How to get into a '"Flow" state and feel in harmony with your surroundings
Have you ever had one of those days when everything just seems to flow?
You feel present, connected and somehow in tune with yourself and what is happening around you. Things still need doing, but they don't feel quite so effortful. You may find that you make decisions more easily, move from one thing to another naturally and have a sense of being in the right place at the right time.
Sometimes that feeling lasts for only a few moments. Sometimes it stays with us for hours, or even most of a day.
For me, flow isn't really about becoming more productive. It is more about coherence - when our inner state, our environment and the way we are moving through the day begin to work together rather than pulling in different directions.
Aesthetic Desk Layout with nature, space and comfort, which support a state of “Flow'“
Moving from timer to timeless
One of the qualities I notice in flow is that our relationship with time seems to change.
We are still aware of the day and what needs to happen, but there is less of that internal ticking clock saying, hurry up, you should be further along, what's next?
Think about the way many of us walk through a busy town or city. There can be an unconscious urgency in the body - a quicker stride, shoulders slightly forward, mind already several steps ahead.
Then compare that with walking through a wood.
The trees aren't hurrying.
The Earth isn't worrying that it is behind schedule.
There is a rhythm to nature, but it isn't usually the rhythm of an alarm, a deadline or an endless list of things to complete.
When I slow my walking pace in nature, I sometimes find myself moving almost processionally. There is something respectful about it, as though rather than passing through the landscape I am beginning to move with it.
You might notice the same thing through forest bathing, meditation, sitting beneath a tree or simply taking a few minutes to become aware of the rhythm of your breathing.
I find it an interesting question to ask:
What would my natural pace be if I wasn't being driven by the clock?
It doesn't mean abandoning responsibilities or never using a timer again. It is simply noticing whether the pace we have adopted is actually ours.
Sometimes slowing down slightly means we become much clearer about what genuinely needs our attention.
Notice the energy of where you work
Our surroundings affect us more than we sometimes realise.
Have a look at the space where you usually work.
How does it feel?
Not how do you think it should look, but what happens in you when you sit there?
I like to imagine energy - Chi or Prana - moving through a room rather like water. If a gentle stream were flowing around your desk, would it move easily or would it have to navigate piles of papers, trailing cables, sharp corners and objects that have accumulated without you really noticing?
This isn't about having a perfectly styled desk. In fact, a space can be beautifully tidy and still feel rather sterile.
I am more interested in whether it feels supportive.
Perhaps there is a living plant, a photograph, a crystal, something made by someone you love, or simply enough open space to breathe.
Sometimes moving one pile of papers, changing the position of a chair or bringing in something from nature can subtly change how a space feels.
Then, when you sit down, you might try something slightly different.
Before opening email or looking at the to-do list, take a moment.
Breathe.
Let yourself arrive.
And ask:
What feels like the most useful thing to begin with?
You might be surprised by the answer.
Very often, the thing that genuinely wants your attention isn't the thing making the most noise.
Turn your attention inwards
Flow isn't only about our surroundings. Sometimes the greater clutter is happening inside us.
If you stop for a moment and gently turn your attention inward, what do you notice?
Is your mind running through lists and conversations?
Are you thinking about what you haven't done yet?
Is there something you are avoiding?
Or is there simply a tired part of you asking for a little space?
I think even asking the question can be useful because it changes our relationship with ourselves. Instead of pushing through automatically, we begin listening.
This can also be a good time to look at the wider balance of your life.
I created a Wheel of Life resource inspired by Feng Shui principles that looks at different areas of life and how our outer environment can support what is happening within us.
Rather than trying to improve everything at once, notice which area catches your attention.
Perhaps it is creativity, relationships, work, health, rest, purpose or something completely different.
Then become curious.
What would bring a little more life into that area?
What are several different ways that could happen?
And is there a part of you that feels uncertain about taking that step?
I find it helpful not to treat inner resistance as an enemy.
The critical or hesitant voice often has a reason for being there. It may be trying to keep us safe, prevent disappointment or stop us repeating an experience that once hurt.
Rather than trying to overpower it, we can listen.
What is it concerned about?
What reassurance does it need?
What would allow you to move forward while still feeling safe and supported?
That is often a much kinder route into change than trying to force ourselves beyond our comfort zone.
Knowing rather than thinking
One of the qualities I associate most strongly with flow is a sense of inner knowing.
There is a difference between the mind saying, “I think I should do this” and that quieter feeling of “Yes, this is the thing.”
The first often comes with reasons, arguments and pressure.
The second can be surprisingly simple.
For me, intuition often arrives as a felt sense before the conscious mind has worked everything out.
That doesn't mean we ignore practical thinking. Our minds are incredibly useful.
But sometimes it is worth noticing which voice is speaking.
Is this something I genuinely know feels right?
Or something I think I ought to be doing?
When we begin bringing those two into better relationship - intuition and thinking, inner state and outer environment, stillness and action - flow seems to become much easier to recognise.
Perhaps that is the real invitation.
Not to chase flow.
But to create enough space, inside and around us, for it to find us.
Explore Holistic Guidance
If you are feeling out of rhythm with yourself or would like some support reconnecting with what feels most aligned, you are very welcome to book a complimentary 15-minute conversation with me.
We can have a chat about what is happening for you and see whether Holistic Guidance feels like the right next step.