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An Albemarle native has released the first in a series of books related to her past trauma.

Shannon Graham of Charlotte recently self-published a book on Amazon and Kindle entitled “Meditation for Beginners (And Even Some Skeptics).”
“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 subsequent self-sabotaging behaviors that most people struggle with,” Graham said.
Graham said she has benefited from meditation to “quiet the noise in my own head and introspectively connect with my authentic self.”
“I felt that it would be better to start sharing my message via 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 all things personal development-related. Having a nursing background, I am fascinated with neuroscience. I realized that most people struggle with insidious forms of self-sabotaging behaviors. Some people overeat, some overspend, some overwork, and of course, some use substances but the culprit appears to be varying levels of trauma. Trauma can be anything from wartime exposure to a child being humiliated by a teacher in grade school. It is stored in the amygdala of the brain and can cause issues if not treated. Meditation was very beneficial for me, as a trauma survivor, and I have seen great results with coaching clients.”
Graham said “the most well-documented benefit of meditation is stress reduction.”
“In my book, I write about many of the studies supporting meditation as a non-pharmaceutical option for our hectic lifestyles, reducing blood pressure and an alternative method of pain management. There are so many different techniques and practices, dating back thousands of years, there is something for everyone. My personal favorite benefit of meditation is cultivating self-compassion and self-love. There are seated techniques, lying down, walking, guided, visualization and even journaling is a form of meditation. For the trauma survivor, it is about finding that authentic being and offering love, acceptance and the power of self-worth.”
While Graham said anyone can meditate, she said “it is called a meditation practice for a reason.”
“It takes practice. I equate it to running, if you work up to the 15-minute mark, you’re golden. The trick is to start small and work up to longer sessions. I promise you, though, it is so worth it. And this is coming from someone with severe ADHD. Patience and persistence, just like life, are what you need to get started. It’s really simple, sit quietly and focus on your breathing. If you are an active person, mindful walking is a good place to start.
“When your mind wanders (and it will at first) just refocus on your breath,” she added. “Be kind and gentle with yourself, just being willing is a win.”
Graham has also started her own business, Bring Me Back to Life Coaching, LLC, where she is a transformational life coach.
“Coaching allows me to utilize my psychology training from nursing, my life experience of falling and getting back up, neuroscience and all I’ve learned about personal development to help other people design and build lives that they absolutely love,” she said. “Working with the proper coach can help a person to cultivate higher confidence, make better decisions, achieve their goals faster and live a rich and abundant life. I can honestly say, if I can do it, anyone can. My coaching philosophy centers around moving forward, instead of looking back. It is such a beautiful life, we just make it hard sometimes.
Graham also credits Will’s Place Recovery Resource Center and founder Allison Hudson Mingle for helping her on her journey.
“In the last treatment facility I was in, I was offered a therapy called EMDR. It is a treatment that was originally created for soldiers who had been through 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 wit’s end, as was my family,” Graham said. “Allison from Will’s Place can attest, I would not have survived much longer. She graciously tried to help me many times. That was in 2019 and I haven’t wanted a drink/drug since, by the grace of God. It was a very long road, but I believe I am here for a reason. I had to go there to get here. I’m very grateful.”
Mingle said she has known Graham for years and reconnected around 2015 during her battles with alcohol and drugs.
“I have witnessed firsthand some of the immense trauma she has endured,” Mingle said. “Seeing her thrive in recovery today is nothing short of remarkable. Shannon’s journey is a true testament to the fact that recovery is possible for everyone and to never give up hope. Her story is not just inspiring; it showcases the incredible resilience of the human spirit in overcoming decades of addiction and trauma.”
Graham said for anyone dealing 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.”

B.J. Drye is general manager/editor of The Stanly News & Press. Call 704-982-2123.