Chapters 1-10 Summary and Analysis

Lynch's first experiences with Transcendental Meditation (TM) occurred in 1973. At first, it all seemed like a waste of time and not telling people where "within" is, seems cruel. Lynch learns his sister has been practicing TM for six months. The tone of her voice made Lynch realize he wanted happiness. Lynch went to the TM center in Los Angeles, where he learned about the ease and positive effects of TM. Thirty-three years later, Lynch has not missed a single session. The first few times he practiced TM brought about drastic changes in his behavior. Previously filled with anxiety and fear, Lynch began to notice a release from these negative emotions, which he calls the "Suffocating Rubber Clown Suit." This suit is suffocating in its pervasiveness and it smells bad. Meditation can make the suit fade away. Negative emotions may...