Abhay Deol starts his mornings with this ancient meditation practice to stay calm and centred at 49: ‘I don’t stop my…’
Abhay Deol, 49, credits his calm and centered energy to Trataka, a candle-gazing meditation that helps him stay grounded, focused and stress-free.
Abhay Deol, at 49, credits his calm and centred aura to a simple yet powerful daily ritual. Known for his thoughtful presence both on and off screen, the actor has carved a niche for himself not just with his unconventional roles but also with the grounded energy he carries in the fast-paced world of cinema. He swears by an ancient yogic practice that helps him begin each day with clarity and peace. (Also read: Malaika Arora shares 2-min ‘7 Chinese movements’ to feel 10 years younger and 5 kilos lighter. See video )

Abhay Deol swears by this meditation method
In a September 5 interview with astrologer and life coach Jai Madaan, Abhay opened up about his personal experience with meditation. “Meditation is not about stopping thoughts. That is not for me. I don’t stop my thoughts,” he shared.
Abhay highlighted Trataka, or candle gazing, as the method that works best for him. “If you struggle with sitting in stillness or silence, try what I call active meditation. One very effective method I practice is Trataka, candle gazing,” he shared. He explained that this involves focusing on a candle, a bindu (dot), or a ghee lamp, while cautioning against using a petroleum lamp.
How he deals with overwhelming thoughts
When asked about the common challenge of being overwhelmed by thoughts during meditation, the actor advised not to resist them. Instead, he suggested observing thoughts and gently bringing the mind back to a point of focus.
For him, this involves “concentration, sitting in stillness, observing, and then trying to ground myself before I start the day.” For those who find silent meditation difficult, Abhay recommends what he calls “active meditation,” which includes practices like chanting mantras or simple breathing exercises.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHORAkanksha AgnihotriAkanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
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