Meditation

Our full selection of articles exploring meditation.

World Meditation Day Is May 21

World Meditation Day Is May 21

World Meditation Day happens every year on May 21. Let’s be honest: most of the “National this-and-that” days that show up on your social media feeds these days are marketing stunts. But World Meditation Day doesn’t have an agenda. It’s just a gentle reminder that if you’re looking for less stress and more calm, meditation…

How to Meditate In A Noisy Place

Can You Meditate In A Noisy Environment?

Wondering how to meditate in a noisy environment? Surprisingly, it’s possible, not only with noise-canceling headphones—but also by training your mind to observe noise differently. It’s hard enough meditating with all the thoughts your mind generates. Adding environmental noise on top of your normal mental chatter can create a distracting atmosphere where it feels almost…

Shaolin Meditation Techniques (A Short Beginner's Guide)

Shaolin Meditation Techniques (A Short Beginner’s Guide)

Shaolin meditation techniques originated hundreds of years ago in China, and they show up frequently in movies and popular culture. But what exactly is Shaolin meditation? And how is it different from other meditation techniques? Meditation never looks cooler than when it’s being done by Shaolin monks. If you’ve seen a martial arts movie, you’ve…

Man meditating outside

How Long Does Meditation Take to Work? (What to Expect)

The effects of meditation are most commonly seen within eight weeks of daily practice. However, it’s possible for meditation practitioners to notice small changes before that—even as soon as the first meditation session. It’s also possible to have difficulty noticing the changes brought on by meditation even after eight weeks of practice. The experience differs…

How to Know if Meditation is Working

5 Signs of Progress in Meditation (How to Know if Meditation is Working)

Signs of progress in meditation are subtle. If you’re not as bothered by what used to bother you, you’re more often in the present, or you’re having random “mindful moments,” you’re probably making progress in meditation. The only way to see how much progress you make over time is to pay attention to your daily…

How Long Should I Meditate In the Morning

How Much Time Should You Meditate?

How much time should you meditate for? Meditate for any amount of time that’s sustainable for you in the long term. If you have time, try and meditate for 20-30 minutes. This length of time gives you a chance to get past the “busy mind” stage of meditation, and settle into a more peaceful rhythm…

Does meditation make you happy

Does Meditation Make You Happier? (Here’s What Meditation and Happiness Research Says)

Yes, meditation makes you happier. Research shows that participants in meditation programs report feeling happier, less anxious, and less stressed. However, meditation can take a long time to feel like it’s “working”. Most people start meditating because they want to reduce stress and anxiety in their lives, and feel calmer throughout the day. In short,…

Woman praying outdoors at sunset

The Difference Between Prayer and Meditation

The main difference between prayer and meditation is that prayer involves belief in a deity and active communication, while meditation requires no beliefs and is an independent practice of nonjudgmental observation. Meditation and prayer have a close relationship. Both have been around for thousands of years, and to make matters more complex, there are forms…

Woman scratching an itch while meditating

Itching During Meditation: What to Do

While scratching an itch may “feel” like failing at your meditation practice, it isn’t. When you’re experiencing an itch during meditation, follow the ancient rule—if it itches, scratch it. Just make sure to do so mindfully. Inevitably, just as you get settled into your meditation, it happens—an itch. Your mind starts to focus on that…

Man meditating in a room with his eyes closed

Is Meditation A Hobby?

Yes, meditation is a hobby. Some people have a hard time conceptualizing meditation, which is defined by “being” rather than “doing,” as a hobby. However, if meditation is part of how you like to spend your free time, it’s a hobby (and you can put it on your resume or CV, too). Have you ever…

Man meditating outdoors with his eyes closed

How to Do Mantra Meditation

Mantra meditation occupies your mind, stopping your normal train of thought and clearing your mind. For the purposes of this article, I reviewed the history of mantra meditation and also tried it myself using a free app, so I could compare it against my experience with other forms of meditation. Mantra meditation is a form…

How Many People Meditate In The World

How Many People Meditate In The World?

Approximately 275 million people meditate around the world. The data behind this estimate is a combination of government surveys and Google Trends data across multiple languages. In this article, I’ll walk you through how I reached this estimate, and why I think it’s the most accurate answer to date. It’s harder to find an answer…

Woman stretching before running outside

Is It Better to Meditate Before Or After Working Out?

Is it better to meditate before or after working out? The short answer is that both options are totally fine. Preferably, you should do them in whichever order helps you keep both habits going long-term. Meditation and exercise in the morning is often seen as the ideal routine to prepare both your mind and body…

Woman meditating in a meditation studio with her eyes open

Is Meditation Safe?

Is meditation safe? While some anecdotal reports of meditation have shown negative experiences, the National Institutes of Health has declared meditation safe for healthy people. Meditation has been shown to be an exceptionally low-risk activity with a wide range of benefits. While there have been some anecdotal reports of negative experiences with meditation, one large…

Woman playing chess

Does Meditation Increase IQ? How Meditation Makes You Smarter

Based on a variety of studies in recent decades on both IQ and EQ, it looks likely that meditation has the capacity to increase both your intelligence and emotional intelligence. Not only that—meditation can increase the physical size of your brain and help it work better. Let’s review what the scientific research says on meditation…

Woman meditating in front of a city skyline

The Top 59 Countries Where Meditation Is Most Popular

Meditation has been growing in popularity around the world for decades now. And of course, meditation has historical roots in countries like India, China, Korea and Japan. But what countries are practicing meditation the most today? While no reliable global surveys have been done on the popularity of meditation across the world, we can understand…

A man meditating while looking out at a city skyline

The Top 23 Best Places to Meditate In the World

The most popular place for meditation in the world is Melbourne, Australia. Other cities where meditation is popular include Dublin, Ireland; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Mumbai, India. This article is based on Google Trends search data and is driven by relative popularity, taking overall population into account. You can see our methodology below….

Woman sleeping after meditation

Can Meditation Replace Sleep? It’s Complicated

Sleep and meditation are different processes, and are not interchangeable. However, studies have shown that experienced meditators do tend to sleep less, and also that meditation can help reduce exhaustion and daytime drowsiness. When it comes to meditation and sleep, there’s much more anecdotal experience than there is scientific evidence. Some meditators report needing less…

Woman doing yoga on a mat looking towards a window

Yoga vs Mindfulness vs Meditation

What’s the main difference between yoga vs mindfulness vs meditation? Yoga is a holistic practice intended to unify the body and mind. Meditation falls under the umbrella of yoga activities, as a practice specifically focused on the mind. When you’re lying at the end of a yoga session in Savasana—the resting pose at the end…

Woman meditating with headphones on while listening to music

Can You Meditate With Music With Lyrics?

Can you meditate with music with lyrics? While music with lyrics can be distracting for some, it doesn’t have to be an obstacle to meditating. And music and guided meditations can be especially helpful for beginners, as a way to focus the mind, or for anyone who needs to meditate in a noisy environment. Especially…