Workshops
MAPs for ADHD at eMindful
One of our most important qualities is attention. It is a doorway into our experience and a foundational quality of our awareness. Where we place our attention or how other things grab our attention determines our daily experiences, relationships with ourselves and others, and the quality of our lives. This connection between attention and one's well-being is illustrated through a condition called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and an approach called mindfulness training. In both, the role of attention is crucial to the balance of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. While ADHD is characterized by difficulties in self-regulation, mindfulness training is a tool to enhance self-regulation.
Mindful Awareness Practices (MAPs) for ADHD* is a 6-week program, taught by Lidia Zylowska, M.D., which provides an overview of ADHD and uses mindfulness meditation to enhance the well-being of adults with ADHD. The class discusses latest scientific understanding of ADHD, meditation’s impact on the brain and attention regulation. Mindfulness exercises are taught in a gradual way, suitable for those with attentional difficulties and/or new to meditation. Others who want to know more about mindfulness and ADHD: spouses of ADHD adults, parents, teachers, or clinicians working with ADHD individuals will also benefit from the class by learning basic mindfulness skills for themselves and a mindful and compassionate approach to ADHD.
*MAPS for ADHD was co-developed by Zylowska and Smalley with contributions from Diana Winston. See Zylowska, L et al, J of Attention Disorders, May 2008.