As the pace of life becomes increasingly hectic, more women are turning to transcendental meditation as a means of relaxation. Women's Editor Christen Pears reports.

IMAGINE being able to sit down, close your eyes and enter a deep state of relaxation in which the stresses and pressures of everyday life melt away. It may sound too good to be true but for those who practise transcendental meditation, it's part of their daily routine.

TM is not a religion, philosophy or way of life but rather a technique for relaxation. Founded in 1957 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, it allows your mind and body to gain a unique state of deep rest. By sitting with your eyes closed for just 20 minutes, you can recharge your batteries and dissolve deeply-rooted stress, tension and fatigue.

Chris Greathead is just one of two independent TM teachers working in Britain. Based in Newcastle, he teaches throughout the North-East. Over the last few years, he has noticed more women taking up TM.

"People are trying to get their work-life balance right and I think that's something which is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for women who have to juggle so many different things," he explains.

"Materially, people have a higher standard of living but there is a lack of fulfilment and happiness. People are feeling stressed. Most of it is little, everyday pressures, everything from making decisions at work to doing the shopping. They're probably things you're not conscious of until they get on top of you.

"TM is very much about empowerment. It's something that you can do yourself to wipe away the pressure and tension of the day. People are amazed at how much they enjoy it and how much of a difference 20 minutes twice a day can make."

Chris became interested in TM through a friend of the family when he was just 16.

"She was someone who had learned it way back in the early 60s and I suppose she was a spiritual seeker. I heard about TM through her and I thought it sounded interesting. I wasn't really motivated; I went along out of curiosity more than anything else but after a couple of months, I started to notice a difference. I was more calm, more focused and I had more confidence," he says.

While he was at college, he had an opportunity to study with the TM Organisation, based in Switzerland. He initially intended to stay for a couple of weeks but ended up spending two years there and training as a teacher.

"It doesn't matter where you are teaching or who you are teaching, you still get the same results. Wear and tear and stress are things that affect everybody and I think these days, that's what it's really about. People are much more interested in TM for practical reasons than spiritual ones."

MARION Evans didn't realise she was suffering from stress until she tried TM.

"I run a care company with about 150 carers who go out in the community. A lot of my job is based on trust and it can be stressful but I didn't realise just how much until I started TM," she explains.

Two years ago, she found a leaflet about TM and decided to give it a go.

"It really does work. I've noticed a big difference. I don't do it every day but I certainly notice when I haven't done it. You get bothered by little things that just wouldn't affect you if you'd done TM."

Marion, who runs Dale Care in Crook, says a 20-minute session is the equivalent of a good night's sleep.

"Everyone is busy these days but 20 minutes is nothing and the it's so beneficial. I certainly feel a lot better now."

* For more information about TM classes in the North-East, visit www.tm-meditation.co.uk or contact Chris Greathead on 0191-281 3507.