Comedians & Inmates...

Unique Perspectives: Comedians & Inmates...

By Kim Stevens

Comedians & Inmates…

I took a meditation course last weekend. It was phenomenal.

If you’ve followed along with me for a while, you know I’ve shared bits and pieces about my meditation practice and how it’s evolved over the years. Like most things in my life, it’s been a journey. But what I experienced this weekend truly changed everything.

And I absolutely love how I feel and what’s happening to me, for me.

Here’s how it happened...

A friend of mine, who works at the jail, told me about this couple who comes in to teach meditation to the inmates. The practice they’re teaching? Transcendental Meditation, or TM for short.

I got chills just hearing her say it because I’ve been fascinated by TM for a very long long time. But I had never found a certified teacher. Until now.

Full disclosure: I even tried to teach myself once. I created my own mantra and gave it a shot. And while it was a nice effort, let me tell you, there’s a reason you need to be taught by someone trained in the method. Trust me on that one.

When I learned that Jerry Seinfeld has been practicing TM for over 40 years, I was like, I want in. He once said, “TM is like recharging your battery. A phone, you plug it in. TM is like that for the mind.” He also says it’s like someone gave your brain a shower.” I love that!

But what I love most is when something that feels so magical also has science to back it up. BecauseTranscendental Meditation isn’t just a peaceful pause in your day. It’s a practice with decades of research behind it. Here’s what the science says:

• Less Stress, More Calm: TM reduces cortisol (your stress hormone) and soothes the nervous system. It helps you respond, not react.

• Sharper Focus, Clearer Mind: TM boosts alpha brain waves, linked to creativity, clarity, and a calm, alert state.

• Heart-Healthy Benefits: It’s been shown to lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Better Sleep: TM helps you fall asleep more easily, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling restored.

• Mood Lift: Studies show it reduces anxiety and depression while increasing emotional resilience and inner balance.

  
  

And the best part? It’s effortless. The words they used to describe it to me were easy and natural. I loved that especially since there was a time when I would get completely stressed out thinking to myself “I have to meditate! I have to meditate!” Definitely not easy or natural, lol!

What they taught me was that you don’t try to clear your mind. You just let go… and settle into stillness.

Science calls it “restful alertness.” I call it the best feeling ever. It’s hard to explain but my teacher says it’s being in the field of total awareness. And the best part? It found me. Effortlessly. Just showed up, like things always seem to when I need them most. I love that.

Life has a way of delivering the exact thing I need… right on time. Every time.