While the morning is traditionally seen as the optimal time for meditation – when the mind is naturally calm and undisturbed – there is no universal ‘right time’ to meditate. The best time is one that fits seamlessly into your schedule, allowing you to get the most out of the practice.

explaining the essence of AttentionPrakriti Poddar, Global Head, mental health and Wellbeing, RoundGlass Living, says, “Meditation is a practice that nourishes conscious, awarenessAnd emotional balanceContrary to popular belief, this does not require you to sit quietly with an empty mind. Instead, it is about developing ‘detached awareness’ – being fully present and attentive without getting caught up in thoughts or surroundings. Over time, this develops clarity and a more conscious approach to life.

Meditation has ancient origins, dating back to the Vedic period (1500–1200 BCE), which has inspired a variety of practices. Here are some of the techniques Poddar suggests for elevating your mental, emotional and spiritual well-being:

• Mindfulness meditation: Based on present moment awareness, this practice encourages focusing on your breath, body sensations, or immediate environment. Widely recognized for its ability to reduce stress and improve mood, mindfulness meditation has gained global popularity for its simplicity and effectiveness.

• zen meditation (Zazen): This sitting practice emphasizes maintaining correct posture and maintaining steady focus on the breath. It promotes a deep connection between mind and body, building resilience and inner stability to overcome life’s challenges with ease.

• loving kindness Meditation (Metta): A heart-centered practice, metta involves cultivating a sense of compassion and goodwill toward yourself and others. Research shows that it promotes positive emotions like hope and gratitude while managing anger and aiding emotional healing.

• vedic meditation: Originating from the Vedas, this practice uses mantra chanting to calm the mind and achieve deep relaxation. Also known as ‘mantra meditation’, it includes variations such as Transcendental Meditation, which became popular in the 20th century.

• Vipassana Meditation: An ancient Buddhist practice, Vipassana translates to “insight” or “seeing clearly.” By observing physical sensations with neutrality, practitioners develop awareness of their thoughts and emotions, promoting emotional regulation and clarity of mind.

When starting your meditation journey, it’s normal to feel unsure where to start. She recommends exploring different techniques and times of day to find what suits you best. “Consistency matters more than perfection,” she says.

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