Samantha Prabhu Talks Meditation Benefits in Take 20: Mental Health Focus

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, known for her powerful performances, has recently launched a podcast, 'Take 20', focusing on mental health. In the latest episode, Samantha and her friend and health coach, Alkesh Sharotri, discuss the benefits of mindfulness and meditation.

Alkesh recommends mindfulness as a starting point for those new to meditation. He suggests beginning by focusing on one sense in a crowded or moderately crowded place. By closing your eyes and analyzing the different sounds you hear, you can focus your entire awareness on one sense, which allows you to take an inward journey when analyzing things.

Once comfortable with mindfulness, Alkesh explains that individuals can progress to meditation. He emphasizes that there's no need for strict time limits at first; even a few minutes can be beneficial. The important thing is to build this practice gradually. Alkesh acknowledges that in our daily lives, we are constantly distracted by our phones and busy lifestyles, so it's natural for the mind to wander during meditation. The true value lies in returning the mind to the breath and training it to refocus.

Alkesh also discusses various tools that can aid in meditation, such as beads for chanting or focusing on a candle’s light. He describes the ultimate goal of meditation as achieving a heightened state of awareness, known in psychology as "non-dual realization." This state allows one to dissociate from their sense of identity, helping to manage stress and anxiety more effectively.

Understanding this concept can be particularly beneficial in our material world, Alkesh shares. By slightly dissociating from our identity, we can reduce the impact of external triggers, such as insecurities or negative world events.

Samantha shares her experience, revealing that she struggled to sit still for even a minute when she first started meditating. However, over the past two years, and especially in the last year, meditation has significantly helped her change her thoughts about herself and the world around her.

Samantha's upcoming projects include her appearance in the web series 'Citadel: Honey Bunny', an Indian adaptation of the American series 'Citadel', directed by Raj & DK. She has also announced her maiden project as a producer, 'Bangaram'.