The Healing Mind: What We Learned at “Tea with Jessica”

In a room full of people searching for ways to deepen their understanding of meditation, the event Tea with Jessica offered a meaningful way to learn about different types of meditation and engage with the practice itself.

On Saturday, May 9th, 2026, many Fountain House members and community participants arrived to share their thoughts about the art of meditating. The facilitator, Jessica, began by opening the floor. Everyone introduced themselves, shared how they were feeling, and expressed what they hoped to gain by the end of the event. Many people wanted to feel better through mindful relaxation, while others felt unsure if they were “doing it right.” Still, everyone seemed eager to participate and learn more.

There was a clear opportunity to deepen understanding through a video and through learning about an app Jessica recommended at the end of the event. The app, Insight Timer, is a free tool that offers guided meditations led by speakers who walk participants through the experience. However, the YouTube video by Dr. Tracey Marks was the most thought-provoking. Marks explained how neural pathways can be strengthened by meditation and compared the mind to a muscle that becomes stronger with use. She described how the amygdala, which can become enlarged due to stress, can be calmed and even reduced in size through meditation. Hearing this made me think of meditation as medicine or a band-aid for the brain. The idea that repetition can help repair and rewire the brain was both useful and fascinating. Strengthening neural circuits relates directly to the brain’s physical biology and can improve focus and attention.

The biology in the video was presented clearly, making it accessible and educational. Marks also discussed the prefrontal cortex—what she calls the CEO of the brain—which is responsible for higher-level thinking, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Meditation is said to improve functioning in this area as well. She also explained the default mode network, which influences how we relate to the world and ourselves. In people with mental health challenges, this network can be overactive, especially with anxiety and depression, and meditation can help quiet it.

Jessica also introduced different types of meditation. Transcendental meditation involves repeating personalized mantras and is more passive. Mindfulness meditation helps with emotional regulation. Focused attention meditation trains the mind to return to a point of focus when it drifts. Each type supports different mental needs and desired effects.

The mind-brain-body connection became especially clear after everyone participated in the guided meditation led by Jessica. Almost every participant reported feeling better after just five minutes compared to how they felt when they arrived. What I appreciated most was Jessica’s reminder—echoing Marks—that there is no single “right” way to meditate. It is a practice that may require repetition, but it is accessible to everyone, and there are many styles to explore.

The collective experience of meditating in a group felt uplifting. Hearing others breathe and exhale made the practice grounding and almost spiritual. Many participants shared their experiences, which led to thoughtful conversation. Overall, I was grateful to take part in this event, and learning about the biological benefits of meditation makes me want to engage in it more.

If you would like to take part in future events like this one, please text Dan Frey at 929-884-3564. May you be happy, well, and peaceful.