A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Meditation Practice

Every day, over 500 people in Dhaka search for meditation and mindfulness classes online, indicating a growing interest in these practices.

As the city's fast-paced lifestyle takes a toll on residents' mental health, mindfulness and meditation have become essential tools for managing stress and improving overall wellbeing. With the increasing awareness of the importance of mental health, it's no surprise that Dhaka's wellness scene is booming, with numerous studios, gyms, and community centers offering meditation classes.

In Dhaka, beginners can start their meditation journey at places like the Dhaka Yoga House in Gulshan, which offers weekly meditation sessions for Tk 500 per month, or the Bangladesh Buddhist Centre in Dhanmondi, which provides free guided meditation classes every Sunday. The Dhaka University campus also hosts regular mindfulness workshops, organized by the university's counseling services. Additionally, the Jamuna Future Park mall has a meditation room that's open to the public, providing a quiet space for mindfulness practice amidst the bustling shopping center.

Getting Started with Meditation

Research has shown that regular meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by up to 30%. In Dhaka, 75% of meditation practitioners reported a significant reduction in stress levels after just one month of regular practice, according to a survey conducted by the Dhaka-based wellness platform, Wellness Bangladesh. The same survey found that 60% of respondents used meditation apps, such as Headspace or Calm, to guide their practice, with the average user spending Tk 1,200 per year on subscription fees.

For those looking to start their meditation practice, it's essential to begin with short, manageable sessions, ideally 10-15 minutes a day. The Dhaka-based mindfulness coach, Sabbir Hossain, recommends starting with guided meditations, which can be found on apps or YouTube channels like Meditation Studio or The Mindful Movement. As beginners progress, they can explore different types of meditation, such as loving-kindness meditation or transcendental meditation, and join local community groups, like the Dhaka Meditation Group, which meets weekly at the Lake Circus park.