Mindfulness, Meditation, and Gestalt Theory in Psychology by Jeison Azali

Gestalt theory in psychology suggests, as its core concept, an emphasis on awareness of the present moment. It proposes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, to truly understand something - whether a process, an experience, or the mind itself, we must look at all the presenting factors together, rather than breaking them into fragmented pieces.

This idea is often explained using the example of music. To fully experience a piece of classical music, we listen to the entire composition, not just one instrument in the symphony. The meaning of the piece emerges from how all the parts come together.

Gestalt theory was developed in the early 1910s by Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Köhler, and Kurt Koffka. These three German psychologists challenged the dominant psychological thinking of their time, which argued that the mind could only be understood by breaking it down into separate parts. When Hitler came into power, they fled Germany and continued their work in the United States, leaving much of their earlier research behind. Their work focused on demonstrating that the mind naturally perceives experience as a unified whole.

At its core, Gestalt theory emphasizes awareness: being present in the moment, observing one’s environment as it is, without judgment, and without being pulled into past experiences or future storytelling. This kind of awareness allows for self-regulation and personal insight. These principles are also central to mindfulness practice. In many ways, this is mindfulness.

In mindful meditation, we bring awareness to the mind, the physical body, and the emotional body. Through this awareness, we develop self-regulation and personal insight. Gestalt theory similarly views the individual as a whole — mind, body, and emotions — rather than as separate components.

The theory places strong emphasis on bodily awareness, or somatic experience, much like what is cultivated during Vipassana meditation. It also encourages observing thoughts and emotional states without judgment, as we do in mindfulness practices focused on thoughts and emotions. Awareness of sound, another common mindfulness practice, reflects the Gestalt emphasis on being fully present with what is happening in the moment.

The shared concepts found in both Gestalt psychology and mindfulness practice are deeply beneficial. They help us better understand who we are and how we are influenced by both internal and external stimuli. They support the unlearning of conditioned patterns and help us uncover, process, and come to terms with trauma, so that we are not overwhelmed by it. They also contribute to regulating the nervous system, reducing stress, and supporting overall physical and emotional health.

Through these practices, we cultivate radical acceptance and become more aware of how we relate to the world around us — and where we choose to place our attention. Over time, we begin to recognize our own agency, autonomy, and capacity for choice.

Gestalt theory is, personally, my favorite psychological framework. When I listen to a symphony, I appreciate how all the instruments come together to create something beautiful. In the same way, when I meditate and practice mindfulness, I recognize that I am also engaging with Gestalt theory and experiencing how interconnected these approaches truly are.