WHEREAS, For many years, meditation teachers and students desired a collective global celebration of the over 5,000-year-old mental and spiritual practice of meditation, including meditation teacher Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who explained, “meditation is the skill to calm the mind and connect with inner joy and peace, a state of deep rest and alertness. Meditation is the delicate art of doing nothing and letting go of all the efforts to relax into your true nature”; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 21 as World Meditation Day, recalling the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; and

WHEREAS, Meditation is a timeless practice that promotes mental, emotional, and physical well-being, fostering inner peace, clarity, and resilience; and

WHEREAS, Meditation can help people come out of depression and aggression, and has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve focus, enhance emotional health, and contribute to overall quality of life; and

WHEREAS, The practice of meditation transcends cultural, religious, and socioeconomic boundaries, uniting individuals across the globe in a shared pursuit of mindfulness and self-awareness; and

WHEREAS, December 21, the winter solstice, symbolizes a time of reflection, renewal, and the return of light, making it a fitting day to celebrate the transformative power of meditation; and

WHEREAS, World Meditation Day encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to pause, reflect, and engage in meditation practices, fostering a more compassionate and harmonious world; and

WHEREAS, The State of California recognizes the importance of mental health and wellness, and supports initiatives that promote holistic approaches to well-being for all its residents; now, therefore, be it