ADHD and Meditation?

Question

Do you think it is possible for people with ADD to meditate? Has it proven beneficial to adders? I tried doing it, but failed on several counts:
1. I was unable to keep at it and find time at the same time everyday to do it,
2. I sometime fell asleep, if not I would constantly get an itch somewhere or even the small discomfort will make me shift my position - my idea is that unless I am in a comfortable position, I cannot begin to meditate and I can never find a comfortable sitting posture,
3. On the very rare occasion when I did find a comfortable position, my thoughts keep drifting away from my focal point i.e., montiroring my breathing, and consequently I get frustrated and I get up within 10 minutes.

My main problem is that I am unable to live in the present moment because of my energy levels - my thoughts drift constantly from one useless topic to another. Sometimes, I am full of energy, and enthu, but at other times (about 60% of the time), im tired and confused!

Answer 1

I have a.d.h. d. and I have successfully learned to meditate. It can be done but you must be committed and motivated to learn how to do it. It will take more effort and persistence than peopl need who do not have a.d.d. There ae many ways to meditate. Some methods work better for a person than others we are al different but, fortunately, there are many different techniques to get to the meditative state. Fist whatever method you use you have to do it regularly and at a specific time every day (or twice a day), for at least two weeks. Even if you see no results for several days. If concentrating on breathing does not work than stop trying to clear your mind and fill it with a word mantra or a phrase. (any word will do. One of the transcendental words is Shiring, another is shama, they do not mean anything but they can work). Suitable phrases can be short prayers, like "{glory be to the father ... , or the roary prayer or La ilaha illa Allah,or Shema Isroyel Adonai ..., or, Hare Krishn ... or the non-religious om manay padmay hum, etc.etc.) The session shoul be ten to fifteen minutes at first. (you can lengthen it later if you wish or not. Also, if your mind wanders do not get upset just gently return to the mantra ). Do not try to get into a meditative state. The more we try, paradoixically, the harder it gets. Just relax it will just happen of its own accord. (it sort of sneaks up on you). Do not end the session before the end of the 10 or 15 minutes abd be consistent. Do not quit.
If after two weeks you have had no progress (unlikely but possible, thenswitch to a visual method such as the Buddhist gazing at a candle flame. etc. There are many meditation techniques. Osho lists 144 in one of his books and he also suggests that the individual try each for two weeks and then switch to another until one of them works for the indidual.
It is worth all the time and effort. You will eventually feel incredibly relaxed after a session, ands you will slow down. My volcanic and episodic temper evaporates.
Try it, do it, give it the time, and a good effort you will succeed. I promise.
Dan.

Answer 2

Meditation is especially hard with ADD. Read this page to learn about yourself and prepare you to be better at meditation. There are different ones and many try it out and quit. This page is mine and I have been doing it for 30 years.

Read last 2 sentences to another page with MD tips on how diet can make a big difference with emotions with uplifting story. This could be the biggest help with being tired and confused. If you want info on the meditation I do, you have to e-mail me

http://phifoundation.org/happiness.html

Answer 3

first off i do not believe in ADD... or at least in the fact that every human out there has it... some just learn different techniques to deal with there attention span.... anyone can be taught to control there mind in different ways... look at the military for starters.. they are reprogrammed. Anyhow, yes you can meditate.. anyone can and most ppl do without even admitting it or realizing it. Meditation is different for everyone.. it is whatever method works to calm or sooth you. Whether you want to "go to your happy place in your head" or say "Oooooomm" ... whichever suites you the best... you just have to play with it till it works.

Answer 4

Nope, sorry, I cannot meditate. Even on meds, my mind races from one thought to another and I can't sit still long enough b/c I feel I have to be doing three or more things at once.
Are you taking any meds for your condition?

Answer 5

i have add adhd extream but I'm able to control it.
1. if I'm mad i will close my eyes and count to 10 breathing in and out deeply. it helps. and go into a room that is silent and relax there body and sit with the legs crossed.

Answer 6

ADD & ADHD are made up. If you can't concentrate, then you're not being challenged in the right way, or you are bored of the material.

Answer 7

no!