Flow

Consistency and routine are important for developing various skills, from photography to martial arts to research and teaching. However, I think that without some sense of excitement and the resulting enthusiasm, consistency alone is not effective. In fact, what is ultimately effective and satisfying is the state of “flow”, when self-censoring mode of thinking is turned off and we can “get out of our own way”, so to speak. This condition has a lot in common with the elusive state of “no mind” (mushin) that martial artists are striving to attain.

I have recently came across a reference to a book by Steven Kotler called “The Rise of Superman,” which discusses the role of flow states in human performance. It is interesting that the sense of excitement is an important component of flow. When we do something that we like, something that we closely relate to, we feel as if we are doing the activity (taking photos, painting a picture, training in kendo, reading a research paper, teaching a class, etc.) for the first time. When this feeling is combined with the expertise developed through years of consistent practice, the resulting confidence allows us to trust the flow and to stop continuously cheating and editing our actions – to step out of our own way.

To me personally, the flow states are just glimpses of what is ultimately possible – they are not easy to either achieve or sustain. However, these moments are precious and powerful enough to help me maintain motivation and consistency in what I do.