The pursuit of health and fitness has taken centre stage in many people’s lives but often the focus remains on the external. Meditation has been offering a path toward internal harmony for millennia, bringing those who practice it a powerful understanding of self that has far-reaching positive consequences.
At its core, meditation is an inward odyssey, where one learns to observe the inner workings of their mind without judgment. It encourages those practicing to be fully present in the moment, setting aside the worries of yesterday and the anxieties of tomorrow; the idea is to block out the incessant chatter and find solace in the simplicity of being.
It is easier said then done. With so much information about meditation available it is difficult, ironically, to cut through the noise. For those considering exploring the value of meditation for the first time, there are a plethora of apps — including global heavyweights like Calm and Meditopia — but there is value to beginning the journey in person, with someone to guide you.
Since 2017, The Meditation Space in Jumeirah Lakes Towers has been helping UAE residents take their first steps, offering twice daily 30-minute meditation sessions as well as extended workshops for those seeking a deeper understanding of the practice.
“There is a lot of uncertainty in the world nowadays and we see that meditation practice helps an individual to be grounded,” explains Jyothi Hulmani, partner at The Mediation Space. “When you are able to embrace the here and now, you find strength to deal with difficult situations with more clarity.
“We saw that people needed a space where they can go, an atmosphere created specifically for meditation. It’s a place they can sit in silence, reflect upon the self.”
Hulmani highlights that people “of all walks of life” come through the doors of The Meditation Space, with an equal split of men and women across all age groups. Specific sessions are even held for children to introduce them early to the practice.
The primary reason people are drawn to meditation is a desire to relieve the stresses of daily life according to Hulmani, with effective practice able to mitigate the impact of such irritations and inconveniences. Physically, meditation has been shown to lower levels of cortisol, the infamous stress hormone, which then leads to mental benefits like the fostering of better decision making and greater creativity.
While yoga has exploded in popularity in recent years, meditation has not yet hit the mainstream in quite the same way. Hulmani feels it is the focus on the physical that has given yoga the popular edge so far, but is optimistic that there is change afoot.
“There is a mental element to yoga but it is very much physical-first, with body postures and breathing techniques. Meditation focuses on thinking patterns, developing an understanding of consciousness; ‘why I think the way I do and respond the way I do to certain situations’?
“It is entirely about the inner being and we are seeing that more people than ever are embracing the importance of self.”
One such person is Nikhil, a brand manager for a major restaurant chain in Dubai. After finding frustrations at work at an all-time high four years ago, he decided to give meditation a try. Now each morning and evening he carves out time for the practice; he has found the impact to be life-changing.
“Back in school I was just an average student lacking in focus and mental clarity, always,” he explains. “I struggled at school and at college, and in my job too I felt as though I was struggling to get things done on time and obviously that brings lots of negative feelings.
“When I started meditation, it was transformative. It has enabled me to take better decisions in the workplace. I understand myself better, I understand other people better. I’m more tolerant and empathetic to those around me. It’s been an amazing journey.”
Nikhil admits it was challenging at the start and Hulmani, too, stresses that like any skill, meditation requires patience and commitment. But she insists the rewards it bestows in terms of self-discovery and introspection are well worth the effort.
“Meditation isn’t a leisure activity, it’s an important lifestyle decision,” she says. “To get the most out of it, you need to practice daily. It may start with 15 minutes but that could be increased to 30 or 45 minutes.
“It may seem difficult but ultimately meditation isn’t even about those sessions of practice. It’s about being able to more comfortably tap into your inner thoughts – exactly when you need to in your daily life; to be more connected to you.”
