From ADD Busy Mind to Calm Focus on a Bike

I went on a bike ride today on the Burke Gilman trail in Seattle. On my right were the sparkling waters of Lake Washington with a background of snow covered mountains. On my left were lush greenery, ferns, interesting houses, and lots of rhododendrons. Because it was the middle of a work day, there were very few people on the trail. So my husband and I tootled along in no real rush, enjoying our near solitude and the sounds of birds, distant traffic and the wind. (And my breathing when I got tired!)

I was feeling kind of anxious about something and found myself thinking about it. From there, I moved on to the intricacies of developing a new ADD coaching focus. Then, we started talking about a trip to Costa Rica that we’re planning for December. Where to stay, the shortest flights, what to do there . . . and I wasn’t on this beautiful trail on this beautiful day anymore. My legs were automatically pedaling but I was nowhere to be found. My ADD-like mind just went away and me with it.

When I realized what I was doing, I stopped riding for a minute to shift. (Mental states, not gears.) I told him that I was going to be quiet (well, actually I said I was going to shut up) and be mindful of where we were right here and now. And for the rest of the ride, I was able to pay attention to my surroundings, and the sounds of the birds, and the wind against my skin. It was so much fun! I love riding a bike, it makes me feel like a little kid. If I had just kept talking and worrying and planning and being somewhere else, I would have missed most of the ride and not have felt the same sense of satisfaction and peace. I have to admit that I had to bring my mind back a few times, but that’s what happens for most people.

Part of being mindful is recognizing when we’re not and bringing our attention back to the present moment. This may mean going through that process 20 times a minute, especially for those with ADD, but practice makes it easier to recognize when we’re veering off. I’m definitely a work in progress, but I think I’m moving in the right direction!