New Delhi: Meditation helps us to improve mental well-being, which enables us to improve physical fitness as well. On December 21, 2024, we celebrate the first-ever World Meditation Day to promote its benefits in our daily life. It is a significant moment in the acknowledgement of the value of meditation. On this day, the world will celebrate the advantages of meditation, highlighting its transformative benefits for mental and physical health and its potential to foster peace and unity. Notably, International Yoga Day takes place on June 21 (Summer Solstice) and today is Winter Solstice.
How did World Meditation Day begin?
On November 29, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to proclaim December 21 as the World Meditation Day. The UN declared the day to raise awareness about the benefits of meditation and to recall the right of everyone to enjoy the highest standard of physical and mental health. Also, the UN recognised the connection between meditation and yoga as complementary approaches to health and well-being.
Indian celebration at the UN Headquarters
India’s Permanent Mission hosted a special event at the UN headquarters in New York to celebrate the day. It had a live, global meditation session which renowned Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led and he was the chief guest. The theme of the event was “Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony.”
What do we mean by meditation?
Meditation has been practiced since the ancient times as it focuses on our attention to the present moment. Its origins can be traced back to religious and yogic traditions in many cultures, particularly in India where it has been practiced for thousands of years. In today’s age, meditation has become an important tool for people all over the world to maintain mental health and personal well-being.
In meditation, a person uses techniques like mindfulness or concentrated thought to get a trained mind and get mental clarity and emotional calmness which would also led to physical well-being. Meditation has many types which each having its own way to be calm, clarity, and balance. Meditation reduces stress and improves emotional balance and balance, helping us to fight depression and anxiety. Also, it lowers blood pressure and manages pain.
What are the benefits of meditation?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), meditation has numerous mental benefits and hence it is practiced by people all over the world today. Mindfulness meditation is particularly significantly as it supports mental and physical well-being and WHO has recognised meditation as an important coping mechanism. The organisation states that meditation will help people to take care of themselves and improve overall well-being, especially when it comes to managing anxiety. Mindfulness mediation will help us to achieve a sense of calm and focus.
At a time when the world is ravaged by conflicts, meditation helps us to promote unity, peace and compassion. World Meditation Day is a reminder to create harmony within us and also within our communities. It fosters inner peace, helping us to create a more resilient and sustainable world. The United Nations declared December 21 as the first annual World Meditation Day, recognizing meditation’s role in promoting mental and physical well-being. The day celebrates the ancient practice’s ability to reduce stress, improve focus, and foster inner peace. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
