Executive functions are cognitive abilities that can be affected by neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity or autism spectrum disorders. Find out how mindfulness meditation can support the executive function of inhibition control, which is involved in managing attention, behavior, emotions, and thoughts.

Access episode transcripts and more meditation resources on MDLWAY.com.

This episode of the Meditation, Doing, and Learning way (MDLWAY) audio feed considers how insight meditation and mindfulness practice can support working the executive functions of memory updating and mental set shifting (or task switching). The preceding episode (12) explores inhibition.

Find episode transcripts and more meditation resources on MDLWAY.com.

Walking meditation is a traditional mode of practice that could resonate with some neurodiverse meditators. Individuals who experience symptoms of attention disorders, engage in stimming motions, or simply prefer to meditate in motion might want to try walking practice. Find out how to do formal walking meditation and two alternative approaches.

Access episode transcripts and more meditation resources on MDLWAY.com.

If meditation is simple, but not easy, why would it be worthwhile to learn how to meditate and make regular practice a part of your life? 

Discover some internal and external possibilities of meditation and survey 20 recent studies and reviews on meditation in the fields of cognitive science, neuroscience, and psychology. Links to all of the studies mentioned in this episode are available in the transcript on MDLWAY.com.

Open monitoring exercises are relatively simple ways to practice the core skills of insight or mindfulness meditation. This episode describes how to watch the mind and scan the body.

Find episode transcripts and more meditation resources on MDLWAY.com.

Concentration is an essential skill that supports awareness for insight (or mindfulness) practice and deeper focus in tranquility meditation. Find out how meditation can engage and build this skill, even if a meditator experiences symptoms of attention disorders. This episode also introduces a technique: concentrated awareness of breathing.

Access episode transcripts and more meditation resources on MDLWAY.com.

Introducing the meditation, doing, or learning way (MDLWAY): a neurodiverse approach that brings current cognitive and neuroscience research to bear on meditation methods and techniques dating back 25 centuries. Listen to find out more about the MDLWAY.

Awareness is the basis of insight (or mindfulness) meditation. Meditators can use this skill alongside concentration to become and stay focused. 

Find out why awareness matters during meditation, which form of awareness can be most beneficial, and how to build this skill by practicing mindful breathing and counting breaths.

Access a transcript of this episode and more meditation resources on MDLWAY.com.

This episode considers why new meditators should try still – and particularly seated – practice, and explores some factors that could be relevant for neurodivergent meditators. Find out more about five steps to practice any meditation method or technique while seated.

A transcript of this episode and other meditation resources are available on MDLWAY.com.

Any movement or action can serve as an invitation to practice mindfulness. This episode builds on the introduction to walking meditation in episode 7 by extending mindfulness in (and of) motion to awareness of changes in posture and clear comprehension of action.

Find episode transcripts and more meditation resources on MDLWAY.com.