This is a great guide for anyone who chooses to meditate; the benefits are uncountable. I use the TM method and can practice it during any short period of time I have free, although a consistent 10 minutes or more yields better, longer-lasting results. When I do have a few minutes, or even less, I gladly use them, and it has become a habit. I slowly inhale deeply through the nose, and then exhale through the mouth and draw out the exhale for as long as possible. Just drag out that exhalation until you feel all the air you have is gone. And that makes it easier to inhale more deeply in the next breath. Cycles of four breaths work best for me. But I've always attempted to acknowledge then brush aside thoughts, since no one can stop them, because that is what I learned. Your method sounds better- don't try to ignore those intruding thoughts but watch yourself studying addressing them. If that can be done, then the goal, the essence of TM, has already been achieved.

Thanks for sharing this story. Although great for beginners, you taught me something new.