[NeuroDiverse] Beads?

[Huichan]

Hi everyone. Just wondering if anyone with ASD/ADHD has found beads useful in their sitting practice to help with the excess energy that neurodivergent people often have? I've always had an issue with not being able to stay still in my practice, which I previously only associated with physical issues (which it definitely is related to). Now I'm suspecting it's more of an ASD thing. So, I'm wondeing if a smaller movement of using beads in one hand can help me keep most of my body still. If anyone has any experience or tips on this, then it would be really appreciated.


慧禅
stlah

[Junsho]

Hi Huichan,

Honestly, for my anxiety/panic disorder just zazen worked to reduce the effects, as well the attitude to do every action with zazen mind. This during the years increased my focus dramatically.

I don't have ADHD but I have a strong guess that if you use beads with zazen mind, it might help.

Gassho!
SatLah

[Ryumon]

How about baodong balls? Not the big metal ones that make noise; I have a pair of small jade balls. I find them useful when I'm in thinking mode in my work, brainstorming and the like. Although there might be too much movement to use when sitting.

Gassho,

Ryūmon (Kirk)

Sat Lah

[Kokuu]

Hi everyone. Just wondering if anyone with ASD/ADHD has found beads useful in their sitting practice to help with the excess energy that neurodivergent people often have? I've always had an issue with not being able to stay still in my practice, which I previously only associated with physical issues (which it definitely is related to). Now I'm suspecting it's more of an ASD thing. So, I'm wondeing if a smaller movement of using beads in one hand can help me keep most of my body still. If anyone has any experience or tips on this, then it would be really appreciated.


慧禅
stlah

Interesting question!

I don't use them when sitting but during the day I have found they can be helpful in providing somewhat of a soothing element for both my pain and ADHD brain (for accuracy I am not formally diagnosed with ADHD but two of my kids are who are like me).

The urge to move during sitting due to neurodiversity is interesting and I will ask my autistic priest friend Anlor whether she has anything to say about that.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[Tai Shi]

I have had bipolar disorder all my life and chronic pain all my life and zazen (Shikantaza) has helped change my attitude so much. I have so much. I can go most of the day without complaining. If you want you could just practice along with the kids groups for a while. I began working with a group and I am still working with a few people.
gassho
Tai Shi

[Taigen]

No harm in trying it! Similar fidgets help me during meetings, I also find acupressure rings helpful (honestly, a tad painful, but the effect is fairly grounding for me). Kinhin could also be a good alternative, at least at first?

Gassho,
Taigen
SatLah

[Onki]

This is an interesting question indeed!

Personally, I have ADHD and I’ve never used them during Zazen, but that’s just me. I have combined ADHD which does cause me to be fidgety and restless.

When sitting, I try my best to sit still. However, I do fidget during the day, especially any time I need to really focus on something such as a meeting and during therapy. I have heard that fidgeting during these times can actually help with information retention as well as absorbing the material being presented.

But fidgeting during Zazen… hmm…

Gasshō,

On

[Huichan]

Thanks for the suggestions, I feel like I've found something that works for me at the moment.

I got some acupressure rings Taigen. Not for sitting but just through the day and find them really useful, so thanks for the suggestion.

Another thing I have realised is that in China, there are often these bamboo boards that people use to rest their hands on. I've always seen them around but never paid them much thought before. They are to help with keeping cool in hot weather but seem useful for those who want more of a sense of touch too. Not sure if they're used much in Japan...
IMG_20250403_102624.png

慧禅
stlah

[Jundo]

. Not sure if they're used much in Japan...

No, I have not seen them here.

Gassho, J
stlah

[Shinkon]

Having ASD, I found zazen to be my elixir. When I incorporated a mala into practice, I found myself using it to keep track of bell and instruments as a doan. I would have put the beads away in order not to fiddle with them during zazen.
That's been my personal experience. I hope you find something that eases practice.

Gassho,
shinkon
satlah