What is Flow State? Changing our understanding of Mindfulness.
Many of us can relate to the fast-paced, distracting environment that today’s world can be. Finding a state of deep focus and engagement in our lives we want to live seems increasingly elusive. It can feel impossible to do the tasks or activities we want to do, simply because we struggle to pay attention to them. However, unlocking that full potential and truly immersing ourselves into our favourite tasks is something we can learn, and its impact is incredible. Flow state, that allows you to lose track of time, disregarding distractions and engage fully with the time at hand, is a type of mindfulness that doesn’t necessarily require you to sit and meditate, and it feels amazing. It boosts not only your focus, but your creativity and ability to engage with yourself and others, overall increasing your life satisfaction. Though this term is not new, as you will come to learn, it’s a trick that many people overlook but has the power to empower us all.
The term "flow" was coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the father of positive psychology. Csikszentmihalyi studied this phenomenon as part of his broader investigation into what makes life worth living. He named this immersive experience "flow" because, during interviews, many people described it as akin to flowing along with a river. It is a state where everything seems to align effortlessly, and you become one with the task at hand.
Several factors contribute to achieving flow state. First and foremost, having clear goals and receiving immediate feedback is crucial. Additionally, intense, and focused concentration on a specific task, along with a balance between your skills and the challenges presented, enhances the flow experience. Feeling a sense of personal control and agency over the task, losing self-consciousness, and experiencing time distortion are also characteristic of flow. Furthermore, flow is an autotelic experience, meaning that the state itself is intrinsically rewarding.
The benefits of flow state are numerous. Firstly, it allows you to be more in tune with your emotions, as you become fully engaged in the present moment. The satisfaction derived from the task itself is a powerful motivator, leading to increased engagement in your work. Flow state also promotes heightened creativity, as self-consciousness diminishes, enabling you to tap into your true potential. Moreover, flow state enhances your focus in a way that enables you to perform at your best, while simultaneously instilling confidence that what you're working on is achievable.
So, how can we embrace flow state and integrate it into our lives? Firstly, we need to recognise the importance of the process rather than fixating solely on the end result. By embracing the journey, we allow ourselves to fully immerse in the present moment and appreciate the experience as it unfolds. This shift in mindset encourages a sense of curiosity, creativity, and engagement in all aspects of life.
Creating a ritual can be helpful in entering flow state. Before engaging in activities that require deep concentration, establish a series of actions that you consistently perform. This could be a short meditation, a walk, or even brewing a cup of tea. The purpose of this ritual is to signal to your brain that it is time to shift into a focused state of mind.
Eliminating distractions is another vital aspect of flow state. In today's digitally connected world, it is easy to get swept away by constant notifications and interruptions. Creating an environment conducive to flow requires minimising external disruptions and dedicating uninterrupted time to our chosen task. This can be achieved by turning off notifications, finding a quiet space, and setting boundaries with technology.
In essence, flow state and mindfulness go hand in hand. By training our minds to be more present, calm, and content through meditation and mindfulness practices, we create the ideal conditions for flow to occur. Flow state is an active and moving meditation, combining the benefits of deep focus and the joy of being fully engaged.
Flow state offers us all the opportunity to unlock our highest potential as it curates an environment of mindfulness. It creates a powerful paradigm shift in our understanding of mindfulness and personal growth, thus balancing tasks that take both challenge and skill. This therefore builds a process that lets us work towards clear goals. So, embrace this powerful concept and embark on your own journey of self-discovery, heightened creativity, and increased satisfaction. Become the highest self you have always envisioned and deserve to be.
