Podcast Summary: The Neurodivergent Experience
Episode: Mindful Mondays With Ashley Bentley: Dancing with Time — Presence Beyond the Clock
Date: September 14, 2025
Host: Ashley Bentley (Mindful Mondays segment)
Run Time (content): 01:07–31:04

Overview

This episode of "Mindful Mondays" hosted by Ashley Bentley takes a deep dive into the neurodivergent relationship with time. Rather than viewing time as an adversary or a stressful constraint, Ashley invites listeners to explore a gentler, more present-driven approach—"dancing with time" rather than battling or racing against it. With a blend of neuroscience, psychology, and Buddhist wisdom, the episode emphasizes presence, rhythm, and creating meaning in daily moments—capped with a guided meditation designed for uniquely wired, neurodivergent brains.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reframing Time for the Neurodivergent Mind

(01:07–06:35)

• Time is often experienced not as a friend but as a source of stress, especially for those with neurodivergent traits—ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences.
• Concepts like "time blindness" are common: either time vanishes or tasks feel insurmountable despite being minor.
• The episode directly addresses "time dread"—anxiety tied to the passing of time and deadlines.

Key Quote:
"What if time isn't out to get us? What if it's not a whip-cracking taskmaster or a finish line we’re always too late for? What if time is just a rhythm, a beat, a current we can learn to flow with? Time is not the enemy. It is a misunderstood dance partner."
— Ashley Bentley (03:15)

2. Time Inside the Body: Rhythms & Chemistry

(06:35–12:40)

• The body has its own cycles: circadian rhythms, neurochemistry shifts during the day.
• Dopamine and cortisol peak in the morning—ideal for analytical, structured thinking. As the day progresses, serotonin rises—inviting creativity and reflection.
• Intentional daylight exposure in the morning can help regulate energy and prevent nighttime “wired but tired” sensations.

Key Quote:
"Presence isn’t just spiritual, it’s biological. When we start listening to our body’s rhythm, we find that time isn’t just something we manage, it’s something we collaborate with."
— Ashley Bentley (11:08)

3. The Rushing Habit & the 'Hurry Up Driver'

(12:41–16:52)

• Many people, especially those who are neurodivergent, find themselves rushing—often unnecessarily.
• Ashley introduces the concept of the internal "hurry up driver," a mental habit that creates constant, low-level urgency.
• Rushing is framed as ultimately counterproductive, leading to mistakes and missed moments.

Key Quote:
"That inner voice, the one constantly urging you to go faster, do more, keep up... is not always helping you. In fact, the hurry up driver is kind of a con artist."
— Ashley Bentley (14:33)

4. Bite-Sized Buddhism: The Eternal Moment

(16:53–19:48)

• Drawing from Buddhist teachings, Ashley distills wisdom around the “eternal moment”—the idea that the only real moment is now.
• The past and future exist in memory and imagination; real living happens in present awareness.
• Presence is not about escaping reality, but embracing the richness of the moment.

Key Quote:
"The eternal moment invites us to drop the fight with time and just land right here... Presence doesn’t require peace. It creates it."
— Ashley Bentley (19:20)

5. Microdosing Meaning in Everyday Life

(19:49–24:55)

• Practical ways to infuse more meaning into the ordinary: turn routines (like making tea or washing dishes) into mindful rituals.
• Meaning isn’t about seeking bigger experiences, but noticing the depth in small, regular moments.

Key Quote:
"Treat these little moments in our life, especially the ones you may not usually enjoy, as the most divine ceremony... We are able to choose the context of everything in our life."
— Ashley Bentley (23:19)

• Ashley reads a passage inspired by Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, emphasizing true presence in the simplest of tasks.

Notable Quote:
"If you are doing the dishes to be done with them, then you are not truly doing the dishes. And that applies to so much of life, doesn’t it?"
— Ashley Bentley, referencing Thich Nhat Hanh (24:30)

6. Presence, Rhythm, and the Neurodivergent Brain

(24:56–26:15)

• The neurodivergent mind often craves depth, novelty, and connection. Presence provides access to all three.
• Reflection: Meaning comes from noticing, not doing more.

Key Insight:
"If time isn’t the enemy, what is it? It’s a space, a rhythm, a canvas, a presence partner. And you don’t need to dominate it, you just need to dance with it."
— Ashley Bentley (25:35)

Guided Meditation: "Dancing with Time"

(26:16–31:04)

• Ashley leads a vivid, imaginative meditation: listeners visualize time not as a deadline or pressure, but as an inviting dance partner in a "ballroom of time."
• Imagery includes floating on the river of time, wandering in the garden of one’s life through the changing seasons of the mind and body.
• The meditation stresses releasing guilt, rushing, and embracing individual rhythms.

Notable Quotes:

• "You were never meant to chase time. You were meant to dance with it." (27:15)
• "You are not behind. You are not broken. You are not failing at time. You are moving with it. And that is enough." (30:37)
• "Your nervous system doesn't need you to be on time. It needs you to feel safe in time." (30:54)

Memorable Moments & Takeaways

• Ashley’s Integration of Science, Spirituality, and Practical Tips: The episode delivers a rare, gentle blend, making complexity feel accessible and profoundly human.
• Reframing Unloved Tasks: Through both example and guided meditation, listeners are encouraged to transform their experience of time and daily routines.
• Permission to Go At One’s Own Pace: A thread through the episode is the gentle permission to slow down, be present, and allow for personal rhythms rather than external pressures.
• Invitation for Next Week: Ashley hints that the following episode will explore “letting go of the shoulds” and relief from internal pressure.

Navigation / Timestamps of Key Segments

• Opening & Purpose – 01:07–03:15
• Reframing Time – 03:16–06:35
• Biological Rhythms & Presence – 06:36–12:40
• The Rush Habit & ‘Hurry Up Driver’ – 12:41–16:52
• Bite-Sized Buddhism: Eternal Moment – 16:53–19:48
• Microdosing Meaning – 19:49–24:55
• Notable Thich Nhat Hanh Quote – 24:30
• Presence and the Neurodivergent Brain – 24:56–26:15
• Guided Meditation: Dancing with Time – 26:16–31:04

For Listeners:
This episode offers a comforting, practical, and inspiring approach to time management and presence, tailored for neurodivergent experience—but universally resonant. Ideal for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life or looking to reclaim meaning in the everyday.