• FlickOfTheBean@lemmy.world
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    9 months ago

    I also have ADHD and a chattery mind! Running works for you, so defs don’t stop! But I have an issue with the meditation issue, and I think you think that way because they didn’t tell you that it’s totally normal for your mind to wander, the only difference is that your mind will wander more. You’re doing nothing wrong, that’s just what minds do, even neurotypical ones, just to a lesser degree than what you experience.

    All you have to do is guide your mind back to focusing on whatever meditation you’re doing with an endless kindness and compassion that you would have for like some adorable puppy or baby that’s trying to wander away. They don’t mean to do wrong, but they also can’t be reasoned with. you just have to guide them back to the right place.

    With all that said, if it’s still a bunch of contrived hippie sounding bs to you, feel free to disregard! Running works, and it’s also not like this is super important for you to try out or anything like that.

    I think meditation does have legit benefits, I just don’t think it’s often taught with that compassion angle that I think makes it possible for people with ADHD to do it. And even if what I’m doing is not “real” meditation, whatever it is, it’s an extended moment of niceness.

    • xtr0n@sh.itjust.works
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      9 months ago

      All you have to do is guide your mind back to focusing on whatever meditation you’re doing with an endless kindness and compassion that you would have for like some adorable puppy or baby that’s trying to wander away. They don’t mean to do wrong, but they also can’t be reasoned with. you just have to guide them back to the right place.

      100%! Acknowledge the thought and then let it go. It isn’t about perfect execution. The benefits come from trying. Although, it can get easier with practice.

      And even if what I’m doing is not “real” meditation, whatever it is, it’s an extended moment of niceness.

      FWIW I took a multi week class on meditation with a licensed psychologist (who trained with the folks who wrote a very popular book on meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy) and what you’re saying sounds a lot like what we were taught. There may not be a single arbiter of meditation authenticity, but your practice sounds legit to me.