The UN is marking the second year of commemorating meditation, an ancient practice known to enhance personal well-being and mental health. “When attention deficit is so significant, meditation becomes crucial,” stated Indian spiritual leader Gurudev Ravi Shankar at a UN event ahead of World Meditation Day. “Nearly 500 universities worldwide are now integrating meditation, as are hospitals,” he added. In the face of global challenges, meditation offers a significant means to foster peace, unity, and compassion.
What is behind the international day?
To highlight meditation’s benefits, the United Nations General Assembly declared December 21 as World Meditation Day last year, reinforcing everyone’s right to the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health. Organized by India’s Permanent Mission and other supporters, the event “Meditation for World Peace and Harmony” aimed to foster domestic harmony and promote international unity. Meditation can lead individuals to a “space of oneness and tranquility,” said Mr. Shankar, who also guided a meditation session.
A powerful tool
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies meditation as a potent self-care tool that can enhance treatments and improve overall well-being, particularly concerning anxiety. Mr. Shankar mentioned there are 700 research articles reporting over 100 benefits of meditation. Focusing on breathing and presence, incorporating meditation into a daily routine, even briefly, can promote calm and focus. Before the meditation session, Mr. Shankar addressed the issues of anger and desire that affect the mind, saying, “These prevent peace of mind and disrupt sleep.” Meditation and breathing help alleviate these troubling feelings. “Breathing connects our body and mind, and focusing on it can calm emotions,” he explained. He emphasized that meditation can’t be forced; it simply occurs. “You create conditions where meditation happens naturally, setting aside desires, anxieties, and fears for later,” he concluded, guiding the audience to a state of calm.
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