When everything else fades away
How to know when you’re in that elusive state of ‘flow’
After the global success of the ‘Ikigai’ book, the concept of ‘flow’ has been generating curiousity. What is this elusive state of ‘flow’ and how do you know when you’re in it?
Flow is when you are completely immersed in the task that you’re doing. Be clear that this need not be a creative task. It could be a mundane or everyday task too! Whether it is drafting a letter, or reading a comic book — you can be in the flow state doing any of this and so much more. It’s just what gets your brain juices flowing.
You’ll realise you are in a creative or flow state when you lose awareness of the people and environment around you. There is complete focus and attention only on one thing — that is, the activity you’re doing. Having a strong sense of passion for such activites will help your case.
I believe that the flow state is something that can be achieved through conscious effort. Try and minimise distractions in your environment, and focus your energy and your attention on a single task. In today’s smartphone-riddled world, this is absolutely necessary.
You’ll find yourself losing awareness of your surroundings, mesmerised by what you’re doing. You’ll feel as if the activity you’re doing is not in your control, but being driven by some external powers while you are just the medium. For example, writers in the state of flow would find themselves sprout word after word, sentence after sentence, without even realising. Dancers would ace every single move while performing as if there is a divine presence.
Being in a flow state is indeed quite a spiritual and healing experience. It feels like this is what you were born to do. It feels like you’re fulfilling your purpose in this world. And that is a state truly worth cherishing.
