I. Overview
World Meditation Day (WMD) is observed every year on December 21, following the adoption of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/RES/79/137 on 6 December 2024. This day aims to raise awareness of the physical, mental and emotional benefits of meditation, reinforce the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of health, and promote inner calm, resilience and global harmony.
II. Significance of the Day
II. Significance of the DayThis day underscores how meditation – from individual practice to collective awareness – can support mental and physical well-being, reduce stress, strengthen emotional regulation, and foster compassion and unity across communities. Choosing this special date “December 21 – the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere” symbolises turning from darkness into light, from stress into stillness.
III. What Is Meditation?
Meditation is a mental exercise that involves focusing attention and training awareness to achieve a state of mental clarity, emotional calmness, and inner balance.
It is a voluntary, conscious practice where one learns to observe thoughts and sensations without judgment. It is aligned with global health agendas, especially Sustainable Development Goal 3 (“Good Health & Well-being”), recognising that mental and emotional health are integral to overall health.
IV. Quick Facts about Meditation:
- The word “meditation” comes from the Latin meditatum, meaning “to ponder.”
- Meditation has been practiced for over 5,000 years across diverse traditions including Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Christian, and Sufi practices as a means to cultivate self-awareness, compassion, and transcendence.
- Meditation is not tied to any single religion, it is a universal practice of mental training.
- Modern science recognises meditation as a mind–body technique that can positively influence holistic well-being.
- Clinical studies show that meditation can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, improve sleep and pain tolerance and much more.
- Meditation is not about “shutting off” the mind or escaping life’s problems. It teaches awareness.
- Meditation is now a $6.5+ billion global industry, including classes, retreats, and mobile apps.
- Around 275 million people meditate worldwide — roughly equal to the population of Indonesia.
V. A Brief History of World Meditation Day:
6 December 2024: The UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/79/137 proclaiming December 21 as World Meditation Day.
21 December 2024: First observance of the Day, with global events and a world meditation broadcast from several countries.
2025 and onwards: The day is expected to expand in reach, with themes, tool-kits, campaigns and event formats formally released in each year.
VI. How to Observe Meditation Day:
- Organize or participate in a meditation session at home, workplace or community space on December 21.
- Share quotes, personal stories or facts about meditation’s benefits on social media to raise awareness.
- Host or attend webinars or workshops that introduce meditation practices, particularly for mental health and well-being.
- Advocate for inclusion of meditation and mindfulness programs in schools, workplaces, and health-care settings.
- Use the day to reflect on how inner stillness, compassion and self-awareness can contribute to collective peace and well-being.
References:
- https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-meditation-day
- https://www.internationaldays.org/december/world-meditation-day
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/others/world-meditation-day-2024-experts-insight-on-the-significance-of-meditation-in-life/articleshow/116532838.cm
