Have you ever been so absorbed in a task that you lose track of time and the outside world? That deep focus is known as a flow state. It’s a feeling of being totally in the groove, completely immersed in the joy and excitement of whatever you’re doing.
Ben (Bentinho Massaro) often talks about how tapping into your flow state is key to living a more fulfilling life. When you’re in your flow, you’re not focused on your circumstances. You’re not worried about what’s happening around you or caught up in the mundane details of daily life. Instead, you’re plugged into something greater – your creativity, passion, and joy.
Think about it: when you’re entirely present in a state of excitement or bliss, does it really matter to you what’s happening in the physical world? Ben suggests that things can even be taken away from you, and it still wouldn’t faze you because your primary focus is your own joyful state of being. That’s true freedom.
Unfortunately, we’re often encouraged to focus on our circumstances. This focus creates a sense of separation and can make us feel like victims of life. But Ben reminds us that the opposite is true. When we step away from our focus on things and circumstances, we are actually plugged into something much more powerful. Being present in this space is essential.
So, how do you access your flow state? The key is to find something that genuinely excites you, something that inspires you, something that you feel passionate about. It could be anything, from a creative project to a sport to time spent in nature. Whatever it is, it must light you up!
When you find that thing, allow yourself to get fully absorbed in it. Forget about the past and the future. Just be in the present moment, enjoying what’s happening right now. The more you tap into this state, the easier it gets, and soon you’ll be flowing with effortless energy.
This might sound simple, but quieting the mind and staying present takes practice. Here are some ways to dive deeper into your flow state:
- Minimize distractions: Put your phone on silent, find a quiet space, and let others know you need focused time.
- Start small: Don’t try to force hours of flow right away. Begin with 10-minute increments of focused activity you enjoy.
- Engage your senses: If you’re painting, notice the vibrant colors and the feel of the brush against the canvas. If you’re dancing, feel the rhythm of the music move through your body.
- Let go of expectations: Don’t get caught up in how well you “think” you should be doing. Focus on the pure joy of the activity itself.
- Embrace mistakes: If you stumble or make a misstep, don’t let it derail your flow. Simply acknowledge it, adjust, and keep going.
- Practice gratitude: Take a moment to appreciate the feeling of being fully present and engaged.
The more you train your mind to be present and focus on the enjoyment of the activity, the easier it becomes to access your flow state. This effortless energy will then spill over into other areas of your life, creating a sense of overall well-being and fulfillment.
Quotes:
“The only way to effectively create and expand is to tune into yourself, to be tapped in to being psyched, to be free from circumstances.” – Bentinho Massaro
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“Don’t seek, don’t search, don’t ask, don’t knock, don’t demand – relax. If you relax, it comes. If you relax, it is there. If you relax, you start vibrating with it.” – Osho
Spiritual Reference:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25
The Tao Te Ching emphasizes the concept of “wu-wei,” or effortless action. This aligns perfectly with the idea of flow, where action arises naturally from being in tune with your inner state.
Zen Buddhism: Zen practice often focuses on mindfulness and being fully present in the current moment. This is a key element to accessing your flow state.