Change is always stressful, and the beginning of the school year is no different. Anxiety within teens has skyrocketed ever since the presence of social media in our daily lives. Most people feel unprepared or nervous returning to school after summer break, and meditation is an effective tool to help curb that anxiety. 

Many different cultures have been practicing their own forms of meditation since as far back as 1500 BCE. These Hindu and Buddhist practices soon spread to the Middle East, and the rest is history. During the 20th century, the tradition spread to the West and eventually it became a staple for thousands of Americans seeking clarity and relaxation. 

Meditation maestro Mr. Beeby, a science teacher here at O’Dowd, describes why he finds meditation so beneficial. He explains “We have such a limited time on this planet, and one of the tools you have is to be in complete control. And I like being in control of my body physically, mentally, and emotionally. Meditation just really helps me to respond rather than react to situations.” For people interested in the craft but unsure of where to start, he recommends “If you can just sit before you have a meal and take 3 conscious breaths, that’s a brilliant start.”

Most people find meditation intimidating or even impossible, but media portrayal doesn’t always represent meditation in the most accurate light. There isn’t just one way to meditate, as Genet Dutto ‘25 explains, you can even meditate through mindful listening. She expresses “If I’m getting ready in the morning and I put on meditation music, then it just makes me so much calmer and at ease.” 

Meditation is all about connecting with one’s self, so it’s only logical for it to be a personal practice. It is heavily customizable and unique to each practicer’s preferences. Meditation can be used throughout the school year too, not just at the beginning of it. Keeping a tool in one’s back pocket whenever stressful situations arise is immensely helpful for those of us who get anxious frequently.