Top 10 Most Searched Questions about Meditation

African american woman meditating in nature
The experts at Art of Living answered the top ten most commonly asked questions about meditation.
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A study conducted by meditation and breathwork experts at ArtofLiving.org analyzed the search volume for various terms and queries related to meditation to determine the most searched-for meditation question worldwide. The analysis examined the average monthly search numbers for different meditation-related queries during the past year.

The analysis revealed that the most "Googled" question related to meditation is "What is Meditation?" receiving an average of 107,700 searches worldwide.

Related: Emerging Trends in Meditation

Commenting on this study, meditation and breathwork experts at Art of Living said, “All the stress in our daily lives is leading more people to struggle with finding inner peace and balance. Consistently failing to find time for meditation can increase the risk of stress-related issues. Therefore, incorporating regular meditation into your daily routine is essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being."

1. What is Meditation?

Per Art of Living, meditation means relaxing and reposing in true nature. The key thing to understand is that guests must relax to meditate.

2. How Do I Know if I’m Meditating Correctly?

This inquiry receives 35,000 average monthly global searches. According to Art of Living, there's no single right way to meditate. The key is if guests are conscious of their breath and able to refocus when their mind drifts gently. It's about the ongoing practice, not achieving perfection.

3. How to Start Meditating?

This question receives 33,720 average monthly global searches. The experts at Art of Living said to begin meditating, seek guidance from various sources, including guided meditation apps that offer structured sessions with instructions and calming music, meditation teachers and self-guided meditation.

4. The Effects of Meditation

Consumers looking for information on the effects of meditation reached 33,090 average monthly global searches. Meditation offers a multitude of benefits for emotional and physical well-being, including improved symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders, reduced symptoms of depression, enhanced ability to be natural and centered in any situation, improved self-confidence, increased focus and clarity of mind, increased energy and improved memory.

5. Where Can I Learn to Meditate?

This standard question receives 14,940 average monthly global searches. There are many gateways into meditation and they each have their advantages. The Art of Living said the flexibility and breadth of meditation apps are great, but nothing compares to the depth of knowledge, personal attention and guidance that a trained teacher can offer them.

6. Can I meditate at home?

This common question receives 11,230 monthly global searches. Per Art of Living, there's no incorrect location for meditation, affirming that guests can meditate at home. Just choose a peaceful area in the home, select a meditation style that suits them and they're ready to begin.

7. Why should I meditate? 

Guests are asking this at an average of 8,470 monthly global searches. Meditation offers a wealth of benefits that extend beyond stress reduction and emotional well-being. It can improve communication skills, bring clarity and nurture creativity, improve focus and refresh the mind.

8. What Is the Difference Between Spirituality and Religion?

This question receives 7,900 average monthly global searches. Spirituality is about each person's search for what life means to them, whereas religion is more about being part of a group that follows certain rules and ceremonies to honor a higher power or God, per The Art of Living.

9. What Should I Wear to Meditate?

This inquiry receives 6,880 average monthly global searches. According to Art of Living, there isn't a specific correct or incorrect clothing for meditation. What's suitable varies individually. While some prefer meditating without any clothes in the privacy of their homes, others might choose comfortable clothing like sweatpants, yoga pants, tank tops or T-shirts. The key is to wear what makes guests feel comfortable at the moment.

10. How Long Should I Meditate for?

Questions about the recommended length of meditation receive 5,380 average monthly global searches. The experts at Art of Living suggest that as a beginner, even dedicating a few minutes a day to meditation is better than nothing. But most people start to see benefits when they commit 20 minutes a day for the long term.

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