Go with the Flow!

The flow sensation is so pleasurable that the time boundaries evaporate: we forget hunger and other needs until we have fully exhausted our resources and flow’s influence is over. To recharge, a pause or an alternative activity might be beneficial. The tricky part, however, is to be able to distinguish the signal that our body sends, and consciously decide to pause or change. To do so, mindful presence is a must.

Meanwhile, it’s not hard to recognize our body’s voice – multiple unpleasant vibrations indicate that flow has been interrupted. If we continue to push, drag, press, or suffer in any other frantic manner – that’s not the flow, but rather unmet expectations or an idealized image we created in our head projecting how fast the reality should unfold and in what fashion. Such excessive effort is the reflection of high ambitions, arrogance, and need for control.

On the other hand, being withdrawn from flow too early (due to multitasking, interruptions, or underlying fear to explore our hidden potential) causes disappointment, restlessness, and occasionally even physical pain.

Imagine, how exciting it would be to move through the lifecycle playfully while cultivating productivity, joy, contentment in both leisure and work! Whereas there is hardly a cookie-cutter solution for turning on the flow mode on cue, the chances can skyrocket with a few major prerequisites.

Do what you love and love what you do.

A spiritual influencer Eckhart Tolle, the author of “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth,” suggests there are only three possible attitudes to any circumstance for a more meaningful living: Accept, Enjoy, and Be Enthusiastic. If neither can be applied, then we’d better stop what we are doing immediately. Whereas acceptance is a freeing attitude when we face unpleasant settings, enjoyment and enthusiasm organically surface when we pursue our core values and purpose. Hence, it is the most essential and graceful tactic to reach flow. When we are passionate about the process, any barrier on our route is an exciting adventure. The ultimate goal is to readily abandon anything intolerable all at once, bring in as much enjoyment as possible, and calmly accept the rest.

During the coaching session, you might find yourself reflecting on these types of inquires:

What aspects of your life do you enjoy? _________________

What aspects of your life do you feel enthusiastic about? _____

What aspects of your life can you accept? _______________

What do you choose to stop right now? _________________

Show up and be present

We are instantly mesmerized by a person who fills a room. At the very least, we cannot ignore her presence, for we feel it on a deeper level of our subconscious mind. Such individuals radiate passion, empathy, sincere curiosity in us and the situation they are currently in. Those people choose to show up and be present every single moment. They are true influencers, true leaders, true believers. They are in the flow.

When present, our mind is in stillness. Yet, it is not a passive existence which occurs when we stare at the screen or even during sleep or nap (although the last two are critical for healthy functioning). It’s rather active stillness which overarches both being and doing, as such, it is an integral part of flow. It is vital to inhabit this space of active stillness from time to time (e.g., when meditating), for then we connect to the universal energy source where our ultimate potential resides. It’s a powerful tool. If we immerse ourselves in the active stillness and wait – we will instinctively know the best next step. And with it, confidence and self-trust will surface from within.

For your self-coaching, consider:

Recall the last time you were fully present. What have you become aware of? _____________

How can you invite presence more often in your days? _____________

Prioritize and focus

What is most important now? Just ask yourself this in the morning and you set an intention for a meaningful day, each day.

Pausing to reflect on this fundamental question as often as we could, even once a day, would deeply transform our reality. Priorities and focus are intertwined with presence. It’s not about more, but rather what’s truly valuable. If we choose just a few, yet, stay present with what we chose, pay attention, take proper care of our surroundings and ourselves – the footprint behind us will shine… And we will shine with confidence and delight.

Here is a vivid priority demonstration coming from “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain. The author interviewed a professor who would hand-pick the Ph.D. students for his research group. Notably, being an A-student was not a selection criterion; the professor would rather stick with the students who had both A’s and F’s because it proved that such students prioritized and focused on the subjects they truly cared about.

Every so often, we feel a sudden urge to hide in the cave and work on something meaningful, even if only for us – to disconnect from the entire world and connect with our flow. Let’s follow this calling, the world can wait!

Meanwhile, it’s not about our superiority, but about equal respect: we put our priorities first, nonetheless, we respect the time of others.

Restore Body and Mind

Flow is a fragile substance, and so are our physical bodies and minds. Unwise exploitation will result in burnout, or even worse – a complete loss of appetite for work and life. It can take a while before we recoup our agility and vigor. While there is nothing innately wrong with hard, productive work, it is our responsibility to replenish the exhausted resources in time. But knowing when to pause is the key. Our entire body communicates with us all the time – if only we’d listen.

Preserving the intrinsic fire within us boils down to thoughtful, attentive self-care backed up by the well-balanced nutrition. Reconnecting with the body’s needs and natural rhythms via spiritual practice, meditation, and breathing techniques are the most essential and the least expensive techniques to relax. Frequently locked in the boxes of our houses, cars, and offices, we have to be reminded about the sacred, transformative force of nature and its vitality for human health and normal functioning. Fresh air and aquatic procedures will boost immunity and transform the entire organism as if it were reborn. Yet, most consequential is to be kind to ourselves by really practicing self-compassion and self-acceptance.

All these strategies help preserve and enhance the energy within us, so it freely flows supporting a balanced, harmonious living.

Listen to your body. What does it need most right now? __________________

Final thoughts

Though it is no wonder that any excessive effort depletes the energy, we habitually struggle with identifying the sweet spot where Being and Doing are in equilibrium. Yet, flow is the precise measure of this balance. When in the flow – less means more. Indeed, all sophisticated, transformative concepts and astonishing accomplishments were gradually distilled from trivial, tiny steps merely because those brilliant minds responsible for the results more often than anyone else found themselves in the flow. Notably, the body is the most reliable indicator when it comes to the flow substance.

Our multifaceted lifestyles dictate the necessity of diverse approaches when defining what our active and quiet moments are as well as when either has to prevail. The same idea holds true when it comes for the tactics we apply to reach our own flow state – they are all distinct. A powerful coaching process helps to lay out the uniquely designed ultimate strategies and serves as a trampoline for one to bounce and dive right into the flow!

Picture credits:

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