Flow happens when I am working on something I really like to do: My passion or something that is very close to who I am. It does not happen all the time, but when it does I shift into overdrive. It’s like magic happening and a true peak experience.
When in flow, I am 100% focused and concentrated on what I’m doing, nothing and no one can disturb me. I’m living in the moment, in the now. Things go natural and with ease. Ideas get generated one after the other without any effort; I am not even thinking them, they seem to come to me. Nothing can go wrong. Time does no longer exist when in flow. No effort is necessary; It’s like the universe is supporting me in any way possible. My body and mind are perfectly aligned. Flow gives me energy.
Flow is a state that is very close to who we naturally are; our true, authentic self. Flow is a powerful state to be in. We feel very good when in flow and it is an indicator that what we’re doing is good for us. We should cherish it as flow is an indicator that we are on the right track; Fulfilling our destiny or purpose for existence.
Luckily most people have experienced the flow state, even for only once: It’s a true and powerful experience to have. It feels like being invincible. Athletes experience flow when they know they are winning; they simply know. They often call it The Zone. When in flow, they know nothing can go wrong and no one can beat them.
Wouldn’t it be nice to experience flow more often?
As explain above flow happens when we are doing things (and thinking thoughts) that are good for us. Our body and feelings are the perfect indicators for this. Our natural state is that of peace and joy. We experience resistance or stress when we move away from this. When there is much stress and internal resistance, things become more difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. Stress is the opposite of flow. Stress makes you feel tired. Unfortunately, for most people, this is the dominant state they are in.
Never ignore flow and do not take it for granted. Listen to what your body is telling you. If you are experiencing flow, make an effort to remember what it was that brought you into this state. Keep a log an see if you can notice a pattern. A good chance that flow is directly linked to the things you are passionate about.
Concentrate on your passion(s) in life, spend more time with the people you love. Do more of the things you are good at and things you like to do. Do less of the things that give you stress; things you are not good at and you do not feel passionate about. This is the recipe for a better life. A life with more flow.
Nice article – top performing athletes work very closely to get in this state. Don’t pyschologists call it “unconsciously competent” – where someone can do something well without thinking about it – like driving a car
amateurs practice ’till they get it right, pros ’till they can’t get it wrong.
i love the flow state, or being ‘in the zone’. it’s such an awesome feeling.