World Meditation Day at Lexington

In 2024 the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution designating December 21 as the world meditation day. This decision reflects the defining challenges of our times. We live in an age of unprecedented technological advancement yet; humanity finds itself increasingly disconnected from inner peace and mental wellbeing. In this context meditation emerges as a powerful tool, a path to calm and clarity, inner peace and transformation that we urgently need today.

On Dec. 21 this year, Lexington residents celebrated World Meditation Day organized by the Art of Living, joining a live-guided meditation shared by participants across 133 U.S. cities and 12.1 million participants across the world! Spiritual leader, Art of Living founder and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar guided the meditation session from New York. The event was held at the Community Hall of the Lexington Police Department.

The timing of the session felt especially relevant. A recent Gallup survey found only 29% of U.S. adults rate their mental health as “excellent.” The American Psychiatric Association poll reported that 43% of adults felt more anxious than prior years. Those numbers explain why accessible, community-based wellness programs are essential and resonate with people.

About 50 residents from Lexington and nearby towns attended the event on Dec 21st. Dana Bickleman, Lexington’s Director of Human Services, spoke about the value of creating spaces where residents can feel connected and supported, especially during stressful seasons. She spoke how important it is to pause.

The gathering included community members, families, volunteers, and local officials. The atmosphere was calm and inclusive, marked by a shared sense of unity and intention as attendees came together for this global event.

Local Art of Living coordinators Uma Viswanath and Harini Sundaram welcomed participants and opened with light stretching and breathing exercises to help everyone settle. The room felt warm and unhurried. Conversations softened, phones disappeared, and the group eased into quiet.

At 10:00 AM local time, the live meditation session started. Gurudev graciously entered a room full of meditators in New York and started addressing the room gently in his unique style. He said 7 types of people can actually meditate and revealed all those types that essentially covered all the human beings on earth. Each one of us could identify with at least of the types. He also emphasized how meditation is the ‘need of the hour’ to improve positivity within one-self and spread the joy and peace around the communities. ‘It is no longer a luxury but a necessity’ he said amidst the claps and nods from the participants in the room.

He slowly took the group into a meditative state with calm and soothing instructions. Though, at the beginning, he joked that we need not follow the instructions, they helped the group as gentle nudges to navigate the meditative states. It was a tranquil, peaceful and a profound experience to experience silence. After the meditation, Guru dev surprised us that we were meditating for 30 mins, although it felt like just 5-10mins!.  Gurudev led meditation events at UN HQ in Geneva and UN HQ in New York as a precursor to the event

Reactions afterward were upbeat: “rejuvenated,” “energized”, “relaxed”, “calm”

Several first time meditators who were unsure if they can meditate, shared their enthusiasm stating “motivated to start meditation”, “would like my family to meditate”.

“SKY meditation became an inseparable part of my daily routine and a path to calmness.” said Nagasree Chakka from Lexington.

“Today's experience inspired me to try a more sustainable path to meditation.” said Louis Medoff from Peabody.

Organizers said follow-up meditation programs are planned locally in 2026. For details, contact Uma at uma.viswanath@artofliving.org

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Photos from the event can be viewed here: World Meditation Day- Lexington

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