ADHD, Hyperactivity, and Mindful Meditation: Is it Possible?
Unless I’ve personally told you the story, you wouldn’t know that I flunked yoga in college. Yes, it was graded as pass or fail. When I attended class, I loved it! Most days, however, it felt impossible to sit still for that amount of time. I skipped one class too many, which resulted in my failing grade.
Mindfulness and ADHD
Now, over 25 years later, after being diagnosed with ADHD, it all makes sense. What if I told you I regularly use mindfulness meditation on a daily basis? It’s absolutely true.
Thich Nhat Hahn, who is considered the “father of mindfulness” incorporated active Buddhism into his teachings. He founded Plum Village in France, and they continue his teachings associated with mindfulness meditation, even after his passing in 2022.
Thich Nhat Hahn said, “Meditation is not to escape from society, but to come back to ourselves and see what is going on. Once there is seeing, there must be acting. With mindfulness we know what to do and what not to do to help.”
Mindfulness and Meditation
When using mindfulness meditation, remember it is always:
1. Intentional
2. In the moment
3. Non-judgmental
The beauty of this is you can make an “intentional” choice to be “in the moment” and “non-judgmental” about how you do something in any situation.
If you are not one to sit and meditate, engage in mindful walking or try mindful eating. At any point during the day, choose to take a mindful breath.
If you find yourself judging how you do in your self-talk during the activity, try replacing that judgment with the words, “and that’s okay.”
For example, “I am walking down the hall to lobby…oops just got distracted…and that’s okay.”
Resources for Mindfulness
Here you will find a video on Mindful Breathing and Walking. If you do not want to listen to all of it, start at the key moments listed below the link:
Discovering our Inner Teacher through Mindfulness of Breathing and Walking
Key Moments
56:43: 🌿 Reflecting on the practice of mindful walking and breathing to honor and continue the teachings of Thay.
56:43: 🌿 Emphasizing the importance of mindful breath and steps in deep Buddhist teachings
References
The Plum Village Tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
The Plum Village Tradition — Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation
TRAILER: I Have Arrived, I Am Home: A Documentary On Thich Nhat Hanh's life (youtube.com)