Meditation is the transformative practice of training the mind to experience a heightened state of awareness, deep relaxation, and tranquility. Contrary to popular belief, meditating does not necessarily mean sitting cross-legged in a quiet room with a blank mind. All meditation asks is that you cultivate a sense of “detached observation” – meaning that while you remain aware of your environment, you don’t get distracted by the thoughts in your head or the commotion around you. Practicing this way ultimately allows you to live more mindfully in the present moment and observe situations for what they really are.
The roots of modern meditation can be traced back to ancient India, around 1500-1200 BCE, where the earliest records of meditation techniques and philosophies emerged in the Vedas. Since then, a myriad of meditation styles have evolved, offering practitioners a diverse array of approaches tailored to their individual preferences and requirements.
The pre-dawn hours have traditionally been seen as the best time for meditation, as it’s often easier when your mind isn’t yet cluttered with the day’s tasks.
However, Prakriti Poddar, Global Head, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Roundglass Living, says, “At Roundglass Living, we believe that there’s no single “right time” to meditate. The benefits of meditation are profound no matter when you practice it, so the ideal time is whenever you can fit it into your schedule.”
Poddar adds, “Our app features a variety of guided meditations for different times of the day—whether to unwind before sleep, wake up with gratitude, or refresh during a work break. If you’d rather meditate on your own, the app has a timer feature to help you relax into the experience rather than watching the clock. It includes a wide selection of ambient music and healing tones to help you settle in with ease.”
- Vedic MeditationOriginating from Hindu scriptures known as the Vedas, Vedic meditation centers around the repetition of a chosen mantra to attain deep serenity and concentration. Unlike Buddhist meditation, which focuses more on mindfulness and reflection, Vedic meditation emphasizes the mantra as the gateway to inner calm. Transcendental Meditation, a branded iteration popularized by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1960s and 70s, falls under this category.
- Mindfulness MeditationThis practice integrates mindful awareness techniques into meditation exercises and has gained widespread popularity in the West due to its scientifically proven benefits, such as stress reduction, enhanced mood, and improved overall health.
- VipassanaRooted in ancient Buddhist tradition, Vipassana, meaning “to see things as they are,” emphasizes the mind-body connection to dispel negative thoughts and foster compassion. Studies have shown that regular practice not only reduces stress and anxiety but also enhances cognitive functions related to memory and emotional regulation.
- Loving Kindness or ‘Metta’ MeditationThis Buddhist meditation aims to cultivate compassion for all beings, including oneself, by generating positive energy and kindness. By acknowledging difficult emotions and restoring inner peace, Metta practice offers a powerful tool for managing anger and supporting recovery from addiction.
- Zen Buddhist Meditation or ‘Zazen’Zazen transcends mere mental focus by incorporating a specific full-body posture, typically the lotus position. With equal emphasis on body and mind engagement, practitioners embrace the challenge of sustained sitting, fostering a profound state of awareness.In the beginning, it is natural to feel unsure about a new practice. Experiment with different techniques and timing to find out what works best for you. When you find a combination you like, keep at it to establish the habit and see real benefits. We have a wide variety of meditation classes on the Roundglass Living app to help you incorporate meditation into your daily routine. When you find classes you like, simply save them and return to them anytime, anywhere you’re ready to meditate.
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