World Meditation Day 2024: Celebrate the Universal Benefits of Meditation for Mental Well-being and Peace

UN marks 21st December as World Meditation Day, celebrating the universal benefits of meditation for mental well-being and peace.

The United Nations has officially designated 21st December 2024 as the first-ever World Meditation Day, following a resolution passed on 29th November 2024. This landmark event highlights meditation’s transformative power for mental and physical health and its role in fostering global peace and unity.

India Takes Center Stage

To commemorate the inaugural celebration, the Permanent Mission of India hosted a special event at the UN headquarters in New York. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, led a global meditation session, inspiring participants worldwide to embrace meditation as a path to inner peace and self-discovery.

Global Recognition of Meditation’s Value

The UN’s recognition underscores meditation’s potential to address modern challenges, including rising stress, violence, and societal disconnection. Rooted in India’s history, meditation has become a global phenomenon, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.

The Power of Meditation

Meditation offers numerous benefits:

• Enhances mental and physical well-being.

• Promotes empathy, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

• Fosters international goodwill and peace.

The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the importance of meditation, particularly mindfulness practices, as an effective stress management tool.

Steps to Begin Meditation

• Find a peaceful spot and sit or stand comfortably.

• Close your eyes or gaze downward.

• Start with a 5–10-minute session.

• Focus on your breathing, observing its rhythm or sensation.

• Gently return focus to your breath if your mind wanders.

This historic initiative emphasizes meditation’s universality, celebrated by people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles. As the world joins hands to meditate, World Meditation Day serves as a powerful reminder of the practice’s role in building a harmonious and united global community.