The practice of concentrating all mental attention on a single point, Patanjali's primary method for training sustained attention and the direct antidote to ADHD's multi-directional focus.
Dharana, concentration on a single object, is Yoga Sutras' foundation for mental discipline. For ADHD brains naturally oriented toward novelty and parallel processing, Dharana appears impossibly difficult—yet this is precisely why the practice proves transformative. The technique involves choosing one focus point (breath, mantra, visual object) and gently returning attention each time it wanders, without judgment or frustration. Neuroscientifically, this rewires attention networks; psychologically, it demonstrates that attention is trainable, not fixed. Patanjali teaches that Dharana begins where ADHD attention naturally fails: it's not about perfect sustained focus but about the repeated micro-practice of returning. Each return strengthens attention muscle. For ADHD individuals, starting with very short Dharana sessions (1-2 minutes) prevents discouragement while building capacity. The practice reveals a crucial insight: distraction isn't failure; noticing distraction and returning focus is success. This reframes ADHD as an opportunity to practice the most fundamental mental skill rather than a disorder to overcome through force.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.