EDUCARE
We are discussing meditation and how we can choose it as a
career path for ourselves. It is an earliest practice that involves focusing
one’s concentration on the present moment. Rooted in religious, yogic, and
secular traditions across cultures, meditation has been practiced for thousands
of years. Today, it is embraced worldwide, transcending its spiritual origins
to become a universal mechanism for personal well-being and mental health.
The most recognized definition of meditation generally
describes it as a practice where an individual uses techniques such as
mindfulness, focused attention, or concentrated thought to train the mind and
achieve a state of mental clarity, emotional calmness, and physical relaxation.
There are diverse types of meditation, each offering unique
approaches to achieving calm, clarity, and balance. Research underscores its
ability to reduce stress, improve focus and emotional balance, alleviating
anxiety and depression, and enhance sleep quality. It also contributes to
better physical health, including lowering blood pressure and managing pain.
Technology has further expanded access to meditation, with
apps and online platforms enabling individuals to practice anywhere and
anytime. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the significant
benefits of meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation. WHO's discussions
on stress management underscore the importance of learning coping mechanisms,
such as meditation, to support mental and physical well-being.
The WHO acknowledges the mental health benefits of practices
like yoga, which often incorporate meditative elements. To raise awareness
about meditation and its benefits, the United Nations General Assembly
proclaimed 21 December as World Meditation Day, recalling the right of everyone
to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental
health.
There are courses related to meditation in different parts
of India which cover a range of meditation techniques, including mindfulness,
Vedic Japa, Vipassana, Kundalini, and more. These courses can be suitable for
those who want to teach meditation or deepen their own practice. Courses are
available for beginners who want to deepen their practice and learn about the
relationship between the mind and meditation.
One may choose the course for self or to impart training to
others. We have already seen the mental stress amongst people due to work
pressure and other issues. Meditation can be one of the best tools to keep
balance in life and get rid of many mind issues. There are demands for experts
in educational institutions, corporate to impart mediation.
One may not get a direct job in the government sector but
they may work with the government and get engaged in many other ways for which
apart from becoming an expert in mediation they must have other skills.
Patience, good communication skills are a must apart from other skills. (With
direct inputs from UN publication)
(The write is a
Career Mentor and Skill Trainer and currently the Advisor, Skill Employment and
Entrepreneurship Department of Bodoland Territorial Council and can be reached
at bkranjan@gmail.com or 8473943734)
