Go with the flow.

embrace the journey not the destination

Photo by Dovi on Unsplash

How often have we used that saying?

Just go with the flow?

In everyday life situations, in work or with new projects, relationships, or times in our life when we just embraced it for what it is?

Or perhaps we have never said it, as the flow is not something we feel comfortable with.

The thought of just taking each moment as it happens makes us uneasy.

Not being able to control the outcome of something makes us feel agitated and sends the brain into overdrive.

That, my friends, is the opposite of flow.

In positive psychology, a flow state holds a similar meaning to being in the zone, the thought process in which a person is fully immersed in a feeling of focus at that moment, enjoying every minute of the activity.

Not to worry about the outcome, but in the journey, letting all expectations go, that is flow.

To live with more intention, we have the power to change, the ability to rewire the brain and change our reactions. It is not only the joy in the journey but the understanding and awareness of how we can all become the best version we can be.

To prioritize yourself, self-reflect (awareness), let go of what no longer serves us, and do the things that make us happy without shame or guilt or questions as to why we should NOT do them, for if they do us or anyone else no harm, then there should be no questions.

To show kindness to others and practicing gratitude for all we have in life is living with intention.

To learn not to question when things don't work out takes time, but understanding there are things we cannot control and let them go brings peace to our bodies and minds, to be grateful for the paths we crossed and be ready to see what comes next, is the state of flow we all wish to reach.

Meditation or yoga are often associated with the term "flow state."

Still, there are many other ways to bring this state, such as watching a beautiful sunset or sunrise, listening to music, and dancing within the moment, from martial arts to walking in nature, gazing at the stars above, or finishing a creative piece of work, to watching that movie away with our phones turned off, to that deep intimate conversation we share, once our minds are in that flow state, that is meditative.

And like when we meditate, we find ourselves in the present moment. All of those mentioned above can allow that too.

This week, I released a previous newsletter about a surfer riding those waves (the waves of life), but when they hit that perfect wave, they flow.

Or that kite that battles against the wind that it cannot control, the strength of it or the direction, but once it catches that perfect gust, it flows, and in that very moment, it glides beautifully in the sky.

The waves and wind will naturally come along, and the kite or surfer in us will determine if we are to fight against what we cannot control or allow the flow to happen naturally in each moment.

As always, thanks for reading.

Marcus.