7 Day Meditation Challenge

Mental health assumed enormous proportions in the years after the pandemic as we all struggled to maintain ‘normalcy’ despite the unrecognizably altered lifestyles. In light of this, the practice of meditation became a source of solace for many (even simply judging by the surge in downloads of meditation apps). Not surprising really, considering that the benefits of meditation are many – calmness, creativity, and centeredness, to name just a few.

However, if you are a beginner or have not had much success in continued practice of this mental wellness tool, a meditation challenge can really help you get started. On December 21, 2024 the historic 1st World Meditation Day declared by UN, millions came together globally to meditate in person and online creating a Guinness World Record!

It’s a commitment to meditate every day for a certain interval of time every day for a fixed number of days. It gives you a practical experience of what meditation is like and how it can benefit you. It helps make meditation a part of your daily routine. You can take this challenge from the comfort of your home. Simply find a quiet corner, and join the Live Session to start off your journey towards relaxation!

The number of apps and programs for meditation might leave you with too much choice without a clear sense of discernment. What a meditation challenge does is it gives a short yet complete experience of meditation. And you are not alone! You have the guidance you need when entering new territory. All you have to do is sit and follow simple instructions.

Challenges help you stay energetic and interested in life. They also sharpen your thinking skills, says this Harvard blog.

If you are not a regular meditator or are just not able to settle into a meditation pattern, it might help for a coach to handhold you by drawing your attention to the subtle positive changes you are experiencing. The gentle steering becomes a motivating factor to continue with this holistic practice.

The day-by-day, step-by-step process of the meditation challenge will help you get into a pattern that you are likely to continue even after the challenge is over.

The good news is that missing a day doesn’t affect progress. A challenge can be just the impetus you need to make meditation a lifetime practice.

“Meditation is the art of doing nothing,” says Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. However, sitting in one spot for a length of time is not as simple as it sounds. When you actually try it, you will get in touch with your fidgety self. You may feel restless. Guided meditations in the online meditation challenge help settle both your physical activity as well as emotional turbulence.

Many of us lead dynamic lives and need the flexibility of time. These sessions will be offered twice daily so you can choose the times that work for you. As you sit and follow the simplest of instructions at a time that is convenient to you from the comfort of your home it will be easier to adapt Meditation as a daily practice, like brushing your teeth.

Here are Gurudev’s insights on meditation:

“Meditation is de-concentration. It is the art of deep relaxation with wakefulness. It is what happens when you are relaxed. The physical being is relaxed while the mind is alert.”

1. Before you meditate, just tell yourself these three golden rules:

For these few minutes,

• I want nothing
• I am nothing
• I do nothing

2. Close your eyes and follow the instructions.

3. Keep the head and spine erect but body relaxed.

4. Smile! Have a pleasant expression on your face as you meditate.

5. You can loosen your body with a few simple stretches and shakes before you move into stillness. Can be as short as two minutes.

6. Now, you are ready to repose in silence, rest in the infinity.

Starting with a short meditation for those who are new to meditation, our instructors will guide you live taking you through 7 days of complete relaxation that rests every cell of your body – destressing you in and out. You take your attention from the outside world to the world within, becoming aware of your innate positivity and joy. In this space, you feel gratitude, abundance, and expansion of consciousness, as you peel the layers of stress within you, and blossom with a smile! Join in and explore for yourself!

Host or Publisher Art of Living Foundation