I attended a discussion on the topic of “flow” or what some people refer to as “the zone.” We discussed our fascination with professional athletes, musicians, and experts who palpably create magic. Often fans identify the energy as the “it factor,” when we see someone excelling in the sweet spot. Is being in the zone solely for the gifted or can we mere mortals learn the tricks of the trade?
Going with the flow
We all have the ability to access flow, although some of us are more tuned in than others. Flow is a state of being, an environment where one loses track of time and space. It is the state where brilliance is born. Flow begins at the point of concentration. Flow occurs in the midst of a shower or while communing with nature. We experience flow racing our bike downhill, with wind blowing on our face. Looking back, while singing professionally at a young age, I now understand that when I performed, I went into the zone. I went completely inside myself. I became unaware of my surroundings, only feeling the elation of embodying the song. Each of us has a talent or gift which takes us to this place; our most important task in life is discovering what that is.
Points of entry
A skill we want to acquire here is how to put ourselves into the zone more often. Productivity soars in the zone, along with a stream of pure effortlessness. As a writer, it helps me to identify my inspiration before sitting down to a blank page. When I hear someone say something intriguing during a conversation or a line in a movie we are watching, I pause and capture the idea. It is much easier for me to initiate flow on a subject I know I have already been inspired by. One of the recommendations I use in accessing the zone is taking a break. When engaged in an activity that is not flowing, stopping to take a walk, shift gears, or change your environment can reignite flow.
Jumping hurdles
Equally as important as learning techniques of entry is awareness of what blocks us. The most common block that keeps the zone at bay is fear; fear of anything or everything. Plain and simple, fear keeps us out of flow! Think about it…whenever we go into fear or doubt, we can not create, tap into, or achieve our level of peak performance. Flow is trust. Trust is confidence into action that you will innately know what you are doing, and feeling the joy while doing it. Have you ever done something for the first time you did not think you knew how to do and totally nailed it? Congratulations, you were in “the zone.”
So, when was the last time you found yourself in the zone? Have you ever experienced this state before? What were you doing? How did it feel? Can you go there again? To prime the pump, here are some cues to help you hone your zone. We’d love to know what works for you!
- Identify music that creates laser focus
- Choose fitness or sports that draw you inward
- Explore nature
- Align goals with your values
- Do more of what you love
- Practice meditation or chanting
- Use your olfactory senses- aromatherapy candles/incense
- Stop and change your environment
- Identify personal touchstones
- Work in an inspiring location
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