The Art of Being Present: Exploring Flow and Meditative Presence
Flow and meditative presence are the same thing when in the moment. However the entrance point into the states (how to get there) are different. Tactics seem to get you to meditative presence, whereas strategy gets you into flow. Flow takes long term planning in creating the conditions for it to happen. In the transition in the moment, presence is ‘intentional’, consciously driven, whereas flow is almost accidental at the time, it just happens subconsciously or otherwise.
In this article, we’ll delve into two pathways to being present: flow and meditative presence. By understanding these concepts and incorporating them into our lives, we can experience the transformative power of being fully engaged in the present moment.
The Path to Flow:
Flow is a state of deep immersion and optimal performance, where time seems to fly by and our actions become effortless. To enter the flow state, we need to create the right conditions:
· Balance Challenge and Skill: Flow arises when we strike a delicate balance between the level of challenge presented by a task and our own skill set. It requires us to operate at the edge of our abilities, where we are neither overwhelmed nor bored.
· Clear Goals and Immediate Feedback: Having a clear objective and receiving immediate feedback are crucial elements of flow. They provide a sense of direction and enable us to make continuous adjustments, deepening our engagement with the task at hand.
· Personal Control and Agency: Flow is facilitated when we feel a sense of personal control and agency over our actions. It involves understanding our role within a larger context, harmonizing with others if necessary, and cultivating competence in our chosen domain.
The Path to Meditative Presence:
Meditative presence, on the other hand, involves intentionally focusing our attention and quieting the mind. It allows us to transcend the constant chatter of thoughts and distractions, leading to a state of calm and focused consciousness.
Engaging in formal meditation practices, such as breath awareness or body scans, can anchor our attention in the present moment. Mindfulness, extending beyond meditation, involves bringing non-judgmental awareness to everyday activities, fully immersing ourselves in the here and now.
Both lead to a state of ‘no thinking’. Both involve being ‘lost in the moment’, where the mind is not consciously reviewing the situation, thinking about the past or the future. The focus is purely on the experience in the present moment of time, a kind of ‘timelessness’.
Why does it matter?
Scientific studies have suggested that when we are thinking about something else, we are less happy than when we are focussed entirely on the experience of the present. This makes sense when the present is enjoyable, but surprisingly this is also true for when the present moment is painful or not enjoyable. Even in these moments, 2250 participants in a 2010 study were asked about their emotional state and whether they were focussed on the current activity. Those whose minds were wandering and weren’t present were less happy than being present with the unpleasantness / pain. The wandering was the cause of the unhappiness.
Hence to be present, whether in flow or through meditating, will bring more happiness. In addition I would suggest that being present brings more value to others and to the activity you are engaged in.
Applying Presence in Daily Life:
I often find myself rushing tasks, either due to thinking someone else will get mad or upset as they are waiting on me or through an internal pressure. Both I believe are due to the concern of feeling pain in the future, or anxiety in the moment. Hence I am currently working on this. When I feel that state happen, I’m trying to use the motivation to move away from pain to create presence instead. By blending a meditative focus on the task in the present moment with the automatic, pre learnt subconscious motivation to move away from pain to trigger and drive the shift in focus.
In addition, to reduce the feeling of guilt when it involves others, I resolve to do something for someone else during the task or experience. Hence when I get to that person I know I won’t feel guilty as I am bringing them value, and they know they have been in my thoughts. Thus, alleviating the pain, and removing the need to rush. With these in effect, there is the opportunity to work happier and more effectively whilst still bringing happiness to others.
Conclusion:
In a world filled with distractions and constant demands, the ability to be present is a gift we can offer ourselves and those around us. By understanding the nuances of flow and meditative presence, we can choose the approach that resonates with us and incorporate it into our lives. Cultivating presence not only enhances our well-being and happiness but also deepens our connections and amplifies our impact. So, let us embrace the transformative power of the present moment and embark on a journey of curiosity, mindfulness, and mental well-being.
