Meditation Nation...

I treat a lot of kids in my Osteo practice—from 24 hours old to teenagers—and I absolutely love it. They’re excited to see me (which, let’s be honest, is a nice ego boost), and we get to do some amazing work together.

Kids also ask the best questions. The classics include: “How old are you?” “Do you have kids?” and my personal favourite, “Do you live here?” (as if I just casually exist in the clinic like a houseplant). And of course: “Where do you get all your toys?”

A few days ago, one of my particularly fun and delightfully spicy kids asked me if I had ADHD. I said, “Yes, I do—why do you ask?” He shrugged and said he just guessed. Then he added that I didn’t look like someone with ADHD and asked how I “do it.”

Honestly, fair question. Also—impressive.

I told him the same thing I tell my yoga students and many of the adults in my practice who are navigating their own neurodiversity: I meditate.

Every morning, I sit for about 10 minutes—longer if I have the time—and just breathe. Inhale, exhale. That’s it. No bells, no chanting, no floating off into enlightenment (yet). Just me, my breath, and a commitment to sitting still…ish.

I do other things too, but meditation is the one thing that really keeps me grounded and focused. It sets the tone for my entire day. Is it always peaceful? Absolutely not.

This morning, for example, my dog kept wandering by to lick my arm (apparently my lotion was Michelin-star worthy). Then the cat decided my back was the perfect meditation cushion and started purring at a volume I can only describe as “industrial.” I’m fairly certain she believes she’s contributing to the experience.

Even on less chaotic days, my mind doesn’t always cooperate—but that’s kind of the point.

If I’m having a particularly unfocused day at work, I’ll sneak in a few minutes of meditation in my office. Door closed, sitting on the treatment table or the floor, just breathing. It’s like hitting a reset button.

At the end of that session, my curious little client asked if he could meditate and how to do it. I LOVED that.

I chatted with his mom and suggested they could add it to their morning or bedtime routine—but for kids, we’re talking one to two minutes, max. Keep it simple. She can gently guide him with cues like “breathe in” and “breathe out” or “inhale” and “exhale.”

So, if you’ve got a bit of neuro-spicy in your life—or just a busy mind that refuses to take a day off—try sitting and breathing. Start with a minute or two and build from there.

No special skills required. No perfect conditions needed.

Just you… and maybe your very enthusiastic pets, apparently.