Why Having ADHD Makes You Better At Meditating

Summary

In this video, Dr. K discusses practical advice for people with ADHD who are looking to improve their meditation practice. He emphasizes that true meditation requires dedication, starting with gradual steps like chanting 'ohm' in increasing rounds, and highlights how meditation has been watered down in modern apps. The key message is that people with ADHD are not inherently bad at meditation, but the diluted approaches don’t foster real spiritual growth. Dr. K encourages viewers to explore their inner world through meditation and reveals how the process of self-discovery can be endlessly fascinating.

Takeaways

• 😀 ADHD can be a strength in meditation, allowing for faster advancement than neurotypical individuals, due to the heightened sensitivity and novelty-seeking nature of the brain.
• 😀 The Dr. K's Guide offers a comprehensive resource, combining over 20 years of experience as both a monk and a psychiatrist, tailored for those wanting to better understand their mind and gain control over their life.
• 😀 Meditation requires sustained effort, and practices like chanting ‘ohm’ can be gradually increased in length (e.g., 7, 9, 21, 33 rounds) to build deeper awareness.
• 😀 The key to effective meditation for those with ADHD is consistency and persistence, with noticeable changes occurring after multiple rounds of practice, especially beyond the first few.
• 😀 In meditation, the first few rounds are often distracted and unproductive, but with more rounds, the meditator becomes more attuned to subtle experiences and deeper internal awareness.
• 😀 Modern meditation practices, especially through apps, have become diluted to attract more users, focusing on convenience rather than true spiritual growth.
• 😀 Traditional meditation, such as Zen practice, emphasizes spiritual growth and personal discipline, often involving harsh methods like physical correction (e.g., Zen masters with sticks) to push practitioners towards deeper self-awareness.
• 😀 Meditation is not a one-size-fits-all practice. It is an exploration of the self, and the experience changes as you progress through the rounds.
• 😀 People with ADHD may initially find meditation difficult because their minds resist focus, but with practice, they can unlock layers of self-awareness that others might miss.
• 😀 True meditation is about peeling back layers of the self, revealing deeper truths and nuances that can lead to profound personal growth—though the process is ongoing and may never truly end.

Q & A

What is Dr. K's guide, and how is it helpful for individuals with ADHD?

Dr. K's guide is a comprehensive resource designed to help individuals understand their minds and take control of their lives. It distills over 20 years of Dr. K's experience as both a monk and psychiatrist, offering practical insights and tailored advice to assist in managing ADHD and other mental health challenges.

Why does Dr. K recommend 33 rounds of 'Ohm' for meditation, particularly for people with ADHD?

Dr. K recommends 33 rounds of 'Ohm' because it helps the mind settle and enables a deeper meditative experience. The initial rounds are challenging, but as you continue, you begin to notice significant differences in your mental state. For individuals with ADHD, it’s particularly important to practice longer sessions to allow the mind to focus and reach a deeper state of awareness.

What is the process Dr. K suggests for building up to 33 rounds of 'Ohm'?

Dr. K suggests gradually increasing the number of 'Ohm' rounds, starting with 7, then progressing to 9, 21, and finally 33. This step-by-step approach helps ease into longer sessions without overwhelming the practitioner, especially for those with ADHD.

What difference does Dr. K say there is between the first and 33rd round of meditation?

Dr. K explains that the experience changes significantly between the first and the 33rd round of 'Ohm.' Early rounds are often marked by distraction and difficulty focusing, but as you progress, you begin to notice more subtle layers of your inner experience, leading to a deeper meditation state.

Why does Dr. K believe that mainstream meditation practices, such as those in apps, are less effective?

Dr. K argues that many mainstream meditation apps water down traditional practices to make them more accessible and appealing to a broad audience. This oversimplification often leads to an experience that lacks the depth and spiritual growth of traditional meditation, which is more demanding and transformative.

What is Dr. K’s critique of the business model behind modern meditation apps?

Dr. K criticizes the business model of modern meditation apps for prioritizing user retention over genuine spiritual growth. Since these apps are designed to attract and keep users, they simplify practices and make them easier, which ultimately diminishes the depth and effectiveness of the meditation.

How does Dr. K view the relationship between meditation and ADHD?

Dr. K believes that ADHD does not make someone inherently bad at meditation. The issue often lies in the fact that mainstream meditation practices are not designed to cater to the needs of people with ADHD. He emphasizes that with the right approach, individuals with ADHD can develop a deeper and more meaningful meditation practice.

What does Dr. K mean by the 'layers of the onion' in meditation?

The 'layers of the onion' metaphor refers to the process of discovering deeper aspects of yourself through meditation. Dr. K suggests that as you meditate, you peel back layers of your mind, revealing new insights and aspects of your inner world, and that this process can continue indefinitely.

What role does persistence play in meditation, according to Dr. K?

Persistence is crucial in meditation because it helps you push through initial distractions and challenges. Dr. K stresses that by continuing with the practice and gradually increasing the intensity, you begin to uncover deeper layers of your mind, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness and control.

How does Dr. K suggest people should approach meditation if they are struggling?

Dr. K advises that if you're struggling with meditation, it's important not to force it. Instead, approach it with curiosity, and focus on exploring your inner world. The process may be difficult at first, but with persistence and the right approach, meditation can become a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth.