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Day Twenty-Four Lent Meditation: Sensing in The Wilderness, A 40-Day Spring Prayer - Autism Acceptance Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- Apr 1
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
SOULjourner,
Today, we reflect on sensing in the wilderness—a Lenten meditation on how our unique neurology + sensory experiences shape our journey. We are also weaving in the celebration of Autism Acceptance Month.
As we explore autism in this Lent series, I invite you to consider your brain + nervous system.
Do you identify as neurodivergent? Regardless of where you stand, reflecting on how your brain processes the world can be an empowering act of self-tending + grace.
Prayerfully Contemplate Your Neurology
Take a moment to contemplate one or two of these questions (you can always revisit this to ponder it little by little to avoid being overwhelmed):
How do I experience sensory input like sound, touch, taste, or light?
Take a moment to notice how your senses interact with the world. Are certain sounds soothing or overwhelming? Do textures bring comfort or discomfort? How do flavors or scents affect your mood + energy?
Are there environments or situations that feel overwhelming or calming to me?
Reflect on spaces that amplify your peace or provoke sensory overload. Is a quiet room grounding for you, or do bustling environments energize you? Consider how lighting, noise levels, and even smells influence your sense of personal rhythm.
Do I have intense monotropic fascinations?
Monotropic refers to having a singular focus on the things you love. Picture your mind as a spotlight that intensely illuminates one subject at a time, such as a cherished hobby, topic, or activity. When your attention is on something you enjoy, it feels thrilling and invigorating, allowing you to spend hours engaged without feeling bored. These are your monotropic fascinations—your brain's method of immersing itself in what brings you joy!
Do I obsess over patterns?
Consider whether patterns—whether visual, behavioral, or conceptual—capture your attention. Do you find joy in discovering order or repetition, and does this focus help you make sense of the world?
Do I find routines comforting or disruptions distressing?
Explore how structure impacts your daily life. Do routines provide security + soothe, while unexpected changes create tension? Or do you thrive in spontaneity + flexibility?
What unique strengths or challenges arise from the way my brain works?
Celebrate the ways your brain excels—whether through creativity, problem-solving, empathy, or hyperfocus. At the same time, reflect on areas where you may need extra support, such as managing sensory overload or navigating social expectations.
What Falls Under Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence encompasses a wide range of cognitive + sensory variations. As we explore ourselves, let's acknowledge that neurodivergence often overlaps.
Many individuals experience multiple neurodivergent traits simultaneously, such as ADHD + autism (AuDHD), dyslexia + dyspraxia, or OCD + ADHD. This co-occurrence can amplify challenges, yet it also reveals the richness + complexity of our neurodiversity.
Understanding these overlaps is essential for providing support while fostering empathy + inclusive environments that accommodate our unique experiences.
Disclaimer: As an autistic wife/mom married to an ADHD brain husband and parenting several autistic + ADHD children, we do not view ADHD + autism as deficits or disorders.
Instead, we embrace the neurodiversity paradigm, which recognizes these as natural variations in neurodevelopment—beautiful ways of being that enrich the tapestry of humanity.
Of course, the way many of our societies are structured, these traits may present challenges in certain environments. Yet, they also bring profound strengths + unique perspectives—worthy of celebration + respect.
Neurodivergent individuals enrich our world with creativity, innovative thinking, attention to detail, hyperfocus, and deep empathy. Recognizing these contributions allows us to foster more inclusive spaces where every brain is valued for its distinct gifts.
Here are a few:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Defined by challenges in social communication and sensory sensitivities. However, I disagree with it being labeled as a disorder, despite its pathological designation in the DSM-5.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Involves executive function challenges, particularly in attention and impulse control. Again, I oppose the classification of ADHD as a an attention disorder or deficit. Rather, it's a challenge of regulating attention on demand or at will. ADHD souls possess heightened sensitivity to attention.
Autism with ADHD (AuDHD): A co-occurrence of autism and ADHD, where traits from both intersect, creating unique strengths and challenges.
Tourette Syndrome: A neurological condition marked by involuntary movements and vocalizations.
Dyslexia: Learning affected by reading and spelling challenges.
Dyspraxia: Affects coordination and motor skills.
Dyscalculia: Impacts numerical understanding and arithmetic skills.
Dysgraphia: Affects written expression, including handwriting and organizing thoughts.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Difficulty processing sensory information.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
Bipolar Disorder: A mood disorder with alternating periods of depression and mania.
Synesthesia: A condition where senses overlap, such as associating sounds with colors.
Hyperlexia: An advanced ability to read at an early age, often with intense fascination with patterns.
Meares-Irlen Syndrome: Perceptual processing affected by visual information interpretation.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Difficulty understanding auditory information despite normal hearing.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): An anxiety-driven need to avoid everyday demands.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): An intense emotional response to perceived rejection often seen in autism, AuDHD, and ADHD.
Down Syndrome: A genetic condition causing developmental delays and disabilities.
Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Someone who experiences heightened sensitivity to sensory input, emotions, and environmental stimuli. They process information deeply, exhibit strong empathy, and often require solitude to manage overstimulation and differentiate their feelings from others’.
Whether you identify with these traits or are simply curious about your patterns, exploring your neurology can deepen your understanding of yourself + others.
Approach this reflection with patience + compassion—you don’t need to fit neatly into a "label" to honor how your brain + nervous system work. Each person’s journey is unique.
A Blessing - Sensing in The Wilderness
This Lenten season...
May you awaken to the nourishing textures, sounds, and scents that speak to your soul, encountering the Good Shepherd's patience + compassion on a wild path that is uniquely yours to travel.
May your senses be heightened to the beauty around you, guiding you deeper into the heart of God.
May your journey be filled with intimate moments of shalom, joy, and connection—whether in solitude or community, whether in untethering or in clinging. May you always remember that whether you are sensing your belovedness or bewilderment, you are seen, heard, and valued Youniquely as you.
Amen + Asé
For April's National Autism Acceptance Month, affirm: "In this inclusive collective, I am seen, heard, and valued. Autism is not a limitation but a source of empowerment + self-expression. I will celebrate my so-not-typical self."
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring The So Not Typical Soul Care Kit
A so-not-typical gift set to celebrate neurodivergence. Being typical is not the standard. Acceptance is. It's more than a gift set—a soul care sanctum.
As you embark on this journey with The 'So Not Typical' Collection, remember that Neuro ARTvocacy + empathy matters.
You're investing in a somatic practice of soul care to amplify your peace.
INCLUDED IN THE SOUL CARE KIT GIFT SET: Free Gift Wrapping included
1x - 8oz Non-toxic, Luxury Coconut Soy Wax, Candle (pick your essential oil scent)
1x - Pair of socks
3x - Assorted Greeting Cards: My momma is autistic, So not typical, Infinite spectrum of acceptance - 4.25 x 5.5 tent-style cards with luxe, embossed envelopes, nestled in a satin peach drawstring pouch
1x - College-ruled Journal, Bingo-guided back cover, ridiculously soft covers
1x - Faux Feather Pen
1x - Gold Electric Candle Warmer
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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