Albemarle native publishes book on meditation and trauma – The Stanly News & Press

An Albemarle native has published the first in a series of books addressing her past trauma.

Shannon Graham

Shannon Graham of Charlotte recently self-published a book entitled Meditation for Beginners (and Even Some Skeptics) on Amazon and Kindle.
“Although the book is about meditation, it is the first in a series I plan to write to help people overcome past trauma and the resulting self-destructive behaviors that most people struggle with,” Graham said.
Graham said meditation helped her “quiet the noise in her own head and connect within with her true self.”
“I felt it would be better to spread my message about a solution rather than just awareness of a problem,” Graham said. “When I got sober four and a half years ago, I threw myself into anything related to personal development. Coming from a nursing background, I’m fascinated by neuroscience. I realized that most people struggle with insidious forms of self-destructive behavior. Some people overeat, some spend too much, some work too much, and some, of course, take drugs, but the culprit seems to be trauma of varying degrees. Trauma can be anything from experiences in war to a child being humiliated by a teacher in elementary school. It gets stored in the brain’s amygdala and can cause problems if left unaddressed. Meditation has been very helpful to me as a trauma survivor, and I’ve seen great results with coaching clients.”
Graham said, “The best-documented benefit of meditation is stress reduction.”
“In my book, I write about many studies that support meditation as a non-pharmaceutical option for our hectic lifestyles, for lowering blood pressure, and as an alternative method of pain management. There are so many different techniques and practices dating back thousands of years that there is something for everyone. My personal favorite benefit of meditation is developing self-compassion and self-love. There are techniques in sitting, lying down, walking, guided meditation, visualization, and even journaling is a form of meditation. For the survivor of trauma, it’s about finding that authentic being and offering love, acceptance, and the power of self-esteem.”
While Graham said that anyone can meditate, he added, “It’s not called a meditation practice for nothing.”
“It takes practice. I liken it to running: if you can make it to the 15-minute mark, you’ve done it. The trick is to start small and work your way up to longer sessions. I promise you, though, it’s really worth it. And this is coming from someone with severe ADHD. Patience and perseverance, just like in life, are what you need to get started. It’s really simple: sit quietly and focus on your breathing. If you’re an active person, mindful walking is a great place to start.
“If your mind wanders (and it will at first), just refocus on your breath,” she added. “Be kind and gentle to yourself, the willingness alone is a win.”
Graham also founded her own business, Bring Me Back to Life Coaching, LLC, where she works as a transformational life coach.
“Coaching allows me to use my psychological training from nursing, my life experience of falling down and getting back up, neuroscience and everything I’ve learned about personal development to help other people design and build a life they absolutely love,” she said. “Working with the right coach can help a person develop more confidence, make better decisions, reach their goals faster and live a full and fulfilling life. I can honestly say if I can do it, anyone can. My coaching philosophy is all about moving forward rather than looking back. It’s such a beautiful life, we just make it difficult sometimes.”
Graham also thanks Will’s Place Recovery Resource Center and founder Allison Hudson Mingle for helping her along the way.
“At the last treatment facility I was in, I was offered a therapy called EMDR. This treatment was originally developed for soldiers who were deployed in combat. They had some success with addicts and alcoholics, and the concept made sense to my medically trained brain. At that point, I was willing to do anything. I was at my wits’ end, as was my family,” Graham said. “Allison at Will’s Place can attest that I would not have lasted much longer. She has kindly tried to help me many times. That was in 2019, and since then, by the grace of God, I have had no cravings for alcohol or drugs. It’s been a very long road, but I believe I’m here for a reason. I had to go there to get here. I’m very grateful.”
Mingle said she had known Graham for years and reconnected with her in 2015 during her struggle with alcohol and drugs.
“I witnessed firsthand some of the immense trauma she endured,” Mingle said. “To see her thriving in recovery today is nothing short of remarkable. Shannon’s journey is a true testament that recovery is possible for anyone and that one should never give up hope. Her story is not only inspiring; it also shows the incredible resilience of the human spirit in overcoming decades of addiction and trauma.”
Graham told anyone struggling with trauma or addiction, “You deserve better.”
“You are a child of God and you deserve better,” she said. “Believe that you are stronger than the hold this has on you and you will overcome it.”

BJ Drye is the general manager/publisher of The Stanly News & Press. Call 704-982-2123.