When you stop trying, it happens | The psychology of the flow state

The philosophy of flow: • TAOISM | The Philosoph...
Wu wei: • Wu-wei | The Art of Le...
What’s happening in our brain when we’re in the flow state? What does academic research say about it? Why is it so elusive? And, perhaps most interestingly, what can we do to achieve it? This video explores the psychology of flow.
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00:00 - Intro
03:28 - When I stopped trying
08:41 - The psychology behind flow
13:49 - The mystery of flow
17:31 - Achieving flow
#flow #taoism #wuwei

[@cairn369]

stop forcing, not stop trying.

[@Tobbzzy]

nailed it!

[@klimeshghimire5250]

Don't try but do

[@gunnasintern]

trying can inevitably lead to forcing, do it with your own will and go on with the moment

[@barnaclefelching4079]

Stop trying is right, just be, accept it, there is no need to try anymore

[@waelfaraj6705]

Be it and embody it lovingly wholeheartedly ... See what works well ...

[@melodiousdoc5352]

"it is not something to attain but rather something to allow " You summed it up so well. Thank you !🎉

[@joshderto9086]

I have a crazy life story but I can enter flow state easily and hours will pass by. I have trained mma my entire life before it was popular and no teachers. Self taught in almost everything including school. I had a computer since I was 8.

[@lLukeSkyscraper]

​@joshderto9086 respect man.

[@adhiantos]

This concept may sound really absurd but I've experienced it many times! I realised that the more I try to control something to go my way (or a certain way), the more likely it won't go that way haha. But when we let the flow happen, I think it also helps us to improve our creativity and skill and challenge us to become more agile and tactile. In a spiritual PoV I think this has something to do with our attachment? Like the more we're attached to something, the more disappointed we can become (if we don't get it). But on the contrary, by not being attached we leave more space (and energy) to embrace things coming our way (and thus, enter flow together with them). Just my two cents :D

[@GabeDrumBeats]

Agreed, it’s crazy, I wasn’t even looking for this video and it popped in my feed crazy enough, brand new post, the timing of it (flowed to me) was impeccable, this is a great start for the day.

[@Grateful4Today]

You got it, spot on

[@mm-zn5hh]

Sorry for asking this, but what does "my two cent" mean? I know I'm dumb for not knowing this.

[@adhiantos]

@@mm-zn5hh Hey don't call yourself that haha. It's just an English term people use when they share their opinion. It means something like "Just my opinion" 😄

[@GabeDrumBeats]

@@mm-zn5hh no you’re ok, it’s basically your option hence “your two cents” it’s away for them to put their narrative over yours and be rude which is absolutely disrespectful, everyone should be given a chance to speak and say what’s on their mind.

[@RockReynolds]

Interesting topic. What this video calls “stop trying”, I call “become calm”. --- I can WILL myself, into “becoming calm”. It took decades for me to REALIZE that “becoming calm” and “remaining calm”, are the KEY to an enjoyable existence. --- I’m 70-years-old. I have developed a profound understanding, that “challenging situations” are THE MOST IMPORTANT TIMES to remain “Calm”. As a youth, I was a believer in “Trying Hard”. --- If I only knew then, what I know now……. --- As a youth, I equated “Trying Hard” to “being as tense as I could be”. --- When I started Driving, I always clutched the steering wheel as tightly as I could, thinking that I was in “Highest Control” when I grabbed the tightest. Spoiler Alert: Man, was I WRONG!!! My Life changed profoundly at age 35, when I started my 17 years of “Old Time Fiddle Lessons”. --- I had “played” (if you wanna call it that) the fiddle for about 6 years PRIOR to the lessons. Just as in my youth, I grabbed the bow as tightly as I could, and moved my bowing arm as tightly as possible, worrying about every finger placement. Additionally I concentrated so intently on the “Mechanics”, I spent ZERO TIME listening to the SOUNDS I was making. --- On my very first lesson, I “played” a tune, after which my newfound Instructor said harshly, “You’re doing everything WRONG.” --- I never became a great Fiddle Player, but I vastly improved over the 17 years. I learned that “intensity” is NOT the “Solution”, but instead, the “Solution” is “CONTROL”. Further, “Control” is achieved with the “MINIMUM AMOUNT OF PHYSICAL STRENGTH”, NOT "the Maximum”. --- The Fiddle Lessons taught me to Drive, grabbing the steering wheel as LIGHTLY as possible. The “muscle pains” in the middle of my back while I drove, DISAPPEARED after I switched to a “Light Grip” on the steering wheel. CONCLUSION: What this Video calls “Stop Trying”, would more accurately be stated as “Stop Trying PHYSICALLY”, or, “CALM DOWN!!!” --- Keep your mind ALERT and FOCUSED. --- I found it somewhat challenging at first, to SEPARATE “Physical Calm” from “Mental Calm”. --- A Tip for “Being Physically Calm” but “Mentally Focused”: TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE! At least, DESIGNATE TIME to yourself, when your Cell Phone does not Dominate your life. Let your friends know that you will be UNAVAILABLE at certain times, and DISCOVER how GLORIOUS existence can be, WITHOUT a Cell Phone. Good Video.

[@richardwaters8278]

Awesome comment, thank you legend 🙏

[@RockReynolds]

@@richardwaters8278 Hi richardwaters8278! Thank you for the Comment! Here are more tips for “staying calm”. When faced with a challenge, SEARCH YOUR BODY FOR TENSION, and RELAX those body parts. --- The FIRST areas that become tense, are on your face: your jaw, your eyes, your forehead, and your lips. --- Calm down your mouth, so that your jaw and lips remains relaxed. Don’t let your jaw tighten up. Relax your eyes so that they remain calm. Don’t let your adversary read your emotions. --- Watch any hot Bluegrass band. Watch how LITTLE they bounce, watch how FLATFOOTED they stand, and how CALM their whole body remains, except for the fingers. --- Feet often tense up. UNCURL your toes, and RELAX your feet. --- Keep your head straight up, don’t tilt your head. Good posture improves your HEALTH. If you tilt your head, you’re sending a “subconscious” signal. --- Practice speaking WITHOUT MOVING YOUR ARMS. Keeping arms by your side as you speak, FEELS WEIRD, but does not LOOK WEIRD. Many Politicians are good at this skill. Summary: Nothing frustrates an Adversary as much, as remaining CALM and RELAXED. Search your body for tension, and RELEASE the tension. If you play a musical instrument, PRACTICE “Search and Destroy of Tension”. “Calm” can be LEARNED, but requires PRACTICE. Good Luck! Rock Reynolds (AKA: Roger Reynard)

[@JuneJuneyJunJune]

Thank you for this comment. I am 26 years of age and have been "Trying Hard" all my life, i.e. being tense and forced especially in scary social situations and when the stakes are high. I will now try to "become & remain calm" ESPECIALLY during those situation where my natural instinct is to tense up and "Hold onto something as tightly as I could". Your comment gave me an insight that might just change my life. Thank you and much appreciated. Very good comment.

[@RockReynolds]

@@JuneJuneyJunJune Hi JuneJuneyJunJune! Thank you for the awesome Comment! I don’t get too many of those. It is inspiring to ME, that somebody actually PAID ATTENTION to what I wrote! JuneJuneyJunJune, a MAJOR THEME of my life, is that I learn the MOST PROFOUND LESSONS, as soon as I can’t use them anymore. --- After thousands of various-type baseball games, I FINALLY learned “How to Hit a Baseball”, when I was 53-years-old. I went to a “Batting Cage” in the 35-mph speed, and cranked the balls like never before. --- The KEY to “Batting”: DON’T STEP INTO THE BALL. The “Power” in the Bat, emanates in the Power of the “BODY TWIST”, NOT in “Stepping Forward”. --- “Stepping INTO the Ball”, DIMINISHES the timing of the TWIST (called “Torque”). Most powerful TWIST equals: TWIST the Back Foot Toe AND Front Foot Heel, ONLY. Boys and Girls SHOULD BE TAUGHT PROPER BATTING TECHNIQUE, as soon as they can pick up a bat. TWO MORE “BATTING TIPS”. --- First Tip. After Contact between the Ball and the Bat, IT IS NOT THE BATTER’S “JOB” TO LOOK AT THE BALL!!! It is the COACH’S JOB to watch the Ball, the BATTER’S JOB is to look at the BASE (to TIME the steps to the base), and also the BATTER’S JOB is to LISTEN to the Coach. --- Second Tip. A CALM BATTER with a straight head, will watch the Pitch, to the point that CONTACT IS MADE, between the Ball and the Bat. At the end of the Batter's swing, the Batter’s EYES should STILL BE FOCUSED ON THE “CONTACT POINT”, although the Ball is no longer there. AFTER THE SWING IS COMPLETE, the Batter should not look for the Ball, but should IMMEDIATELY FOCUS on First Base, and LISTEN to the Coach! Here is an aspect of “Muscle Movement”, I wish I would have known as a Child, that I just learned five years ago. --- A SINGULAR MUSCLE, can ONLY PROVIDE FORCE, in ONE DIRECTION, by “Contracting”. After a muscle CONTRACTS, the muscle CANNOT provide force in the Opposite Direction. --- THUS, ALL MUSCLES COME IN “PAIRS”. A “Muscle on top” to provide Force in one direction, is ALWAYS ACCOMPANIED by a “Muscle on the Bottom”, to provide Force in the Opposite Direction. --- (Kinda important to know, when you’re moving a bow across a Fiddle String) --- For instance, if your arm is straight, and then you move your hand up to your shoulder, bending your arm, it is the BICEPS, the muscle on TOP of your Upper Arm, that CONTRACTS, to provide the Force for that movement. The Muscle that provides the “contracting force”, is called an “Agonist” for that movement. --- The Muscle that would provide Force in the Opposite Direction, is called the TRICEPS, which is on the BOTTOM of the Upper Arm. When the straight arm hand is moved to the Shoulder, using the Force from the BICEPS, the TRICEPS is called the “Antagonist”, and needs to STAY OUT OF THE WAY, by relaxing. --- When moving the bent arm back to a straight configuration, the BICEPS and the TRICEPS SWITCH ROLES, with the TRICEPS becoming the “Agonist”, and the BICEPS becoming the “Antagonist”. --- MORAL OF THE STORY: When engaged in any physical activity (Sports, Music, Chores), in order to achieve “Flow State”, it is important to keep the “Antagonists” OUT OF THE WAY, resulting in an “Alternating Current” Mind-frame, NOT a “Direct Current, ALL Energy to ALL Muscles” Mind-frame. As always, JuneJuneyJunJune, after a decade of personal research AFTER my Fiddle Lessons, and FINALLY figuring out an effective way to CONTROL a “Fiddle Bow”, my left-hand “Ring Finger” and “Pinky” SLIGHTLY WEAKENED (nuthin’ painful), JUST ENOUGH so that I lost a significant amount of “Left Hand Control”, rendering my “Right Arm Epiphanies”, to currently be “Sitting on the Shelf”. Thanks again for the Inspiring Comment! Rock

[@barringer72]

Nah stop trying

[@SUCCESSCHASERS]

Releasing the need to be perfect is what paradoxically often leads to perfection. Thank you for another great video :)

[@noxplay4906]

I felt like this after praying to God and meditating and not gonna lie, not caring about the outcome of anything and not desiring anything, that profound feeling literally made me break down into tears. The power of spirituality

[@greatestever2085]

Real. I can relate to your feeling(s) on many occasions and each time I learn something fascinating! Check out the wim hof guided breathing video next time you meditate, I highly recommend it for achieving flow state naturally. Once you get it down, you can do it peacefully outdoors and embrace life ☀️

[@250mil]

I came to this understanding today. Learning to leave everything in Jesus’s hands. It’s scary because I’m focusing on building my trust in God when the people the carried weight in my life all scarred me. How’s it going for you?

[@Alexa-mf2eq]

I just want to thank this channel for being there when I was in the lowest phase of my life. This year had been very tough for me.... I was preparing for an important exam... I had no job.. I used to see my friends progressing in their lives while my life had come to a stand still. It was too frustrating, spending my whole day studying at home and waiting for the results. This channel gave me the strength I needed to withstand this difficult situation... definitely saved me from falling into depression. My results are out now and I have topped the exam. I just wanted to share my story with you all and pray that whoever is struggling right now will definitely succeed. Just surrender everything to the universe and the universe will bring everything to you.

[@Belesprit656]

Pray and universe right next to each other, the irony.

[@ardavandarkhal2604]

This is exactly what I am experiencing, studying and studying and seeing no results... I hope things get better for me...

[@TheDianaJC]

Thank you for your message! You described my situation atm. I'm happy it worked out for you. Mental work is very hard to do for hours and hours and days and days. And months and months of feeling overwhelmed... I'm trying to not wish this (life)time to pass, but enjoy it, or at least flow with it, it is very difficult though...

[@DrishtiDhandel]

i was also in the same situation as you were their but sadly I have failed my examination .

[@davedubuk]

As a computer programmer, I regularly drop effortlessly into a flow state. The part in the video about too hard > anxiety and too easy > boredom resonates very strongly - I experience this weaving in and out of the flow state many times during a typical day. The really interesting thing with this relatively extreme example of a flow state is the loss of perception of the passing of time - without exaggeration, many hours can pass in what feels like a few minutes...

[@Maleboligia]

I have encountered the perception of time passing as well, usually either working on computer hardware where if I do not focus on it and just sort of go through the motions I have done so many times in the past, things just flow naturally and an hour of work seems like 10 minutes. I try to take a moment to appreciate it after it happens when I can.

[@gavinlew8273]

Yup..1 year can feel like a day!

[@johnroman4608]

Don’t force anything - especially if u don’t want it. Flow with some thing u want, that will add value to your life ! .. great video dude once again 👏🏼👊

[@LotoDhamma]

I like Ajahn Brahms saying ''Doing it is easy, thinking about it is the hard part.''

[@TheDianaJC]

Nice one! I will keep it!

[@davidtollefson8411]

As a musician I understand the flow state. Constructed an entire song from scratch in two hours the other day without really thinking about it.

[@mtlicq]

@davidtollefson8411 - Maybe you're in the same class as Wolfgang Mozart, and Bix Beiderbecke, the greatest!

[@barnaclefelching4079]

This is just the truth, a hidden truth, an unknown known, a difficult yet easily achievable wonder, so paradoxical and so valuable. Thank you for communicating something seemingly uncommunicable so comprehensively. You are wonderful ❤️

[@marilyn111111]

I know this sounds crazy but this explains why I was so over the top anxious before surgery and calm and relaxed (naturally) sitting in the pre-op cubicle. I didn’t quite understand why I felt calm after weeks of gut-wrenching anxiety. I think I must have let go and was in the moment preparing to go into the OR which put me in a state of flow. Huh! Who would have thought that would have happened right before surgery!

[@thefrub]

It's like Yoda said, "Do or do not, there is no try"

[@mattisvov]

This channel's videos on Wu Wei, Daoism, and related topics honestly changed my life. I am dealing with a host of mental issues, Autism being the least of them. For a long time, this meant I had a hard time dealing with everyday tasks such as cleaning, cooking etc. My home looked like, pardon the invective, shit. And living in a ugly, inefficient environment didn't do my mental state no favors. Then I saw that video and contemplated Wu Wei. Ended up even buying a translation of Dao De Jing and Zuan ZI. And started cleaning, sorting, throwing away. Bought myself a drill so I could hang up some little hooks to hang stuff on. Biked to the recycling center daily for a while. And now I live in a quite charming apartment. And have switched to a partly vegetarian diet that is both healthier, cheaper and tastier than the eggs-and-bacon-for-lunch-TV-dinner-for-supper diet I had before. Also lost weight. Went from obese to what barely qualifies as a dad bod. That was never even a goal. it just happened. TLDR: Thanks.

[@BlackMagic1222]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 amazing!

[@rush8280]

Congrats!! 🎉 you’ve done a great job

[@innerwisdom9643]

happy to hear your life was improved!

[@mattisvov]

@@innerwisdom9643 Thank you!

[@sophiazykova8043]

Awesome

[@MistyMeanorB]

Love this video! So true about solitude. I have found my flow when paddle-boarding, doing yoga, and creating birthday cards for people. ❤

[@Afterfire999]

Your driving example was something I can relate to. I enjoyed the ability to turn my overthinking off so much that Ive started driving competitively several years ago. I am constantly chasing the upper state of flow while on track, but most of the time it evades me due to external stimulations such as discussions before getting in the car, change of weather or vehicle condition. Other times, its things that have no relation to the event such as family or financial situations. Its difficult to turn a lot of those things off because I have an internal struggle with my inner-character fundamentally caring about those things. I have a hard time letting go and worry creeps in to my over-analytical mind. Still trying new things such as stimulation triggers for activating the flow state, slow-retreats into solitude before the events, training in every emotional state, etc. A couple years ago, your channel has helped me adopt a daoist philosophy which helped me, my family and everyone I come into contact with tremendously in all aspects of life. For that I want to say thank you. ♥

[@eranaor89]

You are by far my favorite channel nowadays. I feel like every other people I watch are trying to take something from me. You on the contrary always gives me something. Thank you.

[@jeremytorgersen]

Great video! As someone who is also prone to overanalyzing and overthinking, this is helpful information to getting into a flow state! Solitude is underrated and essential!

[@Xanax250]

Mihay, had passed away a month or 2 ago, and he appeared on Google search and I searched for his work in flow. I did the reading regarding flow and understood what exactly this state of mind is. I recently started playing tennis which I had only been watching up until then. When I play tennis the time just flies, because I feel in a state of meditation even though physically I'm all involved in it. For me, sports makes me go into that flow state effortlessly. Your personal example of driving is a great one for understanding the state of flow.

[@theappraiserlady]

I am new to this guy, but I find him wonderful and possibly life changing

[@sirblankenship]

He's a pretty cool dude indeed

[@frederickleo2386]

Keep an eye on him! He's deep!!

[@Orochi77]

Your personal example of driving is what I'm experiencing right now! I'm in my late 30s and just started learning driving and it is difficult to me because I worry too much and think too much while driving. So even after 1 year more of driving, I still make some mistakes here and there and need my wife's supervision while I drive...Thank you so much for this video and I will continue to practice driving, stop worrying and thinking too much and hopefully can reach the flow state in driving :)

[@angeladawn805]

I had the dozen lessons at 17 - but had to have the mechanics explained, I couldn't just do as I was told, I had to visualise the gears, differ, the whole schematic of the mechanics. I didn't pursue driving again for another decade, and took 3 attempts to pass. The third test I thought I'd failed after the first 30 seconds, so just got on with it! Good luck with the driving, it's a challenge for over thinkers

[@rhythmicelegance4670]

Oml I have to take driver refresher/defencive driving courses soon because I haven’t driven in ages and it’s so stressful. If there weren’t so many vehicles on the road, I would feel better about it.

[@melikbachmann2915]

The state of flow is taught to us primary school teachers in our education. It's challenging to provide instruction that gives all the children an optimal condition for growth, but it's definitely worth working towards it.

[@whatcouldgowrong7914]

Kids naturally exist in flow state, social conditioning, setting expectations and requirements, telling them what things are instead of them figuring it out for themselves is what leads them out of those states and into thoughts.

[@alonsomilan7074]

Another great essay on topic already covered. Very interesting and giving me perspective I had not considered. What blocks me from my flow state is trying my best to be what others think I should be. I just need to be the best me and let go what others think. Be well

[@crtnyp]

I’ve driven tractor trailers for 22 years. I love it. Being alone, listening to thousands of audiobooks. When I learned to be in the flow, othes driving shitty no longer bothers me. I’m proud of you for learning the fine art of driving.

[@Trogdor0547]

Great comment. I know what you mean. I drove ambulances and fire appliances for a few years and the concentration required took me to a whole new level of awareness. there was nothing else in the world or my mind than the task of safely piloting the vehicle and crew to the scene as quickly as possible. I've never experienced such a strong state of flow since those days. I miss it very much.

[@lukedavey9108]

I experience the flow state when I'm playing drums, guitar, bass guitar, dancing, playing any sport, playing my favourite video game, when I'm meditating, when I'm talking about spirituality to people, when I'm out in the garden doing heavy labor or when I'm doing a workout. In a way, I kind of constantly strive for the flow state. This started from a very young age after experiencing that feeling playing football. As I got older I wanted to feel that in everything I do.

[@ThisIsTori_]

There’s moments where I’m in flow then I all of a sudden think, “WOW IM REALLY FOCUSED AND DOING GREAT!” annnnd it, of course, pulls me out of it. Lol

[@dylanbadger4808]

The pull out game is strong

[@ThisIsTori_]

@@dylanbadger4808 That’s one way to say it, yeah!

[@GermanBacon]

When I was a Kid i reached Flow by playing Videogames and solving Rubiks cubes. 4 years ago I discovered Flowarts and it became my favorite thing to do ever since. Just being one with a staff or a Ropedart and performing challanging dances are the most meditative thing I have ever experienced.

[@swarupkbagul4177]

Thanks for this wonderful content as usual. Helping me and many! I have faced tremendous challages same as you explained in the 1st part of your own experience. What you suggested is perfect. Solitude, minimalism, identifying own nature without judgement and self-acceptance has helped me in my journey so far.

[@jeannekelly5198]

I've heard this philosophy explained by several different people, but with your explanation I now understand. Thank you for your channel & sharing your knowledge.

[@vidsoma]

Your content is consistently brilliant - beautifully done!

[@esoteric_man]

I have experienced the flow state many times, particularly while reading, writing, or playing games like chess or cricket. To me, it's the state of being fully engaged in the activity without letting thoughts interfere and it happens all of a sudden that you don't even have a chance to see it either there~ I think the "me" disappears at that moment and the soul enriches the act.

[@bushrajahin7286]

Love this video’s format. The personal story is so well told and engaging

[@Creative___Mind]

I've had this experience several times. As a child, I used to love cycling. Angry, sad, happy, sick, I'd cycle all the same. I've got so much experience that now I can think of something else while cycling. I have muscle memory of sorts and navigating traffic doesn't even require effort as my mind very quickly and easily makes the decisions on what to do. No joke, I've cycled many kilometers while pondering on some conversation I had and reached my destination safely without being in danger of an accident once. In a similar way, I had an exam this Feb and I hadn't studied at all till like 3 days before. So now I have sat down and just go, well, time to study. I don't think about anything else, there's nothing else occupying my time and attention, no other thoughts, just me and the topic in front of me that I need to study. I complete 2 chapters and decide to take a break. To my surprise, 3 hours have passed. I didn't even check my phone once, because I didn't need it while studying. I scored 97.5% in that exam. So I would agree that the best way is to stop overthinking. Focus on the task and nothing else. If the flow comes, good, if not, oh well. Either way, you are going to do the task and you are going to do it as best as you can. Like in case of writing, all I think about in that state is what is the next scene or what is the next piece of dialogue to be written. Before I know it, an hour has passed and I'm staring at 1000 words on the doc.

[@doriasmith2475]

Thank you! Learning to just let it be and stay positive!!! Blessings to you and all that watches!!!

[@YTSaintKevin]

Im greatfull for the timing of this! Happy February!

[@ReyZar666]

one of the key component that i find in my life useful to reach such a state is to be at peace with my own life, and letting in a way the path to resolve for it self after all i know where i am heading, all i have to do is to live it and stay true to my own goals

[@3lisarichter]

Wow, you’ve put it in such an amazing perspective. Especially with today’s society and how much exposure we have to all the things we need to do or worry about. Really well put together video!

[@melikbachmann2915]

Thank you for producing!

[@TheOlgaKay]

For me, driving is my flow state. I never overthink when I drive. I just drive. I think it just comes from a place of certainty and confidence in my driving skills. I'm as comfortable driving to a nearby store as I am driving in unfamiliar places, be it day or night. I experience the same flow state when I cook. It's just natural to me. My overthinking area is weight loss and food. That's when I have all kinds of worries like "am I eating right?", "am I not eating too much?", "am I eating right foods?", etc. This is a great video, thank you!

[@creditianistani6474]

ryan gosling " i drive"

[@zackh1798]

I think it's this: you can't activate the flow state. The flow state is about feeling the reality around you. The key word is feeling. Feel the action flowing. Know what they are knowing. Observe what they are showing. Forever feel it flowing.

[@tashenkas]

Thank you for explaining the flow state so well and so elegantly through your example of driving. I could never relate to flow state before because all the previous attempts were using examples of high-achieving athletes or artists, and that was unrelatable. I love driving though, and now I know why. Another flow state that comes easily to me is playing with children (or adults that let themselves play like children). Your explanation also helps me understand what happens in a new setting. Like driving is to you, to me it's my psychotherapy training. Before I started to practice with my first clients I was overanalyzing and fretting how I would apply what I've learned. But when I sat across from the person and we connected, something magical happened and the process just flowed. Most of the time. Each time I would get in my head and searched for a solution for a moment the magic was gone. As I would tell my self, Let go of the search, the magic would return. And it continued to happen this way every time I would sit in that chair and connect with an open heart to another human.

[@Default0102]

Just recently my childhood friend's significant other was stuck in Firenze without healthcare, when she fell ill. Offered my friend for us to drive her home from Budapest, because a.) I like driving more often than not, and b.) I wanted to be part of the solution to this challenging problem. We started going at 5:30, with about 6 hours of sleep. During the trip, I lost track of time pretty much all through out Slovenia. After arriving in Italy, I can hardly recall what happened until we reached the great tunnels that lead through the peninsula into Firenze. What Misi described in his book feels rather fitting to what I've experienced here. I had zero worries about us making it or not, it was all a matter of "when". After we picked up her girl, we immediately set off home. In the final 3 hours of the trip, I lost my capability to enter back into flow, due to becoming physically tired. That's when I put some music on a JBL. The rest of the trip was more conscious, as I was fending off tiredness. Didn't want help with taking the reins over, because I wanted to conquer the 2000km drive. We arrived home at 1AM the next day. It was 20 hours of focus total. Without flow, the trip would have been impossible for me. My parents still can't believe we made it in one go. 🙂 Suppose it helped that I'm a huge introvert, so wasn't engaging in much conversations on the trip.

[@whatcouldgowrong7914]

I have had psychedelic experiences mixed with my Photography where I have become completely absorbed in my work. The experience is insane as my senses become so heightened and finely tuned that I feel like an aperture for creativity to flow. Flow state feels like opening up to the world to be completely present without any baggage or boundaries, to become one with the subject and process, a place of pure ecstasy ❤️🙏

[@noreenjenny7039]

This video is awaken my flow state, thank you! I was struggling without realising to something that I was holding on miserably and then light bulb comes in the midst of listening to this. Incredible!! 🙏❤️ thank you

[@stayblessedstay]

It's a weird but surprisingly true theory I have that whenever I expect something to happen too much it is bound to not happen, while when I let my guard down and just go with things without expecting anything that's when the most unexpected events happen to me. Also that when I expect something to go well it is definitely not gonna go well while whenever I expect something to fail it somehow does well. So I'm constantly in the "expect failure to win" state. For instance, when I expect to run into someone on my way out, I don't. But the days I let my guard down I bump into all sorts of people I don't want to run into. So whenever I leave the house I continuously expect to see someone I know in my head so that I won't run into them somehow. Sounds really absurd, but it works for me for some reason!

[@ICEcoldAryan]

This was probably the most subtle and honest video about the flow state. Just like he said, "you don't have to get into flow state by yourself but rather allow the flow state into you". This is probably the most accurate explanation of flow state. The psychic entropy explains about thoughts and distractions that come into your mind while you are trying to engage yourself in doing some task. TBH for me when I am doing something that I have genuine interest in, the flow state kicks in as soon as I start that work. But when I am forcing myself to do something that I don't like but has high reward, the flow state is really hard to get in.

[@patrickmorton1187]

Great video, I can tell that you put a lot of work into composing it. I imagine that you achieved the flow state in it's creation. 🎉

Thanks! Yes, that's quite true.

[@iluvmeiluvme]

​@hi i just wanted to say thank you for Arabic language شكرا لك ،احبك

[@martinw7217]

Einzel are you from the netherlands? maybe i have a story

[@justanothermaid]

Thank you for the calming and reflective thoughts.

[@clydethevirgo5376]

I respect you being vulnerable and true to us.

[@linuxducky]

This might be the best video yet, almost a video guide on how to enjoy life and all it's challenges/take on it's challenges without stress

[@jaemwangi6532]

Your content is absolutely refreshing, insightful and thought provoking! It has reignited my interest in researching various philosophical ideologies such as Taoism, stoicism etc. I couldn’t agree more that solitude does create a conducive environment for the flow state. When I was very young I’d get lost in books for hours as I’d have to be on my own a lot. And even as an adult, I deeply enjoy time alone and I tend to get better at things when I spend time alone - but ironically, I appear very extroverted around people or at least the right ones. However, I’ve realized that I’ve gotten into flow states amidst chaos such as while dancing or djing etc. It feels as though the world doesn’t exist. I also experience the flow state during intellectual activities such as problem solving with coding, writing or researching an interesting topic. It feels as though things are working almost effortlessly and ideas are connecting with ease - you almost don’t want to stop doing the activity.

[@0o0ification]

The discussion gives me insight into the dichotomy of influencing and reflecting (e.g. talking and listening). Neither embodies the complete description or influence that _flow_ may characterize within us, but rather exemplifies choices made to affirmatively control our future, with an acknowledgement to the benefits of _flow_ against both the negative states of anxiety and boredom.

[@AvoidTheCadaver]

many years ago, I drove through northern Scotland during some snow. The highway was blanketed in about 30cm of snow such that the road surface could not be seen. There were no street lights and my windscreen had iced up such that I could only look out a small patch of ice free windscreen through which I could just see the red lights of the cars ahead of me. An earlier vehicle had driven ruts into the snow and I was driving in them, as were the 5 cars ahead of me. I could not pull over to clear my windscreen as I could not see where the side of the road was. All 6 cars began to drive as one, none overtook the other but instead all keeping the same speed and braking together like a snake wending its way over a snow covered road all the while I was peering through this small ice free patch of glass. My friend had fallen asleep in the passenger seat and rather than becoming worried, I just let myself react without thinking to the cars ahead of me. I drove like this for 4 hours before we finally reached the outskirts of Edinburgh and I could pull into a service station for fuel..

[@Fanartje]

I’ve been following you for years and somehow never realised you’re also from the Netherlands. Hearing you say these dutch cities made me feel like im less alone in this kikkerland lol! Great video, & congratulations with your drivers exam! Happy you achieved the flow state :)

[@MountainofInspiration]

Brilliant. Driving is the best way to describe the flow state.

[@naksan656]

Sometimes during a long session of reading or making art I find myself in a flow state but I snap out of it when I realise in I'm a flow state and get excited. It annoys me but I eventually go back into flow

[@pedroconceicao1778]

Thank you very much for the video! I'm 48 years old and i'm learning to drive now, and i 'm having a similar expericience.... One of my Hobbies is photography and sometimes i feel like i have this flows experiences when i go take pictures, it feels like i am connected to the nature or the place i am shooting... For me it happens when i relax and focus on what i am doing in the moment, the thing is that jus happens from time to time....

[@user-yk5qs8qt2u]

I'm 36 and would like to book driving lessons but I'm such an overthinker I really struggle with it! I have tried many times, but I will try again...and try these things ❤

[@pedroconceicao1778]

@@user-yk5qs8qt2u Meditation everyday, helps a lot to calm down... Do a lot of exercise too... You Will find what is best for you...

[@maccle_]

perhaps ironically, i think a good way to get a feel for flow state is to indulge in psychedelic substances. you must allow the substance to essentially take control of your body and allow it to run its course and not try to control it. this is what allows for interpersonal revelations and how to avoid bad trips

[@garyknowles8378]

This is pretty good stuff. Certainly resonates with me. Although there are obstacles real and perceived, your personal flow can help to navigate and differentiate. There is no one way to live and learning and understanding your own flow can really be beneficial. I think there is a stoicism about it in me. Cannot speak for others.

[@JasmineKaelin1997]

love all your videos ! high quality

[@mikavinci]

Grateful for you Einzelganger

[@dimosthenistserikis5901]

Beautiful as always !

[@jaxtraw72]

This concept resonates with me as I am musician (percussionist) and being in the flow state is the optimal way to play. As soon as the mind starts overworking, that's when the "wheels come off".

[@Gonewiththewind702]

How incredibly interesting to read about the flow! I am an artist and I experience the flow on a regular basis. I can work for hours on my art without getting hungry or bored or even remembering anything else in my life. The time flies so fast that after 6 hours straight I feel like only an hour passed. Often my husband calls and remind me to eat so my sugar doesn't get too low. I wish many more people would experience it. It brings so much peace to my life.

[@dameanvil]

00:30 🧠 Mastery is more than skill; it's about the union of intention and action, where mind and body harmonize to achieve a flow state. 01:53 🌊 The flow state isn't forced; it arises when you're relaxed and clear-minded, embracing it rather than chasing it. 04:20 🚗 Driving can trigger a flow state: overthinking causes anxiety, while letting go brings a sense of unity with the road. 08:03 🧩 The flow state involves intense concentration on a challenging, rewarding task, merging action and awareness, altering time perception. 10:59 🤯 Psychic entropy, caused by inner chaos and distraction, prevents entering the flow state; worry and multitasking scatter attention. 14:46 🌟 Flow activities, with clear goals and immediate feedback, facilitate flow experiences by challenging and transforming the self. 17:39 🌌 The flow state emerges when you stop trying too hard and immerse yourself fully in the task; finding balance and enjoying the process are key.

[@user-el9bp9nk9e]

Cant go a day without listening to this and your voice. It soothing my conflicted feelings

[@noxmagubane9515]

Thank you for yet another amazing video 😊😊❤ Edit: To add, flow is found in being(doing what feels natural, out of your mind and into your body) . You don't have to think about it ,you just do it and find yourself moving through it. The more you force ,the further away you are from it... so I think grounding yourself in the present and just being. I feel like flow is also associated with having trust for oneself.

[@Trogdor0547]

That's a really good insight, I believe. The state of just 'being' as opposed to 'doing' is probably a pre-requisite for entering the flow state. Thanks!

[@noxmagubane9515]

@@Trogdor0547 I agree

[@poxx1525]

I really needed this video today. Thanks.

[@shaggyterrell8460]

Art/drawing gets me into flow state on just about the daily but how you spoke of driving, no one I know seems to get it. I love to go on solo road trips or hours long drives, it’s almost like a meditation to me. Windows down, wind rushing and flowing all around, with and without music and great views. Peace. Just wish it didn’t take so long to get anywhere that isn’t flat.

[@SlickNick98]

Ive experienced the flow state many times either from drawing, listening to music and dancing, cruising on my skateboard around town, playing sports with friends and even when i played video games its pretty awesome what u can accomplish when ur mind is clear from worrying and thoughts

[@shivali6789]

I feel i'm entering a flow state while watching this beautiful video. So grateful for this one today ❤❤

[@dalebentham]

Appreciate this, especially with my driving test coming up next week

[@DanielGrote]

All great men are gifted with intuition. They know without reasoning or analysis, what they need to know.

[@stephenfitzgerald9769]

“Too many mind… Mind the sword, mind the people watch, mind the enemy. Too many mind… _No mind_ .” -Nobutada, _The Last Samurai_

[@southerndime333]

brilliant movie.

[@stephenfitzgerald9769]

@@southerndime333 highly underrated. I’m glad that it did really well in Japan, but I can’t believe how few people around me don’t even remember it or have never seen it.

[@southerndime333]

@@stephenfitzgerald9769 screw everyone else. at least we have taste. 'twas the first movie i ever owned , vhs too

[@stephenfitzgerald9769]

@@southerndime333 most patrician. I salute you!

[@vascodiniz8980]

Nice video, for the people interested in this topic I suggest looking into "clutch" as well, it complements the arguments of this video and even corrects a few innacuracies when talking about the influence of the "effort" factor and how it helps to distinguish the specific characteristics of "flow" and "clutch" mindsets.

[@mccorrect3470]

Spot on. I find I’m in flow when I’m learning something new at work. I can pour into the topic and time flies by while I am tinkering. When I gain new understanding I am excited and eager to do more and more.

[@elodieleaf]

Brilliant video, thankyou🙏🏼ook leuk om foto's van NL te zien en de Ardennen... Ik heb mooie herinneringen daar, veel gekampeerd❤

[@sashanesmith2916]

As I watched your video I notice that I have several experiences of the flow state. I paint and in my opinion one of my most successfully pieces came from m being in the flow state. I have told myself recently that I have creators block, but its because I constantly go in my head and overthink everything which has resulted in me not producing any pieces. Never the less I have seen in many other ways where my psychic entropy stopped me from completing a task or even has kept me distracted from work, I would love to now sit and figure out the triggers and how I can let them go so I can flow back into this state. I must say I throughly enjoyed this video! I cant wait to learn more!

[@salvadorcastaneda6759]

Thanks for sharing your observations and insights

[@nacholuva_]

i pray that the person reading this learns to let go and just be..embrace the flow state. come out of your head and gently into your heart. have a lunch with your self enjoy yourself and your existence. let all that you wish flow to you abundantly. having the wisdom to permanently keep and manage all that you wished for!! happy MANIFESTING gang⭐️⭐️⭐️💐❤️❤️❤️

[@RoaldvdM]

Up to fairly recently, I used to be a very analytical and planning-type of thinker. After I learned to be in the present, instead of reliving fears from the past or worries for the future, life became a lot easier. In fact, I find myself in the flow doing activities that I previously became unable to do, paralyzed by a mix of boredom and sense of pointlessness. By observing my own thinking I am now able to detect when my own thoughts are carrying me away. Not being the thinker, but more or less a third person observing the thinker is very liberating. When this mental stress is reduced to a minimum, it is much easier to be in the flow.

[@Rosierosee474]

This video poped out at the right moment. I am on a psychic entropy moment. And it feels like i cant breath.. I should honest with myself.. thank you for this video.. new subscriber here😊

[@trinhmaicoi]

I think flow would come with enough practice and the mindset that allows ourselves to make mistakes. Amazing video!

[@shovansarker5403]

Thank you for making this video.

[@acolourist1798]

Thank You for all your video's much appreciated.💖🙏

[@apassionforlace]

Je reis naar de Ardennen en je state of flow, is precies wat ik nu heb als ik op mijn motor zit. Ik rijd al zo lang, en soms is het werken, maar heel vaak ben ik in het moment. Dat maakt het ZO fantastisch. Ik luister graag naar je wijze vertellingen. Dank je.

[@thechicgrandma]

Thank you for your videos. You have helped me cope.

[@Jay._22]

something that has always spoke to me and get me into flow state is piano, i don’t worry about anything and i genuinely enjoy the process of making songs and just playing it play, not for money, not for the outcome, not for anyone else, i play just to play because it makes me feel best and i think THAT is the most important in achieving flow state and success in general

[@alanaagapi]

Wat fijn om je stem weer te horen na zoveel maanden. Ook leuke flow video weer..thanks! 🙏

[@Simplylisette]

Watching this video has been like a cool breeze on a hot day. Calming. Encouraging. Helpful. Thank you☺️

[@freecat1278]

I experienced this while doing a simple exercise with a sword, repeatedly bringing the blade down in front of me. The novelty started to wear off. Muscle memory engaged & I needed minimal attention to maintain the correct posture. Suddenly, the blade came down with extra speed & force. It was hard to believe that the proper form could make such a huge difference.

[@nerd26373]

We appreciate videos. They're very informative and insightful.

[@earthcareisselfcare]

I’m actually reading this book right now and this was very helpful video in understanding flow and psychic entropy. Lately, I have been cooking and trying out different recipes from several cookbooks. I definitely feel a sense of flow when I’m present and being properly challenged whereas before, I would cook the same type of dish without much enthusiasm, intention or thought behind it. Now I’m excited to cook and try new things!

[@ramio42]

Amazing how flow works ♥️

[@faursbymikkel]

I have experience with Flow in three areas. 1) Playing golf on an elite level. 2) Performing work linked to SOPs and human interaction. 3) Writing or talking about a subject of interest. In all situations, I gained expert/senior/mentor status with confidence in doing the task and open-minded and flexible to adapt the knowledge to complex circumstances and contexts. I was at ease and made necessary adjustments as the present objective highlighted my focus to achieve total harmony of body and mind. The key for me has been not to be afraid to fail or too eager to perform. Keep staying in a positive, relaxed, and comfortable mood with a balanced arousal level.

[@mintakan003]

Thought provoking video. I find one of the most concrete ways to study the flow state, is in some kind of somatic learning. Somatic intelligence. This could be something like learning a new physical skill, martial arts, learning to play a piano. There's some balance between effort, and letting go. Somatic skills, is one way of holistically taking one out of one's mind (mental chatter). In the case of the piano, one starts with micro skills, like doing one's scales. This then becomes automated, becomes unconscious competency, whereby one can build on top of it, higher level skills, such as playing a melody. It can actually be quite systematic. The right effort, at the right time. And letting go at the right time, when something becomes automatic. One cannot rush things. One has to listen to one's body. It's not simply the mind telling it what to do, but a kind of listening, feeling into all the different elements involved. It's a kind of dance amongst the various elements, too complex for the purely discursive mind to understand.

[@grantmillard8387]

When I am turning a piece of wood on a lathe, I can find myself stepping back from it to find hours have gone past and the piece is completed without really feeling the time go by. I am aware of every moment and conscious of the hazards inherent in a piece of wood spinning at 2-3K RPM in front of me but the time isn't weighing on me at all. It's like a few moments of total focus have gone past in a matter of hours as measured on the clock. The satisfaction at creating beautiful things, even when they aren't as beautiful as I might have hoped, is always there at the end. I am slightly sad to step away. I wish I could hold onto the experience a little longer. Until the next piece.

[@mwaikingson-lz4xd]

When one delves even deeper in Eastern philosophy and spirituality i.e. Taoism/Buddhism the concept of Flow and its Understanding is enhanced, Its like a spark of Intuition ,I tend to think that Eastern philosophy was and is far ahead of its time compared to Western philosophy but that is not to discredit the significance and the position of Western philosophy ,Generally when one experiences flow it leaves a sense of craving for more only to forget that you cannot control its happening and its emergence ,but its really sweet with a less likelihood of being reduced into logic ,the most satisfying experience 💯💯

[@guillermolopez1377]

Congratulations on getting your license brother at 29 I just got mine too don't rush you learn valuable lessons with waiting. For example I never feel like speeding because I've always ridden a bus my whole life So just getting somewhere in a timely manner is such a privilege. Failed my test once . Good to hear similar experiences. Take care and don't rush. Things will come. Went from a Bus to a Lexus keep your head up!