Welcome To The State Of Flow

If you are living in the 21st century then you have probably heard of Einstein, Mozart, Van Gogh, Steve Jobs and other geniuses. You are probably very familiar with their creations. In fact, there is a good chance you are reading this article one a device envisioned by Steve Jobs. The first question may arise: What do these icons have in common? Let’s dive in together to find out.

They all became famous because of their creations. But did you ever inquire how those creations came about? Einstein said that his most famous formula E=MC2 just came to him “from the outside” when he wasn’t even thinking about it. Mozart would write down pages of music without a single correction. Van Gogh said: “I dream of painting and then I paint my dream“. Steve Job’s vision changed our daily lives once and forever. What these great people had in common was their ability to enter the state of “flow”, a highly creative state in which ideas effortlessly flow to the mind.

Now, the second question arises. What exactly is this flow state and how do we recognize it? I bet you have already experienced it yourself but didn’t know that’s what it was. Have you ever had an experience of doing something, where everything would automatically fall into its place beautifully? Have you ever been in a state where whatever you were doing was done effortlessly, without any conscious effort or pressure on your part? You were so immersed in what you were doing that you lost all sense of time, and, for a lack of better expression, became one with the actions. Whether it was creating your listing presentation, your website, a marketing piece, creating a garden in your backyard, creating art or even just washing dishes with a sense of ease, the action doesn’t really matter. What matters is the state in which you were when these actions were happening. There’s a reason this experience was dubbed as “flow”. Just like a crystal clear creek, the actions flow through you. It feels good. No, it feels incredible! There is oneness and peace in that creative state. Next time you become aware of it, make a mental note! That mental note will serve as the return gateway into that state.

A third question may arise. If the geniuses created their masterpieces using the same state that you are familiar with, how come you haven’t created similar masterpieces? One big difference exists, which can be totally overcome. The people who we consider geniuses had learned to enter into this state deliberately, with ease. They had learned how to quiet their mind chatter and let the higher powers enter into their consciousness. And you can very well learn to do the same! It is a skill that gets perfected each time you use it.

An example is in order. When I was asked to write the first article for HRRA Magazine 4 years ago, I was a bit terrified. I’d never written anything before and English is only my 3rd language. So, needless to say, it took me a long time, probably 2-3 days to plan, research and finally complete my first article. As time went on, I came up with a method for creating the structure of each article, planning ahead and then executing. During the writing, I got glimpses of the flow for the first time. The writing of the articles became easier and easier. Shortly after starting the Motivational Corner column I felt a major shift within me. No more preparation is needed. I just sit down, and the writing happens and it usually takes about 1.5 - 2 hours, from conceiving of the topic to the completion of the article. Oftentimes, I won’t even know what the article is going to be about when I sit down to write it. It just flows!

The example above is not given as any sort of indication of me being a genius, or even an average writer, for that matter. But it is rather given to underline and signify the point that anyone can perfect the deliberate use of this state. Now let’s look at a few strategies that might help you get started.

It Can’t Be Forced. Always remember, that vigorous effort cannot lead to flow. If you are trying really hard to enter this state it won’t get you there. On the contrary, effort may push you farther away and into frustration.

It Has To Be Allowed. A major roadblock to entering the flow is the attachment to the outcome, the element of control, wanting something to be done a certain way because it’s your way. You can see that, by definition, control is opposite to the flow. You have to let go of all outcomes, remove all resistance from within, allow for your awareness to be taken over by something higher than you. Trust it. Unconditionally! Trust and surrender are the 2 magic keys that unlock the doors to the flow.

Bring Beauty To Your Aid. There is a reason why beauty elevates us. It may be a flower, the soft and sweet scent of it, a song of the ocean, a symphony by birds, a serene lake with a mirror like surface, a unique cloud formation, a waterfall, a smile of an infant’s innocent face, the warmth of the hand of your loved one, a playful piece of music, a colorful painting of nature, or simply a raindrop! When noticed, beauty uplifts us above our daily struggles into a state of awe and tranquility. Actions performed while in this state differ in quality. This is another description of flow.

The strategies above are just some signposts that may point you in the right direction, but you may know of many more, or better avenues to enter this magical kingdom. It doesn’t matter which road you take, as long as you learn how to get there.

Now the last set of questions may arise. What if you are not into creating? What if your work doesn’t require any imagination? Of what use could flow be to you? These are valid questions. My answer is, why not try? What if you discover things you didn’t know about yourself? What if you find out you’re way more than you thought you were? What if your work in the state of flow attracts attention and leads to better opportunities? And finally, above all, what if it makes you a much happier person? Well, you’ll just have to find out for yourself. If I were to bet, I would bet that you will not be disappointed with what you find.

Now, go and flow!