Tapping into your flow state
Being in flow during sport is an incredible feeling. There is an absence of fear, a weightlessness and an effortless rhythm—pure joy. In flow state, there’s no judgement or ego. You’re centred and totally connected with everything. Conversely, when you’re not in flow you’re out of balance and fear enters the body. You tighten up and it doesn’t have the same graceful and fulfilling rhythm, your timing is off and you feel resistance.
Flow isn’t just an experience for athletes. It’s ubiquitous. You can experience flow any situation. And more flow is proven to increase life satisfaction. If you want to feel happier, more alive and have deeper connections, you might want to tap into flow.
Harness your authentic flow
Flow state is an optimal state of consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best. Waterskiing, cycling, music and painting have all taught me the feeling of flow. Once I experienced this blissful state, I began to identify other situations in my life where flow would appear. I realized when I upped my self-expression and took risks, I tapped into flow. When I stopped holding back, followed my curiosity and stood strong in my own values, I noticed I was way happier and life began to flow. Authenticity was the answer.
It’s exhausting when you’re constantly stressing about what you should say or should do. This is the opposite of flow and you’ll never be happy if you’re always in your head trying to please others and project a flawless image of yourself. Just let go and be who you are. If people don’t like it, you don’t want them in your life.
Let your thoughts flow-t away
There’s a lot written about how to achieve flow state. With graphs and weekend courses, but I am telling you just start by taking a deep breath and get honest with yourself and others. Let things happen, accept the moment as-is without judgement and don’t resist.
This goes for sports, business and relationships. Don’t think too much. Trust yourself and drop the ego. When we remove ego, we’re left with what is real.
“If you listen to the voice of your ego, there will always be someone who seems to be doing better than you. No matter what you gain, ego will not let you rest.” — Jim Carrey
Drop the games and be yourself
Unless you’re a manipulative sociopath, playing games is not what you really want to do deep down—right? When you stop filtering your words and editing yourself, things will get a lot easier, especially in romantic relationships. By being authentic and vulnerable, you’re consciously choosing NOT to hide your emotions or desires from others. And guess what, honesty is sexy!
Vulnerability isn’t weakness
Muhammad Ali, a legend in and out of the ring had the unwavering courage to be himself. Ali was authentic, outspoken and revealed all of his contradictions and flaws with bravery and defiance. In doing so, he inspired change and turned the world on its head.
Ali brought grace to the most brutal of sports, and a wit and poise rarely seen before. He was unapologetically himself. This is what we should all strive to be throughout our lives. We are only here for a short period of time and there’s no sense being anyone other than yourself.
“I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.” — Muhammad Ali
Friendship in the fast lane
I recently had someone tell me they were surprised how quickly we became friends and that becoming fast friends was rare. The secret is as simple as being open to it. A lot of people put up walls and hold back thoughts because they’re afraid of judgement or being hurt. Sadly, not being authentic stops you from connecting and when you hold back you’re prolonging the development of a relationship.
We’re all a little broken and have been through something that has affected us deeply. When you share your stories you learn about each other’s experiences, challenges and what you have in common. You see the other person for who they are, how they view and experience the world, their likes and dislikes and their passions. When we expose our vulnerabilities, it is here that we form our deepest connections.
Flow through life
When you experience flow you make decisions bases on gut feelings and speak whatever words come to you without filtering. Happiness is gained when you’ve learned to let go and engage in activities without any ulterior motives.
To make flow an integral part of your life, you’ll need to let go of ego and your attachments to specific outcomes—not let them consume your mind. Flow comes when you accept fully who you are and hold nothing back. Be bold, authentic and vulnerable. Take risks!
Let go and trust your natural ability, trust that you are perfectly imperfect—just like everyone else. Authenticity and being vulnerable takes guts, but when you’re fearlessly authentic you’re totally alive.
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