While the early morning hours have traditionally been viewed as an optimal time for meditation—when the mind is naturally quiet and undistracted—there is no universal ‘right time’ to meditate. The best time is the one that fits seamlessly into your schedule, allowing you to benefit fully from the practice.
Explaining the essence of meditation, Prakriti Poddar, Global Head, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Roundglass Living, says, “Meditation is a practice that nurtures mindfulness, awareness, and emotional balance. Contrary to popular belief, it does not require you to sit still in silence with an empty mind. Instead, it is about developing ‘detached awareness’—being fully present and observant without becoming entangled in thoughts or surroundings. Over time, this cultivates clarity and a more mindful approach to life.”
The ancient origins of meditation, dating back to the Vedic period (1500-1200 BCE), have inspired a wide variety of practices. Here are a few techniques recommended by Poddar to elevate your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being:
- Mindfulness Meditation: Rooted in present-moment awareness, this practice encourages focusing on your breath, body sensations, or immediate environment. Widely recognised for its ability to reduce stress and enhance mood, mindfulness meditation has gained global popularity for its simplicity and effectiveness.
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Zen Meditation (Zazen): This seated practice emphasises perfecting posture and maintaining steady focus on the breath. It fosters a deep connection between the mind and body, building resilience and inner stability to navigate life’s challenges with ease.
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Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta): A heart-centered practice, Metta involves generating feelings of compassion and goodwill towards yourself and others. Research shows it boosts positive emotions like hope and gratitude while helping manage anger and support emotional healing.
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Vedic Meditation: Originating in the Vedas, this practice uses mantra chanting to quiet the mind and achieve deep rest. Known also as ‘Mantra Meditation,’ it includes variations like Transcendental Meditation, which became popularised in the 20th century.
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Vipassana Meditation: An ancient Buddhist practice, Vipassana translates to “insight” or “seeing clearly.” By observing bodily sensations with neutrality, practitioners develop a heightened awareness of their thoughts and emotions, promoting emotional regulation and clarity of mind.
When beginning your meditation journey, it is normal to feel unsure about where to start. She advises exploring different techniques and times of day to discover what resonates best with you. “Consistency matters more than perfection,” she says.
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