World Meditation Day, as its name suggests, is a day to promote and highlight the practice of meditation and its benefits in our busy lives. Modern life can be stressful and challenging. Today serves as a reminder to focus on self-care, find moments of calm and foster a deeper connection with oneself and the world around us.
The word meditate is derived from the Latin word meditatum, which means “to ponder”. Meditation practice originates from ancient traditions in India and China, using techniques such as mindfulness that promote emotional stability and calmness. Overcoming past stereotypes and lack of awareness, meditation has become a globally accepted tool for coping with life’s stresses and challenges, with positive benefits on our physical and mental wellbeing.
World Meditation Day is celebrated in various ways around the world. People and communities come together to engage in the practice of meditation. For some it could be joining meditation sessions in the community, events or workshops in their workplace, or as simple as closing your eyes to relax and reflect for a few minutes. The best thing about the practice of meditation is that no prior experience is needed, can be done anywhere, and there are apps for those that prefer online!
Benefits of World Meditation Day
- Provides relaxation by taking a break from our busy day
- Eliminates stress by instilling tranquillity
- Promotes a peaceful world where we all find ourselves connected with oneself and the world around us promoting compassion and empathy
Some tips to practice meditation for beginners:
2 minutes: As busy as our day feels, it can take as little as two minutes to practice meditation and find a calm state emotionally
Find a set time to practice: As much as we say we will meditate everyday, it can easily be forgotten. Although you can practice meditation at any time of the day, try to find a time in your morning, before starting your day, if that is easier.
Just do it: Sometimes we can get caught up with how to meditate and where to do it. Whether it is a sofa, the ground, a park bench, or a hotel room, find a place where you are comfortable and able to focus. There is no perfect way or place to meditate, just be happy you are doing it. Focus on your breath and the rising and falling sensation it creates in your body.
Check in with how you’re feeling but keep going: Remember that meditation is not about clearing your mind so that it is empty of all thoughts, but rather about the focus you bring. It is ok to feel tired, anxious, or busy. Your mind may even wander a bit, but that’s ok also, just bring yourself back to focusing on your breath.
Gratitude: After your two minutes of meditation, smile and be grateful that you took that time out of your busy day to focus on yourself!
The best thing about the practice of meditation is that no prior experience is needed, can be done anywhere, and there are even free guided meditations for those that prefer online! Therefore, this World Meditation Day, take a few minutes from your day to try some of the tips to help you practise meditation and explore the benefits it has for you.
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References:
Agnihotri, A. (2023, May 21). World Meditation Day 2023: Date, history, significance and all you need to know. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/festivals/world-meditation-day-2023-date-history-significance-and-all-you-need-to-know-101684572026597.html
National Today. (n.d.). World Meditation Day – May 21, 2024. https://nationaltoday.com/world-meditation-day/
Swann, J. (2024). World Meditation Day: Breath in, breathe out & find your inner peace. https://workplacewellbeing.pro/campaigns/world-meditation-day/