The yogic practice of deliberately withdrawing attention from external stimuli to strengthen internal focus, directly addressing ADHD's challenge with sensory overwhelm and distraction.
Pratyahara, the fifth limb of Patanjali's yoga, teaches conscious withdrawal of the senses from external objects—not suppression, but skillful redirection of attention inward. For those with ADHD, sensory hypersensitivity and constant environmental pull create a perpetual state of scattered focus. Patanjali understood that the mind cannot be forced into stillness; instead, attention must be trained like a muscle. Pratyahara offers a practical pathway: by deliberately choosing what sensory input to attend to—dimming lights, using noise-canceling tools, or creating sensory boundaries—you reclaim agency over your nervous system. This isn't avoidance; it's strategic attention management. Combined with understanding ADHD neurology, pratyahara becomes a framework for designing environments and practices that honor your unique sensory needs while building the capacity to direct focus where it matters most.
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.