At Mid-Atlantic Psychotherapy, we believe practices of mindfulness and stillness transcend culture, religion, and background. Whether through meditation, breathwork, or prayer, humans have always sought ways to pause, ground, and return to themselves in moments of overwhelm or gratitude.
The piece below, Meditation, Breath, and Stillness in Islam, was written by one of our interns as a reflection on how these practices are deeply woven into Islamic faith and tradition. While it draws from Islam, its message is meant to be wholly inclusive. No matter what your personal path or spirituality may be, the rhythms of pausing, breathing, and softening into stillness are universal invitations toward healing.
We encourage you to read this piece not only as a window into one tradition, but also as a reminder of the power that breath, reflection, and quiet presence hold for all of us, especially in a world that rarely slows down.
Meditation, Breath, and Stillness in Islam
There is a significant framework in Islamic theology for meditation.
Maybe we don’t always call it that.
But it is ever-present in the faith.
In Islam, we are constantly reminded that every moment shall pass-
every test, every circumstance, every state of being.
None of it is meant to stay forever.
This life, this world -it is not paradise.
And these reminders are not meant to burden us.
They are in place so that we can return.
So that we can run back to our faith, over and over again.
To stillness.
To remembrance.
To breath.
The Prayer Mat: A Still Place
The prayer mat becomes a still point in a chaotic world –
a lighthouse when the waves are too high.
We’re not just taught to move; we’re taught to mean it.
To feel every intention.
To listen to every word.
Our breath slows.
Our heart softens.
Our body bows.
We surrender.
We reflect.
We ask.
And then – we let go.
In sujūd, when your forehead presses into the earth,
you are meant to feel your soul connected to the One who created you.
That is meditation.
That is grounding.
That is returning.
On Adversity, and the Sacred Pause
When we are in pain – shaken, grieving, uncertain –
We are not taught to carry it alone.
We are taught to pause.
To take a breath.
To loosen our grip.
To let the noise of the outside world fade away.
To let each heavy part of our life slowly, one by one, drift into the background.
Our faith does not ask for perfection.
It asks for effort.
For presence.
For return.
Even in the joyful moments, we are asked to pause.
To be grateful.
To remember.
To ask ourselves what this blessing was sent to protect us from.
And what hardship just passed, quietly, without us even realizing.
Every Breath is a Reminder of Your Existence
When you breathe with intention –
when you recite words of remembrance,
when you feel your chest rise and fall –
your soul is doing what it was created to do:
To return.
To reflect.
To witness.
You are not made to overthink every little thing.
You are made to be still.
To surrender.
To try.
And then to leave the rest to Him.
Meditation Has Always Been Part of the Tradition
Meditation has never been something foreign.
It has always lived within the quiet rhythms of the tradition.
For centuries, the Sufis and poets of the Islamic world practiced a kind of meditation that felt like a constant embodiment of connectedness.
They spoke of silence as a form of praise and deep love.
Of breath as a doorway to Him. .
Something to be felt in the body, carried in the heart, whispered into existence until it softened our souls.
The mystics wandered the deserts and gardens, not to escape the world, but to understand it, through presence, breath, and beauty.
Their meditations weren’t passive. They were way of surrendering.
The Qur’an Is an Invitation to Stillness
The Qur’an is not just meant to be recited.
It is meant to be felt.
To be sat with.
To be still with.
To be lived through.
They are meant to move something inside of you.
To help you pause, soften, and listen.
A Gentle Practice to Close
Wherever you are now – sit or stand.
Let your shoulders drop.
Let your feet rest gently on the ground.
Notice your body.
Notice your movements.
Notice your breath.
Inhale slowly.
Exhale softer.
Repeat.
Let your mind slow.
Let your heart soften.
You are not made to carry everything on your own.
You are meant to pause.
To feel.
To breathe.
To remember Him with every breath you take.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, grief, or simply feeling the weight of everyday life, know that you are not alone, and you are worthy of care. At Mid-Atlantic Psychotherapy, we welcome people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. While the reflection on Meditation, Breath, and Stillness in Islam draws on the personal faith tradition of the author, Samreen Waheed Qureshi, the heart of her message is universal: practices of mindfulness, breath, and presence can support anyone’s mental health and healing.
Samreen Waheed Qureshi is a pre-licensed professional under supervision, working with adults and young adults at Mid-Atlantic Psychotherapy. She is a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at New England College, and her approach is holistic and person-centered, focusing on the whole person, mind, body, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and environment. As a practicing Muslim and native speaker of both English and Urdu, Samreen brings a unique perspective to her work. She is particularly passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate themes of cultural identity and the stress that can come with balancing multiple worlds.
If this reflection resonates with you, or if you’re simply seeking a safe, supportive space to explore your mental health, our team at Mid-Atlantic Psychotherapy is here to help. We are a fully virtual psychotherapy practice, which means you can meet with a therapist or clinical intern from the comfort of your home, even on your phone. We offer individualized therapy to support your specific needs, and we provide free 20-minute consultations so you can find the right fit. You can book an appointment today through our online self-booking system or call us at 571-771-1989.
About the Author
Samreen Waheed Qureshi is a pre-licensed professional under supervision working with adults and young adults at Mid-Atlantic Psychotherapy. Everyone comes into therapy with their own experiences, struggles, and strengths, and Samreen tailors her approach to meet each individual’s unique needs. She integrates multicultural competence into her work, recognizing how cultural identity, societal influences, and personal history shape mental health. Samreen strives to ensure that clients feel seen, understood, and supported in a way that respects their background, values, and lived experiences.
Samreen is a graduate student obtaining her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at New England College and is working toward licensure as a Professional Counselor. She is under the clinical supervision of Christina Moynihan, LICSW, LCSW. Her experience includes working in crisis counseling, advocacy, and minority mental health, with a focus on providing culturally competent care in diverse settings.
Samreen is a native speaker of both English and Urdu. She has a strong commitment to multicultural counseling competence and is dedicated to providing quality care to multigenerational immigrant populations.