Chapter 1: Understanding the Flow State

Picture yourself gliding down a shimmering river in a canoe. When you allow yourself to relax and paddle gently, the current effortlessly guides you along, presenting opportunities to appreciate the vibrant life along the banks, enjoy a snack, and greet those on shore without concern for their response. This represents the flow state.

Conversely, imagine feeling compelled to seek something better upstream. You turn the canoe around, exerting all your strength to paddle against the current, fixated on the destination rather than the journey, thereby overlooking the beauty, nourishment, and connections around you. This tendency reflects the ego's desire to control outcomes.

I have often found myself wrestling with this urge to struggle against life's flow, and I still have to remind myself to conserve energy and embrace what is. I’ve discovered a few strategies to help me when I realize I’m resisting the natural course of events.

I remind myself that everything unfolds as it should—what some may call divine order—whether it’s the daily dramas of the world or the strands of gray hair appearing on my head. What may seem like misfortune often conceals valuable lessons, while what we deem fortunate deserves our gratitude, as appreciation fosters an abundance of good fortune.

When we let go of our ego's superficial desires and simply go with the flow, we find ourselves in a state of heightened awareness. It’s during these moments that we gain profound insights, forge meaningful friendships, and create our most remarkable works. We begin to see life as a whimsical spectacle rather than a tragic ordeal.

But how do we maintain this flow when faced with adversity? The answer might lie in the word "maybe," which has roots in ancient Chinese wisdom.

Consider the story of a humble rice farmer living contentedly with his family. One day, a group of wild horses wandered into his rice paddies and became trapped in the mud, ultimately becoming his possession. A neighbor rushed over, exclaiming, “What wonderful news about the horses!” The farmer simply replied, “Maybe…”

A week later, the farmer's young son climbed onto one of the horses, only to be thrown off and break his leg. Once again, the neighbor rushed over, lamenting, “What terrible news!” The farmer, recognizing the challenge his son faced but still maintaining perspective, replied, “Maybe…”

The puzzled neighbor walked away, scratching his head. Shortly after, a general came through, conscripting boys over ten for a brutal war. The healthy boys were taken, but the farmer’s son was left behind due to his broken leg. Eventually, the leg healed, and the boy went on to lead a long, fulfilling life.

“Maybe… Maybe… Maybe…” This was the farmer's secret to navigating life’s unpredictability, allowing him to stay in the flow during both favorable and unfavorable circumstances.

Let "maybe" be your anchor in turbulent times. Embrace acceptance over expectation, and you may find yourself better equipped to support others during their challenges. Like a nurse on the frontlines who witnesses chaos yet still manages to smile at her patients, trust in the divine flow that connects us all.

Begin with “maybe,” then simply release control and trust in the journey. You’ll travel further when you align with the flow of life.

For further insights, explore How to Stay in a Flow State.

This video features Zoe Chance discussing the power of influence and the barriers that may prevent us from harnessing it in our lives.