World Meditation Day: Focus on Mental Health and Well-Being

The Second World Meditation Day is being observed today, highlighting the growing global recognition of meditation as a tool for mental health, inner balance, and overall well-being. The observance follows a resolution adopted last year by the United Nations General Assembly, which proclaimed 21 December as World Meditation Day.

The date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, a time traditionally associated with reflection, introspection, and inner calm.

Meditation and Sustainable Development

Meditation is increasingly acknowledged for its positive impact on mental health, which is widely regarded as a fundamental human right. Its practice aligns closely with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which places strong emphasis on health and well-being as pillars of sustainable growth.

Under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-Being seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages. While the goal addresses challenges such as maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and access to essential medicines and vaccines, it also underscores the importance of mental health, universal health coverage, and reducing health inequalities to create resilient and inclusive societies.

What Is Meditation?

Meditation is an ancient practice that involves training the mind to focus on the present moment. With roots in religious, yogic, and secular traditions across cultures, meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Over time, it has evolved beyond its spiritual origins and is now widely embraced as a universal practice for personal well-being and mental clarity.

In modern terms, meditation is commonly defined as a practice in which individuals use techniques such as mindfulness, focused attention, or controlled breathing to achieve mental clarity, emotional calmness, and physical relaxation.

Scientific research has highlighted several benefits of meditation, including:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety

• Improved concentration and emotional balance

• Relief from symptoms of depression

• Better sleep quality

• Positive effects on physical health, such as lower blood pressure and improved pain management

Advancements in technology have further expanded access to meditation, with mobile applications and online platforms allowing people to practice anytime and anywhere.