Overcoming Depression with Mindful Meditation

These ancient practices offer an effective way to deal with the psychological consequences of the pandemic

While mindfulness and meditation are ancient practices once revered for their potent ability to transform human consciousness, the modern origins of this methodology began in the 1970s at The University of Massachusetts. Armin Staudt/iStock

It was an ordinary office—the couches and chairs were well worn by the patients who came before me. The therapist said, “Take a seat, anywhere you would like.”

My physician mindset thought, “I imagine my choice of chair or couch is already giving insight to this well-respected counselor.” When I mention this, he laughs and tells me “One’s sitting position, body language, and greeting all give me a sense of the comfort of the patient in the room. I want them to be comfortable.”