I suppose this is a great subject for finally posting something after a hiatus of over a year! Guilt is something that those of us with ADHD, and most people in general, are quite familiar with. For those of us with ADHD, the guilt is often because of not doing something we wanted or needed to do. It’s hard to keep up with all the different directions that our brains pull us in. You can see an example of this in my previous blog post about wanting to do ALL the things!
For me as a Druid, this takes the form of guilt for not going all out with ritual and reverence during the Solstices, Equinoxes, or cross-quarter holidays that us Pagans tend to celebrate (collectively referred to as the Wheel of the Year). And for not completing my Druid studies in a timely manner. No matter what I’m working on, I’m always feeling guilty for not working on other things that I need to work on. When I stop to think about it rationally, this is a useless feeling because nobody can do everything at once.
Last night during a meditation (and I may have had some help from a plant ally called cannabis), I came to a realization that was incredibly powerful for me. I’m sure it’s a simple thing and not that profound for many, but I’m sharing it here with the hope that it might resonate with and become a helpful reminder for someone.
My realization was that I shouldn’t feel guilty for neglecting my Druid studies and practices. For not always doing the Sphere of Protection every day. For missing some of the wheel of the year holidays. For taking over two years to finish my first-year degrees in OBOD and AODA. I’m not just a Druid when I’m doing my rituals and curriculum. I’m a Druid all the time. And I’m becoming more of a Druid every day.
While they do take time away from my “Druid studies”, the courses, certifications, and projects that I work on are all part of what makes me a Druid. For some examples, my Naturalist/Environmental Steward certification last year has made me a better steward of the land. This year I’m working on certification as a Forest Therapy Guide, which will allow me to fulfill my purpose of connecting people with nature, hopefully inspiring them to be better stewards of the land as well. And it’s not just my environmental pursuits that make me a Druid. I’m learning how to run a web design business as a nonprofit model because I believe that small businesses deserve great websites even if they can’t afford one. This aligns with my Druidry as I practice it by making the world better in whatever small ways I can.
Embracing this broader view of my Druid practice has given me a sense of peace. It’s a reminder that our spiritual paths are not confined to specific rituals or milestones, but are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Each action we take, each project we undertake, contributes to our growth and aligns with our values. So no matter what I’m working on, I’m living my Druidry.
Wishing you all a Blessed Solstice from under the fiery madrone trees.
/|\ Kendria
Header image by HeungSoon
About the Author
Kendria is a Druid and Hedge Witch. She is a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD), the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF), and the Gnostic Celtic Church (GCC). She has ADHD and ASD. Kendria is also a Certified Naturalist and is in training to become a Forest Therapy Guide. Her favorite activities include hiking, camping, and singing. She lives with her husband in Sacramento, California.
Rae
You have no idea how much I needed this article today. I searched ADHD and Druidry and your blog came up. I have been struggling with everything mentioned here.
Keeping up with studies and the wheel of the year has had me in so much guilt that it had actually worked against me. Feeling like I’m a terrible druid. But I’m not. I’m still a druid, just one with ADHD.
Today I’m trying to find ways to work with my ADHD and Druidry.
Thank you for this.
I’ll be reading more of your articles.
Blessings,
Rae /|\
Kendria Madrone
Thanks so much, Rae for the kind words! I’m glad the article was helpful for you. I sometimes have to re-remind myself of the things I wrote here because I’m so hard on myself when I don’t keep up with my studies or practices. That seems to be a common thread for those of us with ADHD unfortunately.
I don’t post on this blog as often as I’d like to, but please enjoy what’s here!
Autumn Blessings,
Kendria