Dear David,

I have been suffering from symptoms of depression and stress for a number of years to the point where in the summer I was becoming very disoreintated and suffering from some symptoms of psychosis.

I began NSR 5 days ago and I wanted to share some of my experiences with you.
When I practise NSR my chest, neck and solar plexus become very tight and it is quite hard to breath - I experience very strong emotions, particularly anger and sadness which feel like they are almost 'stuck' in the parts of my body that are really tight. When I finish I am left with residue of these feelings in these areas but my breathing is clearer and my inner voice is also louder, that is my mind is clearer.

I think I am obviously experiencing some quite dramatic stress release - however i wouldn't say my approach to repeating the syllable is passive and innocent as it is difficult to be passive when it is hard to breath and emotions are so strong. I find it hard not to try to 'breath' through the emotions and kind of 'force' them out, I suppose I should be as relaxed as possible but when I am completely passive the surge of emotion is overwhelming and I have to control it to some extent.

Do you imagine that after a few months these experiences will be less severe? Do these experiences sound as if I am practising ok?

Sorry, that last message was by me by the way - my name is rob.

Rob,

What beautiful experiences, and such clear descriptions!

Yes, these are all symptoms of the release of stress. Although they are sometimes uncomfortable, they leave the body refreshed and free the body of the stresses that block full enjoyment of life.

It's like changing fuses. We might get a little dirty, but when the fuses are changed the circuits work again.

Most of us have some anger and sadness stuck inside, deposited in the nervous system in a physical or physiological way. The deep rest of NSR finally lets them get repaired, like those fuses getting replaced.

Don't worry about your use of the syllable. When stress is released there can be many illusions, such as difficulties with the mantra. But the fact that you are having so many signs of stress release, coupled with the increasing clarity of the mind, shows that you are practicing correctly. Just continue as you are doing.

It shouldn't take a few months for all of this stress release to settle down. It should only require a few days or weeks for this stormy phase to pass. The intensity you describe may benefit from a reduction in meditation time, 10 minutes instead of 15. It may also help to lie down after each session and continue resting with the eyes closed. You want to have an adequate transition between active stress release and normal daily activity. Take plenty of time, stretch, yawn, and open the eyes downcast, when coming out.

Many psychiatrists and psychologists recommend this type of meditation (TM or NSR) as an adjunct to talk therapy. We value mental health professionals and work with them whenever possible.

I am very glad to hear that you are having real breakthroughs, and I wish you the best of luck. Continue meditating regularly and the benefits will accumulate. Good things are happening!

David Spector
Natural Stress Relief/USA