Meditation: Why is it gaining importance in today's world?

If there is one thing that has seen increased attention in the past few years other than Covid is the need for Meditation. So much so that experts across the world quote, Meditation is more important today than ever before.

And why not? Covid is still being referred to as COVID-19 when we have already reached 21. Fortunately or unfortunately, we celebrated the first anniversary of work from home last week! Can you believe it? One whole year working from home. I'm sure most of us have enjoyed our time sitting at home. Many I know got married, many found new jobs, many bought new assets and some even became parents! So happy for them but that's just one side of the story. There were many others who lost jobs, many lost their homes and sadly even lives! If this was not enough, sitting at home have made today's generation to be glued to social media all the time. Most of us are constantly either comparing our lives with the ones on the net or seeking validation for everything being shared. Anxiety, depression and mental health issues today have become like a regular flu or cold. And thats why generation today is being called as the mental health issues generation.

With so much happening around the globe, it is much necessary to be sane, aware and mindful than ever before. Meditation comes to our rescue here. With internet being our integral part today, knowledge and techniques of meditation are at our finger tips. One can easily find hundreds of videos and apps teaching different techniques. For a beginner, a minimum of 10mins of observing breath or a basic OM chanting every single day will help you to calm yourself amidst the daily chaos. Whenever you sit to meditate you'll find your mind dwelling constantly either in the past or in the future. Don't be disheartened. It is often misunderstood that one has to stop all their thoughts and go to some zen state. Meditation is not controlling your thoughts but it is all about being aware in the present moment . Let the thoughts come and go, your job is not to control it. Your job is to accept the truth as it is. Once this is understood, the path becomes so clear and you'll find yourself progressing in the path from 10min to anything more than an hour.

We are so lucky to be born in a country which has given birth to so many forms of meditation. There are a dozen of meditation institutions and gurus around the country from whom you can learn from. In addition, these gurus have written books which are living experiences of their practices. Read these books, watch their videos, do your homework and choose one single form of meditation that best suits you. Once you have found your interest it is always recommended to take some time off and learn the technique from a guru. Although meditation is one's solo quest, its is always better to learn from a wise person who have walked the path before you.

Similar to how you do excerises for your physical body, meditation is nothing but a mental exercise. Like how you are constantly trying out different physical excersies to get fit and be in shape, take out some time for your mental self today. I have been a Vipasanna meditator for quite some time now and I can say, its worth a shot.