7 Ways to Get In The Flow Where All Good Things Happen

Photo by talkrhubarb

Written by Raymond Salas
“Flow is said to lift experience from the ordinary to the optimal, to a Zen-like state, and it's in precisely those moments that we feel truly alive and in tune with what we are doing.” ~ Mark de Rond
To be in the flow is to be living life in an optimal state.

The flow is where all good things happen for us.

Sounds great, right?

But, how do we get in the flow when the so-called “reality” of our day-to-day life seems to be pulling us in the opposite direction?

Here are seven ways to get in the flow that actually work:



7 Ways to Get In The Flow Where All Good Things Happen



- Stop analyzing and trying to figure everything out.

The truth is that we never know how things are going to turn out. At best, we’re just guessing. Everybody is.

Sometimes we guess correctly, which only feeds the illusion. Most times, we’re way off. Things usually happen that we couldn’t possibly have predicted, which changes the outcome.
“Happiness is achieved by flowing with the known and the unknown within you, being in a state of simplified simplicity.” ― Paul Andreas Wunderlich


- Stop trying so hard.

When you are truly in the flow, there is a balance of give and take, taking action and allowing, yin and yang. If you try to force things or become overzealous in trying to make things happen, you create an imbalance and more resistance within you, which often attracts the opposite of what you want to experience.
“When effort is needed, effort will appear. When effortlessness becomes essential, it will assert itself. You need not push life about. Just flow with it and give yourself completely to the task of the present moment.” ~ Nisargadatta Maharaj


- Stop thinking you know what outcome is best.

We only think that we know what should happen in any given moment or situation. But, in truth, there is no way to see all possible variables and outcomes. Therefore, we have no idea what would bring us the greatest benefit and good in any area of our life at any time.

As a result, it is more beneficial to remain open to all possibilities and be willing to see things differently.
“When I run after what I think I want, my days are a furnace of stress and anxiety; if I sit in my own place of patience, what I need flows to me, and without pain. From this I understand that what I want also wants me, is looking for me and attracting me. There is a great secret here for anyone who can grasp it.” - Rumi

- Stop bringing the past into the present.

When you bring your past experience into the present, you miss the true potential of the moment and therefore, limit its possibilities. Anything you think you know is based on your past experience and knowledge. If you’re too attached to the past, you will close yourself off to new opportunities available now that you’ve never considered or experienced, which could be even better for you.

So, let go of the past now and explore the present moment before you fully with “new” eyes.

- Be flexible and adaptable.

Water is truly flexible...
“Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child.” - Margaret Atwood

As the poet reminds us, water’s true power lies in its flexibility.

Similarly, when we are flexible and adaptable in the present moment, we are at our most powerful. Our energy is fluid. We are in the flow.
“There are ultimately two choices in life: to fight it or to embrace it. If you fight it you will lose - if you embrace it you become one with it and you'll be lived.” ― Rasheed Ogunlaru


- Be creative.

The flow of life is always creative and ever-changing. When you do something creative, you are joining this dance with life. 

Any creative activity you choose to do does not need to be large in scale. It can be something as simple as writing down ten new ideas to make your life better today; putting together a music mix of your favorite songs; or clearing some clutter and organizing your desk or an area of your home.
“The more in harmony you are with the flow of your own existence, the more magical life becomes.” ~ Adyashanti


- Be grateful.

When you are in a state of gratitude, you are free of resistance. 

When you are free of resistance, you are in the flow...where all good things happen. 

It’s that simple.
"It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful." - David Rast