For someone with ADHD having to conform to what works for the average neurotypical brain can feel frustrating and excruciating. When my body is still, my mind tends to wander aimlessly. If I am asked to sit quietly in church, be still, and simply listen, I often struggle to focus— My leg starts going, I begin to shift in the pew, sometimes I fall asleep (I confess), my fingers tap tap , gum is helpful…the time can feel like an eternity, my husband sits calmly and still beside me, I feel like a child.
When my body is engaged in activity meaningful to me, however, my mind becomes sharp and focused, I become an adult again. For example, when I’m cleaning my house, or driving my car, or lifting weights or being creative, suddenly my mind is involved dramatically.
There are moments when my mind enters a flow state, sometimes its called “hyper focus” These are times when I am writing, painting, or drawing. Nothing else exists I am absorbed in my craft. My hands are active and busy, so my mind is fully engaged, the motion of handwriting is like a drug for me. I am productive and grounded and I can think so clearly that the writing can literally go on for hours without any boredom and the thoughts flow freely. I experience a similar state when excersizing or teaching, I am fully present and working toward the goal at hand. It’s beautiful. This is when “I feel the pleasure of God”, I feel a sort of unexplainable joy and excitement, I feel good about myself. I hear God more clearly too.
In Practicing the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence writes about his prayer time, “at the beginning”, he often spent his prayer time simply ‘rejecting wandering thoughts and returning again and again to God. “He also notes that he could never regulate his devotion by fixed methods as others do. Over time, even formal meditation gave way to a more continual awareness of God.” (p. 21)
He also says, “He was more united to God in his outward employment than when he left them for devotion and retirement.” (p. 23) His outward employment was working as a cook in the kitchen! Amidst the clatter of plates and dishes and people calling out that is where he felt a sacred communion with God, a flow state perhaps a focused presence.
As I reflect on this, I cannot help but wonder whether Brother Lawrence might have had what we call today, ADHD. He describes himself as awkward and admits to frequently breaking things. His spiritual life seems drawn and moved spiritually by stillness and more motivated by constant motion.
What stands out to me is how accessible Brother Lawrence makes prayer to the neurotypical mind: conversational, direct, and woven into the present moment. It ought to be plain he encourages “ we ought to act with God in the greatest simplicity , speaking to him frankly and plainly and imploring his assistance in our affairs, as they happen.” Pg. 19
Rather than reserving prayer for designated times, he suggests living in continual awareness of God. In that sense, every moment becomes communion with God and more importantly union with God.
This approach resonates deeply with me. As someone who has all the signs and symptoms of ADHD without a formal diagnosis, I can tell you I connect with God the most when I am doing chores around my house or driving or in a rocking chair. My mind is still and focused on Christ when my body is in some type of motion. I find it much easier to connect with God while sweeping a floor or washing dishes, like the brother Lawrence, than when sitting in formal stillness.
This connects with the idea that we are now the temple of God, as Paul writes—God is with us, Immanuel – He is not confined to a place but present wherever we are. So how do you best experience God? Why not give yourself permission to let him into that moment?
In this light, modern understandings of neurodiversity intersects with an ancient spiritual reality: our minds do not all function in the same way, and God is not only aware of this but has designed us this way.
There is no need for self-condemnation or frustration if you don’t function the way others do. There is no need for judgment or discouragement. Instead, there is room for understanding, grace, and a recognition that communion with God takes different forms—each fully valid, and fully received by the Father.
My Faith Place 