Mindfulness is the practice of allowing oneself to be in the moment with things exactly as they are, without trying to change anything. It is the practice of observing one’s thoughts from moment to moment, and letting go of them without becoming caught up in them. – Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn
We all get distracted regardless of having ADHD…
If we are distracted we can automatically react to situations rather than responding intentionally. If our attention is elsewhere we can overlook important things making mistakes that can create a big mess. We might resist uncomfortable feelings carrying conflict to another situation where we lash out at random.
Being mindful involves watching what happens and then skillfully engaging with intention and choice.
Mindfulness is a quality of observing and engaging our consciousness. There are many secondary benefits that come from mindfulness but it is not a remedy. It is known to reduce the amount of anxiety we feel and to bring quite the once racing mind.
Mindfulness exercises refine our ability to see what is happening moment to moment so we are able to respond with skill instead of mindlessly react, resist, shut down or judge.
When we think “should have” or “should be” it is our mind giving clues to what we think or feel about ourselves. Using mindfulness to peel back the layers, we can find what we truly want and act on these desires rather than mourning the things missing from in our lives.
Mindfulness is simply noticing.
The simple act of observing gives us the space to pause and disentangle from the messiness of everyday life. This can reduce feeling out of synch or overwhelmed. We can better connect with what is going on in the world around us and to ourselves.
We can tap into the energy and potential of the ADHD brain using mindfulness. The unthinking reactions and the impulsivity from our ADHD that cause us trouble can be transformed to productive actions that serve us well.
The Attitudinal Foundations of Mindfulness Practice
ADDA Mindfulness Virtual Workshop Pilot Program Schedule
Session 1: 10/15 Mindfulness basics
Session 2: 10/20 Mindfulness of breath and sound
Session 3: 10/29 Mindfulness of body and sensation
Session 4: 11/3 Mindfulness of stress and discomfort
Session 5: 11/12 Mindfulness and racing thoughts and emotions
Session 6: 11/17 Mindfulness of impulse and desire
Session 7: 12/1 Mindfulness of attention, getting concentrated
Session 8: 12/10 Mindfulness of relationships and acceptance
Session 9: 12/15 Mindfulness of self- image and self-gratitude
