United Nations Declares December 21st as World Meditation Day to Promote Global Peace, Health, and Well-Being

Local politicians and the public will meditate with the Art of Living:
Online: https://bit.ly/worldmeditateday

7am, 12 noon, 4pm: AEDT

In person: Canberra Narra Peace Park: 8am to 9:15am AEDT. Register here

Sydney, December 16, 2024 — As the Christmas season approaches, many Australians are
grappling with heightened stress and anxiety, facing the pressures of gift-giving, family
expectations, and the demands of the festive season. According to recent studies, over 40% of
Australians report feeling more stressed during the holiday season, with factors such as
financial strain, over-scheduling and the pressures of social expectations contributing to this
overwhelming sense of anxiety.

In an inspiring move toward global health and peace, the United Nations General Assembly has
officially declared December 21st as World Meditation Day, recalling the right of everyone to
enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

Additionally, the General Assembly acknowledged yoga and meditation as complementary
approaches to health and well-being.

In celebration of this global initiative, the World will meditate with Gurudev across the Globe on
the December 21st, 2024: 9:30am EST, 2:30pm GMT 8:00 pm IST

The declaration aims to foster a global culture of mindfulness, peace and harmony, with the
goal of encouraging individuals, communities, and nations to engage in practices nurture inner
peace and contribute to global unity.

The United Nations recognized the growing body of scientific evidence that highlights
meditation’s ability to reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and foster emotional resilience.
Meditation has also been shown to improve cardiovascular health, enhance cognitive function,
and provide a deeper sense of connection to one’s inner self and the world around us.

World Meditation Day will serve as a global call to action for individuals to adopt these simple,
yet transformative, practices.

The Art of Living: A Global Leader in Meditation and Wellness
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of The Art of Living, expressed his joy at the United Nations’
decision to officially designate World Meditation Day: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar posted on X: “Glad to
hear that 21 Dec has been declared as World Meditation Day by the @UN . Finally, meditation
has been recognized by all the nations. It is food for the soul and the answer to all the
challenges of modern-day life.”

With Christmas holiday preparations in full swing, often an intense time for those involved,
December 21st marks the perfect day to ground ourselves and find equilibrium in the midst of
the frenzy.

“In Australia the holiday season can often feel like a pressure cooker of expectations and
responsibilities,” said Meggan Brummer, National Director of the Art of Living Foundation
Australia. “Meditation provides an opportunity to reset, calm the mind, and reconnect with
inner peace. World Meditation Day offers the perfect opportunity for Australians—and people
around the world—to come together and find inner peace during a time when we need it most.

“At the Art of Living, we believe that through meditation, we can create a ripple effect of
positivity that uplifts not just individuals, but entire communities. Our sessions are open to all,
and we invite everyone to join us in this global celebration.”

The Art of Living’s own statistics further underscore the effectiveness of meditation. With over
95% of participants reporting reductions in stress and anxiety and 90% reporting increased
emotional resilience, the foundation’s courses have proven to be life-changing for 500 million.
Through its programs, The Art of Living has impacted people in diverse sectors, including
education, healthcare, prisons and the workplace, helping individuals achieve a greater sense
of balance and well-being.

About The Art of Living

Founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living is a global, non-profit
humanitarian organization that offers programs to reduce stress, promote personal well-being,
and foster peace and harmony worldwide. With its presence in over 180 countries, and touching
over 500 million people, The Art of Living’s diverse initiatives include courses, workshops, and
volunteer-based projects that address a range of social issues, from mental health to
sustainability.

The organization’s core teachings centre on breathing techniques including Sudarshan Kriya,
meditation, and practical wisdom to help people achieve mental clarity, emotional balance,
and physical health.

For more information on The Art of Living’s programs, upcoming World Meditation Day events,
and ways to get involved, visit www.artofliving.org/au-en.

Media Contact: Name: Rosh Pillay
Email: roshpillay@artofliving.org.au
Phone: 0419 527 441
Website: www.artofliving.org/au-en,