EPISODE 43
Meditation, Zen and Autism: The Journey of Anlor Davin
Meditation, Zen and Autism: The Journey of Anlor Davin
Play the Episode…
…and Continue the Discussion
Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.
1) Anlor spoke of her life prior to her autism diagnosis, growing up in France and immigrating to the US. Diagnosis later in life is now common for many autistic adults. What similarities or differences are there between Anlor’s journey, and thje experiences of other later diagnosed autistic people you know or have read about?
2) Anlor talks of the benefits of meditation for autistic people. Do you know of an autistic person who is currently engaging in meditation or other mindfulness practices? Given your experiences as a parent, autistic individual or parent, are there any aspects of meditation that you feel would be of benefit specific to you or a person you know well?
3) There are many myths and inaccuracies about the autistic experience. Has Anlor’s life experience and work in meditation and mindfulness help to provide more “evidence” for shattering some of these myths?
Featuring
ANLOR DAVIN
Anlor Davin is an autistic Zen practitioner, an author and a mother. She was diagnosed in 2010 at age 46, a life-changing, and life-saving, event she traces to her Zen practice. She grew up on the West Coast of France and immigrated to the United States in her 20s. Upon arrival to the United States in 1987, Anlor lived in Chicago, Illinois, where she married and had a son. Forever searching for answers to the challenges of an undiagnosed autistic life, she moved to San Francisco, California, in 1999. There she started a Zen practice and with proper medical care and many other supports, her life improved unexpectedly and dramatically. This healthy outcome and her later fullness of life give her a secure place to stand and reflect with greater clarity on her journey. She now lives near San Francisco with her partner, her son living nearby. She detailed some of her experiences growing up in her memoir “Being Seen”: Memoir of an Autistic Mother, Immigrant, and Zen Student, published in 2016. She teaches free online meditation primarily for autistic and neurodivergent people (but open to all), and has developed and facilitates meditation retreat weekends.
“My current life is very much infused in the Soto Zen meditation practice, I am preparing for priest ordination there.”
“I am autistic, it has been -still is- quite the journey! I am extremely grateful. to my meditation practice, without that I don’t think I’d be alive today.”
Show Notes
Anlor Davin, an autistic Zen meditation practitioner discusses her journey to finding her authentic self from her upbringing in France, to her immigration, autistic diagnosis and life in the United States. Since she has found her calling, she shares how she now provides the gift of meditation to autistic individuals through online service and weekend retreats.
For more about Anlor: