Thanks to all the frantic transitions that happen at this time of year, I’ve seen quite a lot of stress and anxiety walking into my office on these warm, sunny, early autumn days. So this week, I want to reissue a podcast from last fall, when I interviewed Richard Miller, PhD, on the subject of iRest meditation. Richard created the Integrative Restoration (or iRest) protocol as a modern adaptation of Yoga Nidra, an ancient meditation practice. Many hospitals and military bases have successfully used iRest to treat the effects of trauma and depression.

If you’ve ever felt like meditation just isn’t for you, then I urge you to listen to this podcast. With 45 years of daily meditation under his belt – that’s right! – Richard Miller believes that everyone can meditate. After all, what is meditation other than really listening to your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations? These things all carry a message of what we need, and it’s time to start listening, even if you only begin with one minute a day.

When we become a better listener to ourselves, we feel less reactive and better connected, which makes it easier to listen more deeply to others. In this place of calm connection, we can meet conflict responsibly and with a sense of deep peace. That’s right: when we are less reactive, everyone wins! And that’s only the beginning of what meditation has to offer.

I like to think of iRest as the secret that helped me help myself. Join me this week on the Therapy Spot as we revisit one of my favorite explorations into how to befriend and welcome your Self.