Lately I have had many occasions to think about the inner sense of “going with the flow”, how it feels and what people typically mean when they say that.
My observation is that too often this phrase is used when we are trying valiantly to not react to stressful things in our lives and to adopt a placid demeanor, to keep the peace or pretend we are other than we are (the latter is impression management—very stressful as well as un-fulfilling ultimately!) To act as if we are a go with the flow type or are going with the flow when we are not authentically that way never leads to something good!
The effect this has on our energy is to stop it and stuff a neat package of nasty biochemistry deep down inside that closet marked UNPROCESSED MATERIAL: KEEP OUT. This sets us up for problems with health, relationships, as well as with unrealized potential.
So what is the healthy process indicated by that phrase? There are very real electro-magnetic spaces within our being and FLOW is a description of both the condition and the movement of energy within those spaces.
The subjective experience of FLOW is one characterized by feelings of ease, peace/ balance and at the top of the charts—BLISS. Flow can also be felt as strength, clear headed-ness and a deep knowing or trust that we can rise to the challenges of our lives without undue turmoil.
FLOW: THE BOTTOM LINE
When the energies of our bodies, minds and spirits are balanced, in abundant supply and flow freely throughout our being we can experience the state called flow. Achieving this state and being able to maintain it with any kind of regularity and stability requires a commitment to ourselves and our inner landscape.
So the question becomes, “What gets in the way of this quite natural state of flow”?
Common obstacles are the physical ones. We all know that we need the right kinds of food, rest, exercise and air to breathe. These things affect all our systems.
Beyond that the greatest detriment to proper energy flow and alignment that allows us to feel good, create on purpose and really enjoy life is the functioning of our minds and the management of our emotions.
Learning “mind–mastery” and emotional intelligence requires a deep commitment to ourselves as well as learning the appropriate skills. It does not need to be an arduous or daunting task though if we adopt a light attitude toward both the learning and the doing.
Controlling our thoughts is not the way to mind mastery. Learning to notice our patterns, intentionally place attention and rest in the natural silence below mental chatter are much more effective and pleasant approaches. As for our emotions, we need the means to allow our emotions to have their voice, learn from them, and have techniques that let feelings be released from our systems.
When we can operate this human vehicle that we are riding in with some degree of knowledge, grace and skill, life becomes more manageable, easy and happy!
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