A Beginner’s Guide to Flow States
A flow state is where we access creativity, deep insights, and ingenious solutions to problems logic can’t solve. Modern positive psychology also tells us that time in flow is the foundation of genuine happiness and well-being. In deeper states of flow, we discover a profound sense of oneness and connection between one another, with nature, and sometimes to the mystical or divine. Time in flow deepens our sense of meaning, of purpose, and of genuine spiritual connection. Whether we want to feel better, succeed personally, connect with a higher power, create a better world, or just figure out what to do next, flow is where we find the answers.
More about flow
Flow is conventionally thought of as a rare and elusive state, but it’s really our natural state of being. We naturally seek out flow-inducing activities when we need to reset, rejuvenate, or heal. We spend our childhoods in flow and easily slip into a flow state whenever we are fully absorbed in doing something we love. Do what you love and you will find flow. When you can’t do what you love, love what you’re doing.
The right mindset and focus is all we really need to instantly and effortlessly slip into a flow state. Learning to flow is more about remembering than learning, and we can all harness the power of flow simply by reclaiming a childlike spirit of enthusiasm, curiosity, and playfulness. To fully harness the power of flow though, we need plenty of practice and a thorough understanding of the strange and wonderful world flow states carries us into.
Finding peace
In a light flow state ordinary thinking slows. We lose track of time and space. We feel alive and elated. In deep flow, worry, hunger, and pain disappear into the blissful peace of a timeless moment. The world and our very thoughts pass by in vibrant slow motion. Feeling as if we have an eternity to process, plan and react, perfection comes with ease, yet hours flash by in the blink of an eye. We perceive ourselves as an objective witness, noticing every relevant nuance in the situation at hand while blocking everything else out. Miraculously wise insights accompanied by wildly creative solutions spontaneously arise in our minds and automatically guide our actions. This is where we connect with our intuition.
Angie Aristone, co-author of Consciousness Becomes You
Angie Aristone, co-author of Consciousness Becomes You www.angiearistone.com
