Every year, World Peace Meditation Day is held on December 31 as we all contemplate the start of a new year. It is commonly known that when people are at peace with themselves, they are more likely to seek out and build peaceful relationships in their community and country.

The aim of World Peace Meditation Day is to unite people of different races and backgrounds on a global platform. The World Peace Meditation Day also promotes diversity and peace through meditation and collaborating with people of different religions, which ultimately helps to establish world peace and prevent war and violence.

Ways to observe World Peace Meditation Day:

1. Practice Yoga
2. Do 5 minutes of mindful stretching
3. Take 3 deep belly breaths
4. Plan a wellness trip
5. Travel to a new country or city

Different ways of meditating:

1. While sitting, lying down, walking
2. Meditate wherever you are or in nature
3. Use your breath, a mantra, or counting as anchors for when your mind wanders
4. Meditate in silence or with calming instrumental music
5. Use an app – Calm, Insight Timer, Headspace, Buddify

Common Myths of Meditation:

1. The goal is to clear your mind
2. You’re not getting the benefits if your mind wanders
3. It takes years of dedicated practice to receive any benefits from meditation
4. It’s only worthwhile if you meditate for a long time
5. Meditation must be practiced in silence

What will you do to bring peace into your life today?

About the author:

Abby Thrasher is originally from sunny San Diego, CA and recently relocated to Cincinnati, OH after living in the Bay Area (CA) for almost 30 years. She is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach with a background in Occupational Therapy, Dance, Yoga and Massage Therapy. She received her BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz in 1999 and her MS in Occupational Therapy at San Jose State University in 2009. Her experience as an Occupational Therapist (OT) was primarily in acute and outpatient mental health settings, with a few years of physical rehab work, which both strongly complement her training as a Health Coach.