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World Meditation Day
World Meditation Day on May 21 is the perfect time to relax, reflect and reconnect with yourself. This special day has been celebrated since 1995 as a way to spread awareness of meditation and its many benefits for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It's also a great opportunity for those new to meditation to give it a try and experience the calming effects of this ancient practice. So take some time out of your busy day on May 21st to listen to your inner voice and be at peace with yourself!
History of World Meditation Day
World Meditation Day Timeline
<div id='' class='timeline_item_2'><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9e9d-7d099196' class='timeline_left'><div id='' class='timeline_date-text-4'>500 BCE</div></div><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9ea0-7d099196' class='timeline_centre'><div id ='' class='timeline_circle-4'></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_right'><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5 timeline_text_title'>Early Evidence of Meditation</div></div><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5'>Early evidence of meditation is found in the ancient Indian texts known as the Vedas. This is one of the earliest recorded instances of meditation practices.</div></div></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_item_2'><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9e9d-7d099196' class='timeline_left'><div id='' class='timeline_date-text-4'>653 CE</div></div><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9ea0-7d099196' class='timeline_centre'><div id ='' class='timeline_circle-4'></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_right'><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5 timeline_text_title'>Meditation Comes to China</div></div><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5'>Dhyana Master Buddhabhadra, from India, brings meditation to China, where it eventually evolves into Zen Buddhism.</div></div></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_item_2'><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9e9d-7d099196' class='timeline_left'><div id='' class='timeline_date-text-4'>1500s</div></div><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9ea0-7d099196' class='timeline_centre'><div id ='' class='timeline_circle-4'></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_right'><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5 timeline_text_title'>Introduction of Meditation to the West</div></div><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5'>Meditation is introduced to the Western world during the Renaissance period, as explorers and missionaries come into contact with Eastern cultures.</div></div></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_item_2'><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9e9d-7d099196' class='timeline_left'><div id='' class='timeline_date-text-4'>1893</div></div><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9ea0-7d099196' class='timeline_centre'><div id ='' class='timeline_circle-4'></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_right'><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5 timeline_text_title'>Swami Vivekananda Speaks at the World Parliament of Religions</div></div><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5'>Swami Vivekananda, an Indian Hindu monk, speaks at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago about the benefits of meditation, helping to further spread knowledge of meditation practices to the Western world.</div></div></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_item_2'><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9e9d-7d099196' class='timeline_left'><div id='' class='timeline_date-text-4'>1950s</div></div><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9ea0-7d099196' class='timeline_centre'><div id ='' class='timeline_circle-4'></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_right'><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5 timeline_text_title'>Mindfulness Meditation Comes to the West</div></div><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5'>Mindfulness meditation, a Buddhist tradition, is introduced to the West by scholars like Thich Nhat Hanh.</div></div></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_item_2'><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9e9d-7d099196' class='timeline_left'><div id='' class='timeline_date-text-4'>1979</div></div><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9ea0-7d099196' class='timeline_centre'><div id ='' class='timeline_circle-4'></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_right'><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5 timeline_text_title'>Jon Kabat-Zinn Establishes MBSR Program</div></div><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5'>Jon Kabat-Zinn establishes the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, integrating mindfulness meditation into Western medicine.</div></div></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_item_2'><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9e9d-7d099196' class='timeline_left'><div id='' class='timeline_date-text-4'>2000s</div></div><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9ea0-7d099196' class='timeline_centre'><div id ='' class='timeline_circle-4'></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_right'><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5 timeline_text_title'>Rise in Scientific Research on Meditation</div></div><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5'>Scientific research on meditation increases significantly, exploring its potential benefits for mental health, stress reduction, and overall well-being.</div></div></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_item_2'><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9e9d-7d099196' class='timeline_left'><div id='' class='timeline_date-text-4'>2010s</div></div><div id='w-node-_0f3fe35f-7e90-3b7d-6225-0e1175df9ea0-7d099196' class='timeline_centre'><div id ='' class='timeline_circle-4'></div></div><div id='' class='timeline_right'><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5 timeline_text_title'>Meditation Apps Emerge</div></div><div id='' class='margin-bottom-medium'><div id='' class='timeline_text-5'>With the advent of the digital age, meditation apps such as Headspace and Calm begin to emerge, making meditation practices more accessible to people worldwide.</div></div></div></div>
How to Celebrate World Meditation Day
<div id="" class="celebrate-item"><h3 id="" class="celebrate-title"><span class="celebrate-number">1. </span>Practice meditation</h3><p id="" class="celebrate-text">Before you celebrate the day, take some time to practice meditation. Whether for 15 minutes or an hour, meditating can bring a sense of peace and relaxation that is not always found.</p></div><div id="" class="celebrate-item"><h3 id="" class="celebrate-title"><span class="celebrate-number">2. </span>Attend a yoga class</h3><p id="" class="celebrate-text">Yoga is a great way to combine physical movement with meditation. Look for a local yoga studio or gym and sign up for a class that incorporates meditation. </p></div><div id="" class="celebrate-item"><h3 id="" class="celebrate-title"><span class="celebrate-number">3. </span>Organize a group meditation</h3><p id="" class="celebrate-text">Gather up your friends and family to meditate together. Pick a spot in nature or in your home, and spend time in mindful meditation.</p></div><div id="" class="celebrate-item"><h3 id="" class="celebrate-title"><span class="celebrate-number">4. </span>Create a peaceful environment</h3><p id="" class="celebrate-text">Decorate your home or office with items that evoke feelings of peace and tranquility, such as incense, candles, or plants. You may also want to add some calming music or the sound of running water.</p></div><div id="" class="celebrate-item"><h3 id="" class="celebrate-title"><span class="celebrate-number">5. </span>Write about your experience</h3><p id="" class="celebrate-text">Keep track of your journey through meditation by writing down your experiences. Writing can be therapeutic and help you reflect on your journey.</p></div>
Why World Meditation Day is Important
<div id='' class='matter-item'><h3 id='' class='matter-title'><span class='matter-letter'>A.</span>It promotes mental wellbeing </h3><p id='' class='matters-text'>Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and bringing clarity to your thoughts. By taking part in World Meditation Day, you can experience the benefits of meditating and learn new techniques that can be added to your regular practice.</p></div><div id='' class='matter-item'><h3 id='' class='matter-title'><span class='matter-letter'>B.</span>It connects us with others</h3><p id='' class='matters-text'>World Meditation Day gives us the chance to connect with likeminded people around the world who share our enthusiasm for mindfulness and peace of mind. By joining together as one global community united in meditation, we can inspire each other and create positive change on an international level!</p></div><div id='' class='matter-item'><h3 id='' class='matter-title'><span class='matter-letter'>C.</span>It encourages self-reflection </h3><p id='' class='matters-text'>Meditation isn't just about relaxation - it's also about gaining insight into yourself. Through meditation, you can explore your inner psyche, gain an understanding of your patterns of thought and behavior, and recognize any negative thoughts or feelings that are holding you back from achieving true fulfillment.</p></div>
5 Facts about Meditation that will Surprise You
<div id='' class='t-facts-item'><div id='' class='t-facts-number-wrapper'><p id='' class='t-facts-number'>1</p></div><div id='' class='t-facts-core-content'><h3 id='' class='t-facts-title'>Meditation can reshape your brain</h3><p id='' class='t-facts-content'>
Regular meditation has been found to increase the thickness of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher order brain functions such as decision-making and awareness. This effectively means that meditation can change the physical structure of your brain.</p></div></div><div id='' class='t-facts-item'><div id='' class='t-facts-number-wrapper'><p id='' class='t-facts-number'>2</p></div><div id='' class='t-facts-core-content'><h3 id='' class='t-facts-title'>It is possible to meditate while walking</h3><p id='' class='t-facts-content'>
While many envision meditation as sitting in a quiet room with closed eyes, walking meditation is a common practice. By focusing on the rhythm and sensation of your steps, you can achieve a meditative state even while moving.</p></div></div><div id='' class='t-facts-item'><div id='' class='t-facts-number-wrapper'><p id='' class='t-facts-number'>3</p></div><div id='' class='t-facts-core-content'><h3 id='' class='t-facts-title'>Meditation was not originally intended for relaxation</h3><p id='' class='t-facts-content'>
The original purpose of meditation, particularly within the Buddhist tradition, was not to relax, but to gain a deep insight into the nature of reality and to develop a sense of detachment from the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='t-facts-item'><div id='' class='t-facts-number-wrapper'><p id='' class='t-facts-number'>4</p></div><div id='' class='t-facts-core-content'><h3 id='' class='t-facts-title'>Animals can be trained to meditate</h3><p id='' class='t-facts-content'>
Researchers have been able to train animals, particularly primates, to meditate. These studies found that meditation helps the animals to reduce their stress levels and become more social.</p></div></div><div id='' class='t-facts-item'><div id='' class='t-facts-number-wrapper'><p id='' class='t-facts-number'>5</p></div><div id='' class='t-facts-core-content'><h3 id='' class='t-facts-title'>Not all meditation is the same</h3><p id='' class='t-facts-content'>
There are thousands of different styles and techniques of meditation, each with their own distinct methods, objectives, and traditions. They range from mindfulness meditation, which focuses on the present moment, to transcendental meditation, which involves the repetition of a mantra.</p></div></div>
5 Facts about Meditation that will Surprise You
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World Meditation Day FAQs
World Meditation Day is celebrated on May 21 every year. In 2023 World Meditation Day will occur on a Sunday.
World Meditation Day Dates
2023
May 21
Sunday
2024
May 21
Tuesday
2025
May 21
Wednesday
2026
May 21
Thursday
2027
May 21
Friday
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