Did you know that October is ADHD Awareness month? Though I have not been diagnosed with ADHD, I realize that I have many of the typical symptoms when I’m tired or experiencing an unusually large amount of stress. (As do many of my clients!)
I’m guessing you might also!
I know that when I can “take care of myself” I’m able to focus better.
I can eliminate distractions.
I can stick with one task until completion.
I can string together coherent action steps.
I’m guessing you can also!
Many, many, many (many, many, many, many!) times meditation has been suggested as a way to relax and rejuvenate.
And, I’ve tried – really I have!
But come on people, if I can’t focus on one task until completion . . . how can I possibly sit still, clear my mind, and breathe?
So, when the opportunity came to participate in a 40 minute guided meditation – I was (believably!!) skeptical! Let’s be realistic, on my own I was only able to “last” 5 minutes – how in the world would I ever be able to sit still for 40 minutes . . . and with other people in the room?
image courtesy of Stuart Miles / freedigitalphotos.net
Well – believe it or not – I was able to let go enough to participate in the 40 minute guided meditation – AND I felt relaxed for 3 days after.
Now, I’m not going to try to fool you – I most certainly did NOT reach another plane of consciousness. It wasn’t a religious (or near religious) experience for me. In fact, I didn’t even keep my eyes closed the entire 40 minutes! (I opened them about every 10 minutes to see “how much longer was left”!)
Why was this different?
- I didn’t do it on my own! Debbi Mayo of the Mandala Center for the Healing Arts was the facilitator. Just being in her presence lowered my stress.
- I had something to do! Debbi (the smart woman that she is) gave me something to do! Each time a “thought popped into my head” she told me to focus on my breathing. This allowed me to push the thoughts away.
- I could do as little or as much as I needed, at my own pace. No judgement. I was surrounded by people that had never meditated before, and people that were masters at the art.
Can you only imagine how relaxed I will be when I’m able to unplug my mind for an even longer period of time?
Your turn! How do you “quiet your mind” so you can focus consistently?!
Main Image courtesy of master isolated image/freedigitalphotos.net
I like meditation and attend a class whenever I can.
A friend of ours runs them every second Tuesday of the month. :)
Sophie
WOW – monthly sounds like heaven! Thanks for your comment!
Lisa
Hi.
I’m happy that the meditation helped you.
Also i do agree it’s tough for all of us to be calm in today’s fast paced life.
We all want a small moment when we can unplug our mind and simply be at peace.
Thanks for visiting, Lancelot! I agree – one small moment certainly does reap great dividends!!!
Lisa
I think that’s a great idea. Some of us- who may never have been so diagnosed (mostly because we are so old the classification came too late- or, better yet, never crossed our boundaries)- have learned how to use ADD to our benefit. So, instead of it being a problem (for us), it gives us some real benefits.
(No, I am not against meditation. That is critical when there is 5 days of work to finish in a 2.5 day work week- that happens all the time this time of year.)
Roy
Thanks for stopping by! Your scenario of 2.5 days to finish 5 days of work is certainly a tough path to follow!!! Good luck!
Lisa
I’m certainly no expert at meditation and have yet to reach any spiritual enlightenment – I do love that “me” time though! Like you, I struggle on my own. With a friend guiding me then wow – yes very refreshing and relaxing.
So pleased you found that meditation can help you too :)
Thanks for stopping by Jan. You would think that I would have reached out for support BEFORE this!!! I’ve tried to meditate on and off for years! Turns out, all it took was a patient guide to start me on a successful journey! Glad you’ve found a “me time” activity!
Lisa