How To Enter Into The Flow State

Many desire to know how to enter into the flow state so that life takes on a more harmonious nature. The question is are we willing to pay the price to achieve this state?

Let’s discuss some of the details involved in achieving this state so that we can then decide if is worth the time and effort. We can still be very productive without getting into the flow of things, but it is a bit more stressful and less enjoyable.

How to Enter into the Flow State — Zoning Out

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

— Lao Tzu —

Let’s zone out a bit and discuss what this flow state is in the first place. The flow state is also recognized as “being in the zone”. We are totally focused and immersed in what we are doing to the point of losing track of time and feeling extremely contented and satisfied.

A psychologist by the name of Mihály Csíkszentmihályi is known to be the first person to do research in this area.

It happens most easily when no effort is made to attain it, and it occurs naturally as a result of being engrossed in an enjoyable and/or interesting activity.

The best way to achieve this state is to be totally clear on what we desire to achieve and then let go and take action toward achieving that objective. If it is really something that is important to us we will be totally focused and engrossed and increase the likelihood of the flow state.

For those who would like a few practical steps, here we go:

• Be totally clear that the activity chosen is really what you want to do and have a passion for
• Put focus on the process of the activity and don’t be concerned with the outcome
• Allow for surprises along the way and be willing to adapt to new input
• Do this when rested and not tired
• Take as many breaks as desired during the activity to avoid overwork and stress. It’s also okay not to feel the need for a break because of the enjoyment of the activity.
• Create a distraction-free environment to avoid interruptions
• Stay centered in the present moment. Ask, “Am I present now?“
• Do this process on a regular basis so that it becomes a routine
• Stay well-nourished and hydrated to allow our brain to function best
• Be patient and allow its natural occurrence

A Few Benefits of the Flow State

Now let’s review a few of the benefits from getting into the flow of things on a regular basis.

• Reduced stress and worry is a big one. When in the flow there is no room for any distracting thoughts that would pull us away from our pure enjoyment of the moment
• An improved mindset occurs when we enter the flow state on a regular basis. We more easily acquire new skills and gain a deeper understanding of our abilities and talents. This enhances our learning capabilities as well.
• Improved performance naturally occurs as a result of being in the flow and we witness this in our studies, work, and sports activities.
• Much happier on a daily basis as we enjoy our everyday activities more when we are in the flow.
• We experience increased productivity as we are more effective and efficient in getting stuff done.
• Increased focus allows us to do better work and avoid any distractions.
• We find that our creative juices begin to “flow” on a more consistent basis as ideas and solutions more easily emerge into our consciousness.
• A greater sense of accomplishment occurs as we are more focused on how far we have progressed and what we have learned along the way with a knowingness that the desired end result is just a matter of time.
• Overall well-being improves in all areas of our lives as we appreciate all that we have and all that is on its way to us. An authentic sense of gratitude fills our entire being.

How to Enter into the Flow State When Resistance is High

Especially when getting started there is going to be resistance to changing old habits and doing new things in order to generate the flow state. That is why it is extremely important to choose an activity that is meaningful and enjoyable so that we are more willing to face and deal with the challenges.

Again, as I have mentioned in several articles prior to this, any sort of resistance is based on fear. We are afraid to fail and dread the thought that things may get worse.

Now when the resistance shows up it’s important not to get blown away and kill the thought of making progress toward the flow in our head before we even get going. The most important first step is to break the inertia and the tiniest step will do just that.

In addition, here are a few more ideas to help deal with and eliminate the resistance.

Losing the Resistance

• Take “small” steps to break the inertia. This gets us started and more inspired to begin when we see the process as manageable. It’s all about focusing on one task at a time and feeling good about each accomplishment along the way.
• Have clarity about our specific goals that are based on heartfelt desire and passion.
• Allow the resistance to surface without “resisting the resistance”, which is a double-whammy. We can now identify the resistance for what it is by tracing the thoughts and feelings back to the core belief(s) responsible for them.
• Address the cause of the resistance [core belief(s)] rather than the symptoms.
• Get help with this as needed from a coach, mentor, family member, or friend.
• Stay centered and in the present moment by reminding ourselves to do so by asking, “Am I present now?” as often as we remember.
• Be aware of our thoughts, words, and actions and replace them with positive statements when needed.
• Visualize the ideal state and result and then let it go with positive expectations.
• Eat healthy, exercise, and stay hydrated.
• Avoid distractions by creating a private and positive space.
• Practice identifying and eliminating the resistance on a consistent basis.

Resistance to our positive efforts and change is a blessing in disguise and it is proof that we are making progress by getting the attention of our ego-based fear beliefs. Instead of remaining out of focus we get to view them and then consciously choose to make positive changes.

Showing Others How to Enter into the Flow State

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”

— Rabindranath Tagore —

 

Life is all about sharing what we learn as well as learning from others. We are all both students and teachers.

I have said many times over the twenty-plus years of working in mental health with children and adults that I learned so much more than the positive seeds I planted with the people I was honored to serve.

Once we have achieved being in the flow on a consistent basis, there is no better gift than sharing this with others. We begin by “walking our talk” and being a visible positive example of expressing the happiness and joy that results from being in the flow.

There is no greater joy in life than sharing our tangible and intangible gifts with others so that they are more easily able to break free from limiting beliefs and grow as a person while getting into the flow of life. Once we develop this habit and give freely to others we come to a wonderful realization:

We are actually giving to ourselves because, in the greater reality, we are All One and United in this great Creative Process.

When this becomes experiential and not merely theoretical, we open to a whole new dimension of joy, Being, and blessings.

May we all let go and enter the flow which is the zone of preference for sure.

Peace & Love within the Light,

Joseph William

P.S. As we enter the Flow of Life and regain our True Energy to Create, let’s Design a Life that Serves Others in an Online Business based on Integrity and Authenticity. Join a Community of Achievers by CLICKING HERE NOW.

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