And Why That’s Exactly When It Matters Most
Meditation sounds simple.
You sit.
You breathe.
You clear your mind.
But let’s be real: some days, it feels like dragging yourself through emotional molasses. You sit down with the best intentions… and instantly hit resistance.
If you’ve ever thought, “This isn’t working,” you’re not alone. I’ve been there. Often.
Here’s what I do when meditation feels hard — because those days are actually the most important ones.
When Meditation Feels Like Muck
Sometimes it’s sleepiness.
Other times it’s emotional static — anger, restlessness, that lingering to-do list screaming in your brain.
It feels like you’re sitting in a thick fog, trying to find stillness through the noise.
But here’s what I remind myself:
This is the work. The messiness? That’s the practice.
Clarity doesn’t always come easy. But every time you show up, even on the hard days, you’re reinforcing the habit.
The First Rule: Breathe & Remember — This Too Shall Pass
When it feels like I’m getting nowhere, I return to the simplest truth:
Nothing lasts forever.
Whatever I’m feeling — frustration, agitation, grief — it’s all temporary.
I breathe.
I soften my grip on “needing it to work.”
And I let the moment just be what it is.
Even if it’s uncomfortable, it’s passing through. That alone helps me stay with it.
My Go-To Tools When Meditation Feels Extra Tough
Sometimes, no matter how committed I feel, I need a little support. These are the tools I lean on:
✅ Journaling first – A few minutes with my Fringe Journal clears mental clutter before I sit.
✅ Guided meditations – I’ll use an app or my own recordings for structure.
✅ Environmental shifts – When I can, I head to the beach. Something about the sound of waves disarms my nervous system.
✅ Breathwork – Even two minutes of intentional breathing can shift everything.
✅ Setting the mood – I light Nippon Kodo Herb & Earth incense, grab my tea, and create a sensory cue that helps me drop in.
And if all else fails? I just let it be a short session. Something is always better than nothing.
What I Tell Others (And Myself): Let Go of the Outcome
If someone told me, “I don’t think I’m doing meditation right,” I’d tell them this:
- You don’t have to feel calm to be doing it “right.”
- Let go of needing it to look or feel a certain way.
- Meditation isn’t about achieving stillness — it’s about meeting yourself honestly.
The experience doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just has to be yours.
The Power of Showing Up — Especially When You Don’t Want To
The hardest meditation days are usually the ones I need it most.
Even when it feels “blah,” I trust the process.
The long-term rewiring happens slowly — not in one perfect sit, but in a hundred imperfect ones.
Just like working out or eating well, it adds up.
Consistency > intensity.
Some days it clicks.
Some days it’s hard.
Both days count.
Final Thought
If meditation has felt hard lately, you’re not doing it wrong.
You’re doing it.
That’s the win.
Breathe.
Let go of the pressure.
And just keep showing up.
P.S. I’m putting the finishing touches on a free mini-series that dives deeper into meditation on the hard days. If you’d like to get it the moment it’s ready, keep an eye on this space (signup link coming soon).
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