Are we Really ADD?
Many adults and children have been diagnosed or self-diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder (“ADD”). This is a label that says a human is unable to focus on anything for more than a few moments.
Like many diagnoses, the ADD label might be overused and / or not properly understood or applied.
Many, especially in this age of mass amounts of easily accessible information, find it hard to keep their attention on a single subject for any length of time. There is a wealth of information in general and within it we also need to discern and move through what is fact versus not fact, but presented as if it is. Also, highly aware, sensitive people are distracted by so much going on around them and their need to assimilate it into a very active mind.
Our egos can run the “what if” list at maximum speed. And we have been trained in most societies that knowledge is power and wisdom. So, our left brains want to analyze it and make us fully prepared and fully aware.
Taking a drug to help focus our energy in an environment of overstimulation, including the need to sort facts from fiction, can cause the ego to work far more than is healthy. Some of the interest in focus stems from a requirement for safety such as from our pilots, truck drivers, policemen and firemen. Other overwhelmed people hope the drugs will help to deliver high quality work within demanding deadlines.
Meditation is one route to relaxed and insightful focus. Yet in a chaotic world that currently makes little sense, meditation can, oddly, initially feel disruptive to peace and harmony. Ask someone who has tried it for the first time, and they will likely tell you they cannot shut off the mind. The brain is busy saying what is this? And their self-judge is screaming “focus, be hypervigilant”!
If you do choose to meditate or to engage in another peaceful letting go sort of break, rather than trying to control your focus, notice what has your attention, make a mental or physical note to check into it at a better time. Set yourself free. While meditating or breaking you will not miss anything. Any information that surfaces during it, whether you made that note about it or not, will resurface in a better state of accuracy and at the right timing for you.
There is a world of information out there. Take in that which applies in the moment and leave the rest. This assists in finding your true path of wisdom, understanding and life purpose.
ADD? We think often it is not. (And, side note, if it is, there are alternatives to drugs.)
Breathe!
Image by Daryl Bambic from Pixabay
As always consult with your Licensed Health Care Professionals. Our content is meant to inform or is the view of others. Research wisely and choose your highest and best.