Flow is not a conditional state based on an outward result but rather a deep, powerful, inward feeling that exists naturally at all times. We just need to access it directly. Accessing this inner feeling in all that we do is the goal or path of life.
The ego shoots for a different goal – not an inner one but an outer one. It seeks measurable, predictable, repeatable material results (control), which is a persistent distraction from our true goal of feeling flow on the inside. The error that good results create good feelings keeps us focused on those results – the wrong goal. In reality, the inner feeling of flow can include things that the ego thinks are insufferable; but love and kindness are feelings that depend on loss and sadness, even pain. Compassion, the heart’s primary feeling, needs us to acknowledge the shadow of vulnerability. So, we just need to feel whatever is truly there inside, and perhaps even better, express that feeling naturally.
With practice, we can access the inward, flowing, natural feeling just by stopping and tuning in (meditation), and also through many outward pursuits. Music is especially powerful for accessing and expressing inner feelings. However, practising anything can trigger the ego: our goal becomes doing it well to achieve good or perfect material outcomes. We’ve missed our true goal of inner flow and are left in an emotional state of fear and hunger, feeling insecure, pressurised, inadequate, and demoralised. The comfort, satisfaction and approval that achieving good results promises are never felt very deeply inside, and the hit of these very superficial emotions is very short-lived and addictive.
So we must LET GO of our ego gremlins’ goal of achieving good material results. Letting go also encourages us to feel DEFIANCE, which is a really great feeling – an emotion that transcends fear, shame and anger. Of course, when we feel good inside, favourable material outcomes appear as natural by-products, but don’t let them seduce you into making those results your goal. Defy those gremlins!