Attention is a state of grace and after losing my attention over and over again I want a better relationship with grace. Keeping my attention is like keeping God in my mind. What can be done to live in that attentional grace space?

Two years ago the Dalai Lama convened a symposium on mindfulness as a treatment for depression at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. It’s a short drive from my home, so I invited my sisters and daughter and together we attended the weekend event with some close friends all of whom live with ADHD or who work in the field of ADHD service.

Representatives of five major faiths presented their organized religious perspectives on mindfulness or meditation to the Dalai Lama.

Scientists presented papers to the Dalai Lama on studies on meditation and its impact on mindfulness.

The Dalai Lama was conversational, inquisitive, funny and friendly as the material was discussed in front of a few thousand attendees. He was serious in his investigation on the value of the Buddhist practice of mindfulness as a means towards health and wellness which impacts our ability to attend to what is important in our lives.

Practice Mindfulness for Anxiety Relief

Since then, I’ve recommended the practice of mindfulness to clients, teaching them on the spot how to live in the present moment because anxiety is an expression of future fear and extensive regret is related to living in the past. All we have is now.

When you have anxiety or regret that feels overwhelming, get two balls and juggle them slowly, back and forth from hand to hand. Do something you think is silly; anxiety and silliness cannot coexist in the same moment. Feel the position of your body – where is it? Where is your foot, your hand, your fingers? Tell yourself what you feel tactilely – how does the fabric you’re wearing feel? How does your hair feel? Pull yourself into the present moment and practice this mindfulness.

Tell me, how are you now? What do you want to pay attention to in the present moment?

• humanistic in nature. Clients are accepted unconditionally in their presenting situation.
• a collaboration and partnership. I honor your experience and perspective.
• is discovery. Are the present beliefs working for you?
• is about movement – guiding you to be in the flow of your life and toward the development and achievement of your goals.
• affirming of your right and capacity for self-direction.
• facilitating your goals.
• supporting of self-initiation.
• is preparatory – what will you do when x happens?
• is intentional.
• is reflective.
• is affirmative.

Coaching is based on a Five Stage Model for Change

1. precontemplation

2. contemplation

3. Preparation

4. Action

5. maintenance

Coaching is carried out in a safe environment for change to occur by:

• Promoting insight
• Promoting self-evaluation
• Making a commitment to act
• Identifying and avoiding situations that produce non-productive behaviors (i.e., being late)
• Using rewards for goal attainment
• Role playing
• Exploration of the problem/challenge from a different perspective
• Encouraging self-advocacy
• Encouraging supportive relationships both professional and personal

This definition of ADD Coaching describes the backbone of a coaching relationship. It is derived from a presentation at CHADD National 2009 in Cleveland, OH developed by Sandy Maynard.

Napping for Business Attention

Remember when George Costanza in ‘Seinfeld’ had a bed built under his desk at work? It seems he wasn’t off the mark at all! Reported by Behavioral Health Care Journal this week, napping is now encouraged at the office for an increase in sociability. Finally, I can nap and quote a study that shows it’s not only good for people in the South American countries, but for everyone. Today on Oprah, Dr. Oz supported the need for 7-9 hours of sleep per night – it’s even supposed to help reduce weight! Now that’s something to pay attention to.

At the SLEEP 2009 conference in Seattle last week, researchers from the University of California – Berkeley revealed results of a study that ‘showed naps with rapid eye movement sleep refresh the brain’s perception of positive emotions.’ It seems study participants taking a 60 to 90 minute nap mid-day with REM sleep were much more receptive to happy facial expressions than those who didn’t. In fact, participants without a nap had an increased reaction to negative emotions. Have you ever been called cranky because you reacted to the way someone looked at you after 3 p.m.?

Once again we learn that we knew all we needed to know in kindergarten – a nap a day keeps you alert to pay attention.

BHC Journal interviewed two of the principal investigators of the study who were at the conference: Dr. Matt Walker, Professor of Psychology and Director of the University of California – Berkeley Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory, and senior research scientist Ninad Gujar.

http://www.bhcjournal.com/default.aspx?articleId=29692&tabid=252