Meditation for Thursday January 29 2026

Meditation is an active pursuit, not passive as many people imagine.

Although it’s a deeply personal practice it plays an important role in our understanding of the world and in our quest for a more justice and equitable society. Contrary to what a lot of people think it isn’t at odds with taking action.

We live with our personal prejudices, sometimes so ingrained by our upbringing, education, and cultural experiences that we often don’t realise our own biases.

Meditation may not completely remove our inclination to influence our observations with the past, but it’s an ideal place to start.

To do the work of social justice, i.e. to champion equal rights; to counter anti-racism, anti- semitic behaviour, elitism, etc. we must be willing to listen, self-reflect, and consider the unintended outcomes of our actions.

Meditation assists us to recognise reactive emotions and when and how we make assumptions that perpetuate systemic injustices.

Regular meditation helps us to acknowledge the ills of the world, whether personal, local, regional, or universal. We become aware of suffering, how it is caused and perpetuated. Meditation gives us the ability to help end it.

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With so much social unease in the world let us give ourselves a moment or two to reflect on ways we can conquer our anxiety.

  • Close your eyes and take deep breaths.
  • Visualise situations that trigger anxiety.
  • Acknowledge that these situations cause you anxiety.
  • Take another few deep breaths. Feel the calm and rest in the present moment.
  • Visualise yourself feeling self-confident, open, calm, and free of anxiety.

And now we spend the next 20 minutes meditating in a way that brings us into the present moment.

Meditation

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