The author (not pictured) had an easier time being present before she was a parent. Thanasis Zovoilis/Getty Images In my 20s, it was easier to find peace and a moment of stillness for myself. Now, as a mom of two kids, it's harder to be present. At any given time, my attention is being pulled in so many directions. In my 20s, while living in New York City, I took a long subway ride downtown to sit in a quiet room full of strangers at a Tibetan Buddhist meditation center in Chelsea every week.