TM and Calm—What’s the Difference?
Discover how Transcendental Meditation (TM) and the Calm app can help you manage stress and improve your daily life. Which method best suits your needs? Read on to find out.
The Transcendental Meditation technique, introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s, is a simple and effortless practice performed twice a day for 20 minutes.
TM offers:
The Calm app offers mindfulness exercises and guided meditations that help you stay present and observe your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.
Mindfulness is:
Although both methods can reduce stress, there are clear differences between Transcendental Meditation and mindfulness apps like Calm:
| Characteristic | Transcendental Meditation (TM) | Calm app (Mindfulness) |
|---|---|---|
| Effortlessness | TM is practiced silently with eyes closed, without focus or intention. | Calm requires attention and observation of thoughts. |
| Independence | After learning from a certified teacher, you can practice TM on your own. | Calm often requires an app or guidance. |
| Brain Activity | TM induces alpha-1 brain waves, which are associated with deep relaxation. | Mindfulness remains at a more superficial level. |
| Duration | TM is practiced twice a day for 20 minutes. | Calm sessions are usually shorter. |
| Personalized approach | TM instruction is personalized and includes a unique mantra. | Calm offers general guided meditations. |
| Transcendence | TM enables the mind to reach the source of thoughts. | Mindfulness focuses on observing thoughts. |
More than 380 peer-reviewed studies have documented the wide-ranging benefits of TM, including:
A unique benefit of TM is the personal guidance provided by a certified teacher, who offers ongoing support at no additional cost.
Mindfulness with the Calm app can result in:
Although Calm is an accessible option, using an app may be less convenient if, for example, you share a bedroom or don’t want your phone next to your bed.
TM also offers a natural and effective way to improve your sleep. A 2023 study showed a 44% reduction in insomnia after three months of TM practice.
If you’re looking for relief from poor sleep, anxiety, lack of focus, or relationship issues, Transcendental Meditation may be the solution. Many people enjoy the Calm app, but to truly achieve inner peace, join the millions who practice TM.
For beginners: Calm and other mindfulness apps offer an accessible starting point. But TM provides deeper, long-lasting stress reduction and an overall improvement in your well-being.
“From the very first session, I’ve experienced mental clarity and a full night’s sleep. I wake up feeling refreshed!”
– Susan, April 2023, Trustpilot
Whichever method you choose, meditation can be a powerful tool for improving your life.