Sri Sri Ravi Shankar writes: Celebrate World Meditation Day by Realizing Your True Self

Mona
8 Min Read

Meditation is the key to discovering the endless potential inside all of us. Our very being is designed to hold and express infinite possibilities. However, if we only focus on the basics of life—eating, sleeping, and going through daily routines—we miss the deeper meaning of our existence.

As humans, we are gifted with something extraordinary: the ability to experience boundless joy and infinite awareness within ourselves. To connect with this inner reservoir of peace and bliss, meditation becomes essential. It’s through this practice that we can truly live our purpose and embrace the infinite nature of our being.

December 21, the Winter Solstice, is celebrated as World Meditation Day by the United Nations. This recognition highlights how essential meditation is in tackling many of today’s challenges. Meditation goes beyond just helping with mental health—it has the power to transform lives.

Through meditation, our perception becomes clearer, communication improves, and mindfulness grows effortlessly. It’s a practice that brings out positivity and joy from within, making you feel genuinely good. Many have shared incredible stories of healing and personal growth through meditation.

But the impact doesn’t stop at individuals. Meditation plays a powerful role in bringing people together, fostering love, understanding, and harmony. It helps bridge gaps, build stronger connections, and create a more united and peaceful society.

People often ask, “What exactly is meditation? Is it about focusing your mind, concentrating on an object, or imagining something?” The answer is no—it’s none of these. Meditation isn’t tied to any religion or belief system; it goes beyond faith and is meant for everyone, just like yoga.

At its core, meditation is about letting go. Letting go of effort, past frustrations, and the urge to constantly plan for the future. These things can stop us from truly connecting with ourselves. Meditation is simply about being fully present in the moment, embracing it completely, and experiencing it with a sense of depth and calm. It’s not about doing anything; it’s about simply being.

Meditation isn’t about visualizing something. Visualization requires effort, and effort can prevent you from diving deeper into meditation. It’s also not about trying to get rid of your thoughts—thoughts are a natural part of the process.

To meditate, all you need to do is sit comfortably, close your eyes, and relax your body. Let go of any sense of “doing” or trying to control the experience. When you simply let go, you’ll find yourself effortlessly settling into meditation.

When meditating, keep three simple principles in mind:

  1. “I am nothing” – Let go of your identity and ego, embracing simplicity.
  2. “I don’t need anything” – Let go of your wants and attachments.
  3. “I am not going to do anything” – Let go of all effort and simply be present.

These three attitudes—letting go of ego, desires, and effort—create the perfect foundation for meditation. Embrace them, and the practice will flow naturally and effortlessly.

Meditation is like planting a seed. The more care and attention you give it, the more it grows and thrives. Similarly, the more you practice meditation, the more it nourishes your nervous system and your entire being.

With consistent practice, your body undergoes a transformation. Each cell becomes energized with prana, or life force, and this energy brings a sense of unshakable joy. Meditation not only prevents stress from taking hold but also helps release any stress you’ve been carrying.

As a result, you’ll feel happier, more fulfilled, and in tune with yourself. Your senses become sharper, your intuition deepens, and you experience life on a whole new level.

With regular meditation practice, you begin to access higher levels of awareness. One such level is cosmic consciousness—a state where you feel deeply connected to the entire universe, as though it’s an extension of yourself. This sense of oneness allows love to flow effortlessly between you and the world.

Anger, frustration, and disappointment no longer linger; they pass quickly, like clouds drifting across the sky. Your life takes on a new sense of depth and clarity, and you develop inner strength and resilience.

Meditation helps you become like a beautiful yet strong flower—graceful, adaptable, and rooted in harmony. As you grow into these higher states of consciousness, you remain steady and calm, no matter what challenges life brings.

Meditation is the art of finding balance. It brings both profound rest and the energy for dynamic action. To truly rest, you need to accept the present moment as it is, trusting that everything in life is unfolding perfectly. This acceptance helps untangle mental knots and opens the door to a state of bliss.

When it comes to action, meditation enhances your clarity and focus, empowering you to address challenges with precision and confidence. This beautiful harmony between rest and action creates a sense of wholeness, making life feel complete and fulfilling.

If you’re new to meditation, guided sessions are a helpful way to begin. Aim to meditate for 15 to 30 minutes daily, ideally on an empty stomach—either before eating or at least two hours after a meal. This timing helps your body relax and makes the practice more effective.

What matters most is consistency, not how long you meditate. Over time, you can try longer sessions with expert guidance or join group meditations for a deeper experience. Meditating with others creates a powerful, uplifting energy that benefits both you and the environment around you.

On World Meditation Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the true essence of meditation. It’s not just an activity we do, but a way of living. Meditation opens the door to our limitless potential, helping us connect with the world around us and embrace a life filled with love, peace, and joy. It’s more than simply sitting quietly; it’s about transforming our entire being—body and mind—into a vessel of positivity and happiness. Today, let’s meditate, rise above our limits, and spread this uplifting energy to ourselves and everyone we meet.

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