Ever tried visualisation only to wonder what on earth everyone else is seeing when they "picture a peaceful place"? You're not alone!

In this eye-opening chat, I'm joined by the lovely Carle who reached out after our mindfulness episode to share her experience with wellness practices as someone who is neurodivergent. She discovered there's a name for the inability to visualise images in your mind – aphantasia – and it's particularly common in people with autism and ADHD.

Carle shares her journey of trying wellness techniques and feeling like she was "doing it wrong" until discovering why traditional approaches weren't clicking. From mindfulness mishaps to finding her perfect yoga-mindfulness combo, her story is both refreshing and reassuring.

We discuss:

• What aphantasia is and how it affects mindfulness practice
• Adapting wellness techniques for neurodivergent brains
• Why group settings sometimes work better than solo practice
• How short moments of stretching and breathing can be game-changers
• Introducing wellness to children with neurodiversity

Whether you struggle with visualisation or simply fancy discovering more inclusive approaches to wellness, this warm conversation reminds us that there's no "right way" to find your calm – just your way.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Carle’s children's books: www.cjgilroybooks.co.uk

Picture colour scale: https://aphantasia.com/article/strategies/think-of-a-horse/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:48 Carle's Journey with Neurodiversity

03:17 Discovering Aphantasia

04:25 Adapting Mindfulness Practices

07:30 Yoga and Mindfulness: A Perfect Combination

23:01 The Importance of Finding the Right Instructor

24:26 Carle's Work and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening.