The Secret to Happiness
Have you ever had those moments where everything just clicks into place, where time seems to stand still, and you're completely immersed in what you're doing?
A few months ago we were here talking about mundane meditation, a practice where you make whatever activity you are doing into your whole focus. In contrast to the stillness of seated meditation, mundane meditation happens during an activity - making coffee, being with your kids, folding the laundry. But just like seated meditation, mundane meditation often takes a little effort. You choose to be present and ask your brain to focus in. But what about the feeling of effortlessly being totally engrossed in what you are doing?
That magic feeling is called flow state—a state of mind where you're fully engaged and absorbed in an activity, experiencing a perfect balance between challenge and skill and it’s another way to bring mindfulness into your everyday life.
Picture this: You're working on a project, whether it's writing, painting, cooking, running or even playing with your newborn. Suddenly, you find yourself in the zone—ideas flow effortlessly, creativity pours out of you, and you lose track of time because you're so engaged in what you're doing. That's the flow state in action, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer when it comes to feeling centered and grounded. I know, because I’m lucky to spend many days in this state while giving massage.
Why is flow so powerful? Well, when you're in flow, all distractions fade away, and you're fully present in the moment. You're not worrying about the past or the future; you're focused solely on the task at hand. This intense concentration not only boosts productivity but also brings a sense of peace and clarity to your mind. There are amazing anecdotal stories and studies that back up the power of this state of mind that psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi's has called the "secret to happiness”.
Check out his TedTalk if you are curious to learn more.
According to Kate Sweeney, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside featured in a recent NPR article, “Flow is really good for us. It gives us a lot of positive emotions, but it's also especially well-suited to times when we're really in our heads, when we're worried about the future, when we're ruminating about something and we just can't turn it off. Flow is a pretty good off switch for that kind of thinking.”
The best part? Anyone can tap into a flow state with practice and intention. It's all about finding activities that challenge you just enough to keep you focused, but that are still within your skill level. Whether it's yoga, gardening, cooking, or even just going for a walk in nature, there are countless ways to cultivate flow in your life.
That being said, if your life is anything like mine then it is full of interruptions: dings from household appliances, notifications from tech devices, the unpredictable needs of children. There are so many things in our day to day lives that can make it a challenge to have the spaciousness to find flow! While I wish that this state could just happen unexpectedly - and it sometimes does - if you are feeling scattered or overwhelmed it can also be helpful to schedule a flow state date.
Set aside some time for an activity that brings you joy and fully immerse yourself in it. Remember, the key to entering the flow state is finding activities that challenge you just enough to keep you engaged but are still within your skill level. So, don't be afraid to explore different activities and discover what resonates with you. Embrace the process, stay open-minded, and allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience. Trust me, you'll emerge feeling more centered, grounded, and ready to take on whatever life throws your way. If you’ve been there and felt that flow - let me know what it was like for you!
