What is World Meditation Day? Plus, 5 ways to celebrate
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore what World Meditation Day is, including the history and when it happens every year. Plus, 5 ways to join (or plan your own) World Meditation Day events.
So many of us live with jam-packed daily schedules, constantly juggling our responsibilities to work, family, and friends. The neverending to-do lists can wear us down, and any remaining free time we may have is spent zoning out in front of the TV or scrolling on our phones. Taking time to pause, breathe, and connect with ourselves may feel impossible, so sometimes we need an extra push.
World Meditation Day, a day dedicated to uplifting the power of meditation and promoting regular acts of self-care, is the perfect opportunity to shift your focus back onto your mental wellbeing by prioritizing meditation and connecting with yourself through the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
What (and when) is World Meditation Day?
World Meditation Day is held each year on May 21. It’s dedicated to the practice of meditation, a technique that’s been used for centuries to nurture a sense of calm and inner peace. The day is designed to promote awareness about the benefits of meditation and encourage people to bring the practice into their daily lives to restore a sense of balance and clarity.
History of World Meditation Day
Originating in India around 1500 B.C. meditation initially combined spirituality with the religious and philosophical life of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The aim was to cultivate mindfulness and a deep, inward connection to the divine — or the inner self.
Meditation practices spread across Asia and to the Western world, where techniques were adapted to make them relevant to the unique spiritual, therapeutic, and practical needs of each culture.
During World Meditation Day on May 21, people around the world acknowledge and celebrate the rich history and evolution of meditation. The day reminds us of meditation's ancient roots and its wide-ranging health and wellbeing benefits.
Why meditation is still important today
Despite a long history, meditation is becoming more and more important in the modern world.
Stress reduction: Regular meditation may help to decrease our level of stress hormones, like cortisol, helping to reduce stress, and leading to improved mental health and decreased risk of stress-related diseases.
Enhanced concentration: Meditation can help train the brain to focus for longer periods, which can enhance productivity at work. This improved attention span can be extremely beneficial when we’re constantly bombarded with distractions and information.
Promotion of overall wellbeing: Meditation has been linked with many physical health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and better immune system response.
Contribution to global harmony: By cultivating personal peace and mindfulness, meditation can encourage positive interactions. In this way, World Meditation Day helps promote unity across different cultures and communities.
How to participate in World Meditation Day: 5 ways to celebrate
Whether you’re an experienced meditator or new to the practice, taking part in World Meditation Day can be a fulfilling, enriching experience.
1. Join a global meditation
Many organizations host global meditation sessions on World Meditation Day. Connect with thousands of others around the world who are practicing meditation. This can be a powerful experience, emphasizing the unity and collective energy of the human experience.
2. Attend a meditation workshop
Seek out workshops, either in-person or online, which can expose you to different meditation techniques and enhance your personal practice.
3. Organize or join a community meditation
Plan or attend a group meditation session at a local park, community center, or virtually. Group meditations can help build a sense of community and shared purpose, making the practice more enjoyable and impactful.
4. Carve out personal meditation time
If you prefer solitude, dedicate specific time on World Meditation Day for your personal meditation practice. Create a special session where you focus on your intentions, gratitude, or personal peace, allowing you to connect with yourself on a deeper level.
5. Use social media to engage with others
It’s always nice to share the positives in life, so why not spread the love by sharing your meditation experience on social media? Use the hashtag #WorldMeditationDay to join the trend. This can help spread awareness about the day and encourage others to get involved.
5 activities to enhance your daily meditation practice
Here are a few ways you can enhance and deepen your own meditation practice in honor of World Meditation Day.
1. Participate in guided meditations
If you’re new to meditation or prefer a structured approach, guided meditations can be helpful. An experienced practitioner directs you through spoken instructions, often accompanied by calming music or natural sounds. Try a guided meditation to help you focus, explore different techniques, or maintain meditation discipline.
💙 Add the Daily Calm to your meditation routine, for a new 10-minute guided meditation each day.
2. Create a dedicated meditation space
Establishing a specific area in your home for meditation can significantly improve the quality of your practice and be a reminder to pause and reconnect with yourself. Make your space quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions. You can even personalize it with items that promote relaxation and peace such as cushions, candles, incense, or soothing artwork.
3. Try new meditation styles
Explore different styles of meditation to help keep your practice fresh and engaging. Beyond the commonly known mindfulness and transcendental meditation, you might try types like zen, vipassana, or heart-centered meditation, which offer their own benefits.
💙 Dive into Practices: Meditation for Beginners, a 7-day guided meditation series, to expand your practice.
4. Bring meditation into daily activities
Meditation doesn't always have to be a separate part of your day. Add mindfulness techniques into daily activities like walking, eating, or even during breaks at work to help you stay present throughout the day.
💙 Explore how meditation can be practiced during your 9-5 with the Mindfulness at Work series.
5. Join meditation communities or forums
Engaging with fellow meditators can provide support, motivation, and deeper insight into your practice. Look for online forums and local groups that offer meetings, discussions, and shared meditation sessions, which can be particularly enriching.
💙 Join the Daily Calm Community on Facebook to engage with other meditators and share questions and experiences from your practice.
World Meditation Day FAQs
When was the first World Meditation Day?
While meditation has been around for centuries, the origin of World Meditation Day isn’t clear. World Meditation Day has been observed for many years and has grown in popularity across the globe in recent years as more people have embraced the practices and recognized their benefits.
Why do we celebrate World Meditation Day?
We celebrate World Meditation Day to recognize and promote the many benefits of meditation. These benefits can include reducing stress, improving concentration, enhancing emotional health, and building a sense of peace and community. The day encourages new and seasoned meditators to dedicate time to their meditation practices and to positively impact personal and global wellbeing.
How can I organize a meditation event in my community?
If you’re organizing a meditation event in your community, a few simple steps can help make your event a success.
Start by choosing a suitable location such as a community center, park, or an online platform.
Next, decide on the format of the event — for example, a guided meditation, silent meditation, or a workshop with a knowledgeable instructor.
Promote the event through local community boards, social media, and word of mouth.
Provide clear instructions about what participants should bring (such as mats or cushions) and what they should expect from the event.
What are some virtual meditation resources I can use?
There are many virtual meditation resources available to help guide your practice. Explore Calm’s variety of guided meditations, which are suitable for all sorts of different levels and goals, such as stress reduction, better sleep, or increased focus. There’s even a handy beginner series to help you get started, and blog posts on how to meditate if you need a few tips. These resources can make it easy to bring meditation into your daily routine, no matter where in the world you are or how experienced you are.
💙 If you’re new to meditation, try the Mindfulness for Beginners series, a simple 30 day program for anyone looking to build meditation practice.
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