This week there some wonderful news in my inbox ..
1. World Meditation Day – 21 December:
The United Nations has officially declared December 21 as World Meditation Day, recognising the transformative benefits of meditation for physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. This landmark decision, supported by nations including Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka, aligns with the UN’s commitment to health and wellness as a human right. Meditation is part of the UN’s regular proceedings, with the UN General Assembly dedicating one minute of silence for prayer or meditation at its first and final plenary meetings of each session. World Meditation Day will encourage global participation through events and practices promoting inner peace and unity. The declaration also acknowledges meditation’s connection to yoga, emphasizing their complementary roles in health. Rooted in the UN’s history, meditation holds a special place, exemplified by the Meditation Room at UN Headquarters in New York. Opened in 1952 under the guidance of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, this “room of quiet” symbolises the essential role of silence and introspection in achieving global harmony, offering a beacon of hope in challenging global times. Put it in your diary!
You can read more here: UN’s official article on World Meditation Day.
2. Meditation may positively influence allergy, immunology symptoms:
A recent presentation at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting explored how meditation can positively influence immune function, particularly in managing symptoms of asthma, eczema, and chronic stress. Dr. Gary Soffer of Yale School of Medicine highlighted how meditation can improve key immune markers and enhance T-cell activity, thus aiding in immune regulation and cellular aging. The practice was also shown to reduce inflammatory cytokines and balance macrophage responses. While these findings suggest meditation’s potential to improve allergy and immunology symptoms, Soffer also noted that, like any intervention, meditation could have adverse effects. This research emphasises meditation’s broader role in supporting overall health and managing stress, which directly influences immune function.
You can read more here: Meditation practice may positively influence allergy, immunology symptoms
‘Meditation in the News’ is my attempt to build a regular habit of reading, digesting and sharing some of the (many) articles and press releases that I receive daily about meditation and meditation research. I hope you enjoy!