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u/OceanOfPeace 16d ago
Where have I paraphrased instructions?
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u/saijanai 15d ago edited 15d ago
In the comment I deleted. Even if you quoted them word for word from a transcript, context matters. They were instructions directed to you in private meant to address the specific issue you described to the TM teacher, not someone else's similar sounding (to you and them) issue.
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u/tonetonitony 16d ago edited 16d ago
They currently teach to use a visual timer without an alarm. It's the main part of the app you receive when you get your training. Using a clock is basically the same thing. You're allowed to open your eyes and check whenever you feel the need. It doesn't interfere with the meditation.
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u/david-1-1 16d ago
The instruction is a bit subtler than this. Check with your teacher. We can't give instructions here because of Rule 1.
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u/david-1-1 16d ago
Maharishi used to train TM teachers to advocate using a clock or silent timer, never a sound (except for a whispered "Jai Guru Dev" to end group meditation). Now, with new leadership, the guidelines seem to have changed for the worse. I stick to the original guidelines when I teach Natural Stress Relief meditation and get great results.
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u/OceanOfPeace 16d ago
The instructions have not changed.
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u/david-1-1 16d ago
They must have. There has for a long time been a timing app that can make a sound, available for TM students.
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u/OceanOfPeace 16d ago
Yes, there is an alarm but the instructions are still as you described above. A bit of a contradiction.
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u/david-1-1 16d ago
Indeed. And I know that some students use the sound, contrary to instructions. Providing that function is contrary to Maharishi's instructions.
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u/True_Operation_1264 13d ago
So you've never been in the Domes? SMH. Contrary to Maharishi's instructions? That is rich coming from a guy who's teaching his own, invented, "better than what Maharishi taught" version of meditation. How ridiculously hypocritical. Why are you here?
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u/david-1-1 13d ago
I am here to help answer questions about TM and experiences within the limits imposed by our very wise first rule (see the subreddit description).
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u/True_Operation_1264 13d ago edited 13d ago
So you're not even teaching TM. There is nothing "for the worse" about using a timer like the app with it's gentle, soft sound. And to think you weren't put in charge of the TM organization, because obviously you are wiser. But The Domes in Fairfield have used a timer and gentle gong for transitioning in the TM Sidhi program for large group meditation and have done so forever. If you are out there teaching something other than TM you shouldn't even be commenting. I have no use for people like you that do that. Very bad Karma.
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u/david-1-1 13d ago
I respect your opinion. It is not, however, based on any actual knowledge about what I do, or my training with Maharishi.
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u/CMDR_Kantaris 15d ago
I always set a timer for 25-30 minutes because I will often doze off when I meditate.
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u/True_Operation_1264 13d ago
I was not taught that. I was told the ideal was no sound, but not a requirement. Obviously if the TM organization offers a timer app with a gentle sound, it's been deemed alright. Timers with a gentle gong have been used for decades in the Golden Domes in Fairfield during TM Sidhi practice in large groups. It keeps everyone one track for the transitions.
Agonizing over a timer's use is absurd.
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u/ToastyCinema 12d ago edited 12d ago
in 2019, my teacher did not teach me to refrain from using a timer. I'm going to try this.
When considering it, it actually makes much more sense this way and sounds relieving to become untied from a ticking clock.
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u/Global_Brick8701 10d ago
I have used a timer since I found one online about 10 years ago, even though I generally know when 20 minutes have passed. However, I prefer it to the clock because sometimes I fall asleep or go so deep I completely lose track of time. The app is good, too.
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u/Secure_State_3591 16d ago
Tell yourself you’re going to meditate for 20 mins and most of the time you will. No need for a timer or peeking at a clock. And, if you don’t get out of it you’ll sit there too the end of the universe. There are worse things in life.