Mindfulness vs. Flow State: From Calm Awareness to Total Absorption

Where awareness meets immersion.

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By now, most people know that some sort of mindfulness practice is beneficial for you.

Implementing one, however, remains particularly elusive. 

There are many things that ‘get in the way’ - work, kids, social media, work - but for me the big one is distraction. 

The modern world is basically one giant distraction. 

Which ironically is one of the main reasons a mindfulness practice is so valuable. 

But there’s something else that our world of distraction is robbing us of.

Getting into flow state.

Mind-flow-ness?

Before we go on, it’s important to define terms here.

Mindfulness, as you probably know, refers to a heightened awareness of our internal state and surroundings. 

It involves deliberately placing our attention on any given aspect of our present experience (most commonly the breath).

Flow state, on the other hand, involves a complete lack of self-awareness. 

In flow state, we become so completely immersed in our task that we lose all sense of time, place, experience, distraction or emotion. 

Our awareness merges with our action, and we essentially become one with our present experience. 

Practicing mindfulness is like sitting by a river, quietly watching it pass by.
Being in flow, on the other hand, is like becoming the river.

In mindfulness, you're the observer. In flow, you're lost in the experience.

Now, the point here is not that one is better than the other.

They both serve very different purposes.

Mindfulness and flow in action

Studies show that a consistent mindfulness practice can help reduce anxiety and depression, and increase overall feelings of wellbeing.

There’s also plenty of evidence that mindfulness can lower blood pressure and improve sleep.

On the other hand, studies from McKinsey & Co, and Harvard University have shown that accessing flow can improve our creativity and productivity by up to 500%. 

Determining the right tool for the job.

While they are very different states of consciousness, mindfulness can often be used to help you access flow state.

Imagine you're about to give a big important presentation. 

You may feel nervous or even anxious. Your heart rate may soar, your mind might be racing.

In situations like this, mindfulness (and breathing) can be used to help regulate your internal state before walking out on stage.

Once there, if your skill level and preparation match the conditions, then there’s every chance you’ll drop into flow as you begin.

Putting it all together.

So what does one do with all this?

Well, in the coming weeks I’ll be sharing more about the flow cycle, and how we can learn to access flow on demand.

But for now, remember, mindfulness is about being present; flow is about being immersed. 

Both have their place. 

As you go through your day, notice: how often are you fully aware of the moment, and how often are you so absorbed in something that time seems to disappear?