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Begin (Again) at the Beginning

Why the Zen of Information Science?

At age 50, I was diagnosed as being severely ADHD.  For me, this was not the discovery of a dis-ease as much as it was confirmation about the unique ways that my brain processes information.  I do not subscribe to the notion of ADHD as a “disability” or “disorder.”  I do, however, recognize that my mental processes rarely follow well-established paths.  I believe this is a great gift and strength. At the same time, this can be challenging whenever I attempt to “fit in” to an established program or activity.

One tool which has proven quite useful to me as an Adult with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity is the practice of mindfulness. I find it quite useful to pause frequently during the course of the day, in order to notice my surroundings, to breathe deeply, to register my feelings of the moment, to take inventory of the “now.”

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As a fledgling librarian this summer, in two new library environments, I have drifted away from this habit, which has caused no end of tension and confusion for me.  Passion, creativity and vision are essential to my work, but without an active practice of mindfulness I lose ground in organization and time management.

As I take on the challenges and opportunities of the MLIS curriculum, I believe it is more important than ever for me to weave mindfulness throughout my work, school, creative, and family activities every day. In this way, I can enjoy the process of integrating newly acquired skills, knowledge, and best practices in a more holistic (less stressful) manner.  I will also be able to balance all my life activities harmoniously.

So, for tonight, I begin again at the beginning.

Step 1.

Just breathe.


Comments

One response to “Begin (Again) at the Beginning”

  1. Karen Hesterwerth Avatar
    Karen Hesterwerth

    The topic of Mindfulness was introduced to me by my daughter a few months ago. I have found it to be an interesting journey and a useful tool for dealing with stress. I’m still working through the book she passed on to me and still have a great deal to learn. Focused breathing has become a major “mantra” during my day. Balancing all the activities in life in a harmonious way takes a great deal of work and compromise. I will enjoy following you blog.