Develop the Inner Resources to Manage ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) encompasses a wide variety of symptoms, and not everyone's experience with it is the same. However, a core aspect of ADHD is having trouble focusing on the tasks you should be concentrating on. This difficulty is not due to laziness or a lack of self-discipline.

Most people with ADHD have felt highly stressed and frustrated at times because they wanted to complete a task, understood its importance, but simply couldn't get their brain to engage. As one client described it, "If the task isn't interesting to me, it's like I just can't get my brain in gear. I know I should do it, but I can't make myself focus on it."

People with ADHD often find they can focus intensely on activities that intrigue and fascinate them. For example, some individuals with ADHD can concentrate for hours on video games, sports, creating music, or crafting works of art. However, ADHD can also make it more challenging to maintain an organized and balanced life.

Common Challenges of ADHD:

• Easily Distracted: Difficulty staying focused on tasks.
• Missed Deadlines: Struggling to prioritize or manage time effectively.
• Impulsive Behavior: Acting without thinking through consequences.
• Poor Organization: Difficulty keeping things in order.
• Chronic Sleep Issues: Staying up late and experiencing ongoing sleep deprivation.

Many people with ADHD find themselves constantly asking why they can't focus or accomplish the things they know they need to do, often blaming themselves unfairly.

A Different Perspective on ADHD:

Some researchers suggest that ADHD might not be a "disorder" but rather a trait that evolved for survival in certain environments. It could be described as being a "hunter in a world of farmers."

A 2008 study by Northwestern University in the U.S. compared two Kenyan tribes:

1. A nomadic hunter-gatherer tribe and
2. A pastoral tribe that settled in one place to grow crops.

The researchers examined how a specific gene variant strongly associated with ADHD and risk-taking behavior influenced the health of individuals in each tribe. They found that:

• In the nomadic tribe, individuals with this gene variant were better nourished.
• In the pastoral tribe, individuals with the same variant were less well-nourished.

This suggests that traits associated with ADHD-such as heightened awareness, quick reactions, and bursts of energy-might have been advantageous in an active, hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

Tom Hartman, author of Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception, describes people with ADHD as "hunters" who are:

• Totally focused on movement.
• Constantly monitoring their environment.
• Capable of incredible bursts of energy.

When harnessed correctly, these characteristics can be employed for positive outcomes. Many successful athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs have thrived because of their ADHD traits, not in spite of them.

Navigating ADHD in a Modern World:

However, people with ADHD often find themselves in a world designed for "farmers"-non-ADHD individuals who are slower, steadier, and more cautious. This mismatch can create feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

The deeply relaxing hypnotic part of this session is designed to help you:

1. Appreciate Your Strengths: Recognize and value the unique traits that come with ADHD.
2. Release Self-Blame: Let go of stress and guilt about tasks you haven't accomplished in the past.
3. Thrive in the Modern World: Find ways to channel your natural gifts and direct your attention in ways that are beneficial for you.

Through relaxation and guided focus, you can begin to embrace your natural tendencies and use them as tools to create a more fulfilling, productive life.