At REMiND, we teach mindfulness meditation because it has one of the strongest bodies of scientific research behind it. However, meditation takes many forms, drawn from thousands of traditions. To name a few: Vipassana, Insight, Zen, Visualization, Prayer, Yoga, Sound baths, and some people even find activities like running or listening to music to be meditative. All of these practices are valid in their own right, and it’s important to explore which meditation technique resonates best with your life and values.
It’s equally important to acknowledge the ancient wisdom, traditions, and cultures these techniques stem from. Mindfulness meditation, for instance, has its roots in Buddhism and was developed as a tool for cultivating awareness and presence thousands of years ago. In the second half of the 20th century, mindfulness began making its way into Western cultures, largely due to the efforts of individuals like Jon Kabat-Zinn, Thich Nhat Hanh, the Dalai Lama, Ram Dass, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield and others.
In the 1960s and 70s, meditation became a key part of the counterculture movement. Figures like Ram Dass and Osho, along with spiritual seekers from the West, began to teach these practices more widely. LSD and psilocybin were part of the scene, sparking shifts in consciousness, and meditation started gaining attention as a natural way to cultivate mindfulness without substances. Artists like Leonard Cohen even spent years in Buddhist monasteries, seeking deeper peace. Around the same time, Transcendental Meditation gained popularity through public figures like the Beatles, who, through their collaboration with Ravi Shankar, helped bring Hindu practices and meditation into mainstream awareness.
As these practices spread, researchers in institutions like Harvard, Berkeley, and Stanford began studying the effects of meditation, recognizing its potential to change the way we understand the mind. And what they found was revolutionary—meditation had measurable benefits on the brain and emotional well-being, which forever changed how we think about mental health.
What Science Says About Meditation and the Brain
Over time, meditation strengthens neural pathways that keep you anchored in the present moment. This practice activates the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for planning, impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making. In fact, research suggests that regular meditation can actually "buff up" the prefrontal cortex, enhancing your ability to manage stress, reduce emotional reactivity, and notice positive aspects of your everyday life more readily.
You may find that while meditating, you occasionally experience moments of joy, connection, or gratitude. These moments are natural and represent your mind tuning into the goodness that’s always present when we stop to notice.
By practicing mindfulness meditation, you're training your brain to live more in this evolved space—improving not only your mental clarity and focus, but also your emotional resilience and overall sense of well-being.
How to Meditate
Mindfulness meditation is simple but powerful. The practice is about anchoring your attention in the present moment. Typically, you focus on something steady, like your breath, bodily sensations, or the sounds around you. You sit still, close your eyes, and focus on your chosen anchor.
When your mind inevitably starts to wander—thinking about the past, worrying about the future—you gently guide yourself back to the anchor. This process, repeated over and over, is the core of mindfulness meditation.
There’s no need to rid your mind of thoughts; the goal isn’t to empty the mind, but to notice when your attention drifts and kindly bring it back to the present.
Start with just 10-15 minutes a day. The consistency is key.
Please comment below with any other facts, or interesting information about meditation and if you have any questions!
