Flow is a positive psychological state where a person is at their optimal state of focus and creativity. When we are in flow, our total concentration is directed at the current activity without any worry or distraction. One could think of flow as a sacred state of immersion where your identity dissolves and you are drawn to the spontaneous expression of your art, whatever it may be in the moment.
We may come in and out of the orbit of flow throughout the day; the goal is to learn how to get “in the zone” more often. You can flow with any activity. Whether you are writing, having a conversation, or cooking, you can listen and play along with the details and images that are present. Focus your attention on any aspect and gradually move to another, and continue to explore the sensations (sounds, colors, shapes, smells, textures, emotions, etc.) The more you involve the body’s capacity to sense and feel, the greater the understanding and the more memorable the experience can be. This is immersion.
Now in an age of massive information sharing, our minds have become vulnerable to distractions and our attention spans are wavering and fragmented. How can we maintain flow and productivity toward the activities that matter most each day within the sea of chatter? It requires a disciplined mind to identify and commit to the essentials of everyday life without necessarily getting frustrated when things do not go as planned.
Worries can damage one’s focus. Concerns about the past or anticipations of the future are part of the ego structure of the mind. Eliminate worry and get centered. Wake up to each moment as though it is brand new and you are wondering how you got here. Pay attention to the colors and arrangements of the environment and how it all fits together. This is the beauty that is offered at each moment when we get past our habitual interpretations.
Now one might ask, what about getting $hit done?! Then get it done! Just don’t suffocate your mind with worry and chatter.
So, how do we maximize flow, and minimize worry? Simply put: listen to the moment and get to work.