Three Things You May Not Know About Meditation

You may already be familiar with the concept of meditation, a practice often associated with calming the mind and enhancing well-being. However, meditation offers much more than momentary relief from stress. As a therapist who integrates mindfulness, CBT, narrative therapy, and positive psychology into my work, I invite you to explore three important aspects of meditation that may deepen your understanding of this powerful practice.

1. Meditation Has Deep Historical Roots

Although meditation has gained popularity in recent years in the United States, its origins trace back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence from the Indus Valley suggests that meditation may have been practiced as early as 5,000 B.C.E. For millennia, people across diverse cultures have turned inward through stillness, breath, and intention to cultivate awareness, healing, and resilience.

In narrative therapy, we often ask, “What stories are you telling yourself?” Meditation invites us to pause and observe those internal narratives without judgment, creating space for new stories to emerge, ones grounded in self-compassion, strength, and choice.

2. The Effects of Meditation Extend Beyond the Present Moment

Many individuals come to meditation seeking immediate relief from stress, anxiety, or overwhelm. While it can indeed bring calm to a chaotic moment, research indicates that the consistent practice of meditation can also lead to long-term physiological and psychological benefits. Regular meditation may reduce the body’s inflammatory response to stress and strengthen one’s capacity to recover from emotional setbacks.

From a CBT perspective, meditation helps interrupt automatic negative thoughts and cultivate healthier thinking patterns. When we learn to sit with discomfort without reacting impulsively, we begin to reclaim our ability to choose how we respond to life’s challenges. Over time, this builds emotional resilience and enhances overall well-being.

3. Meditation Can Be Part of the Therapeutic Process

While meditation is often thought of as a solo practice, it can be even more powerful when supported by a trained professional. As a therapist, I regularly incorporate mindfulness and guided meditation into therapy sessions, tailoring the practice to meet each client’s needs. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger, sleep difficulties, or stress-related concerns, meditation can offer grounding and insight.

Mindfulness-based interventions do not just teach stillness—they invite you to become more attuned to your values, your emotions, and your sense of meaning. In positive psychology, we focus on strengths, gratitude, and growth. Through meditation, I help clients access those inner resources and begin to reconnect with a more peaceful and purposeful sense of self.

You Are Not Alone in This Work

If you are curious about how meditation might support your mental health or emotional growth, I would be honored to help guide you. Together, we can explore approaches that align with your goals, your story, and your preferred way of being. I invite you to contact me to learn more or to schedule an initial consultation.