Meditation: A Pause You Can Return To

When you think of meditation, closed eyes, deep breaths, stillness practiced by monks or heavily spiritual people may come to mind. Perhaps it sounds too abstract or even intimidating. However, at its core, meditation is far simpler than most people may think.

Meditation emphasizes intention. It’s about honing in your attention to the present moment. There really isn’t a right or wrong way to meditate. The most important thing to implement is noticing your breath, your body, your thoughts, and your emotions in order to help you relax and feel stable.

In our fast-paced world that constantly pulls us toward the next step, meditation offers a chance to pause and stop time. Meditating helps you take in time instead of chasing it.

What Is Meditation?

There is a common misconception that meditation is about stopping thoughts. This isn’t realistic. Thoughts will always arise, especially in people’s busy, fast-paced minds. Meditation is more about helping your relationship with your thoughts instead of blocking them out.

Meditation can help you explore your inner thoughts with curiosity and gentleness. Try meditating to avoid getting overwhelmed by every little worry, to-do list, or that one embarrassing memory you can’t forget. As you meditate, you’ll notice that your thoughts come and go, sensations sway, and emotions shift and soften.

Meditation is helpful because overtime, this practice of being with your thoughts builds awareness. As you go on about your day, you’ll begin to recognize when your mind is racing, and you’ll be able to learn how to ground yourself and return to the present moment.

So then how exactly do you practice mediation? There isn’t just one “correct” way. Meditation can be practiced in many forms: focusing on the breath, scanning the body, repeating a word or phrase, or simply sitting in quiet awareness.

What Meditation Looks Like in Everyday Life

Meditation doesn’t have to be separate from your daily routine. It can show up in small, quiet moments, such as:

• Taking a few slow breaths before responding to a message.
• Noticing your feet on the ground while waiting in line.
• Pausing to check in with your body during a busy day.
• Sitting quietly for a few minutes without distractions.

Meditation is less about adding something new to your life and more about paying attention to what’s already happening.

Why Meditation Can Feel Difficult

If meditation feels hard, you’re not failing. You’re noticing. Many people struggle with meditation because it brings them face-to-face with a busy mind or uncomfortable emotions they’ve been pushing aside. Stillness can feel unfamiliar, even unsafe, especially for those who live with anxiety, ADHD, or chronic stress.

Some common challenges include:

• A racing or restless mind.
• Difficulty sitting still.
• Feeling impatient or bored.
• Becoming overwhelmed by thoughts or emotions.

These experiences don’t mean meditation isn’t working. They are the practice.

What Can Help You Start

You don’t need long sessions or perfect conditions to meditate. A few supportive approaches include:

• Start small: Even one or two minutes counts.
• Use guidance: Apps, recordings, or group sessions can help anchor your attention.
• Be kind to yourself: There’s no “bad” meditation.
• Focus on consistency, not duration: Showing up matters more than how long you sit.

Meditation isn’t about mastery. It’s about presence.

How ShareWell Supports Meditation

At ShareWell, we understand that meditation can feel easier—and more meaningful—when it’s shared.

Our community spaces offer gentle structure and emotional safety, helping members explore mindfulness and meditation without pressure or judgment. Whether through quiet co-working sessions, reflective pauses, or shared moments of presence, we create environments where stillness feels supported rather than isolating.

Because meditation isn’t about escaping your life. It’s about learning how to be with it—moment by moment, just as you are.

At ShareWell, we believe presence is something you don’t have to find alone. If you’d like to practice mindfulness in community, join a peer support group today.

To view our sessions related to meditation, click here.