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Spirituality

Want a Spiritual High? Go With the Flow

Radiance Talley | Sep 5, 2019

The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith.

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Radiance Talley | Sep 5, 2019

The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith.

We all know what it feels like to be “in the zone,” that feeling of total absorption in a task where we allow our spirit to guide us as time flies by. 

As a writer and artist, I especially experience this feeling when I write poetry. 

The Baha’i teachings describe this flow of creative energy as “the light of the Sun of Truth:”

All Art is a gift of the Holy Spirit. When this light shines through the mind of a musician, it manifests itself in beautiful harmonies. Again, shining through the mind of a poet, it is seen in fine poetry and poetic prose. When the light of the Sun of Truth inspires the mind of a painter, he produces marvellous pictures. These gifts are fulfilling their highest purpose when showing forth the praise of God. – Abdu’l-Baha, as quoted by Lady Blomfield in The Chosen Highway, p. 167.

When I get inspired, words immediately flow through my mind in rhyme, and I have to rush to get a pen so I don’t miss recording a single word. What can last for hours only feels like a few minutes as each phrase encapsulates a myriad of reflections, experiences, and emotions. Amazingly, words can reflect what the heart has stored. In this state, I can’t stop writing until I relieve my mind and my heart finds peace. 

I feel indescribable gratitude for being  granted the gift of poetry. It has healed and soothed me in more ways than I can count – and it has taught me to go with the flow. 

I once read an anonymous quote that described the feeling: “If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe. You will feel its rhythm. Go with this flow. Happiness lies ahead. Meditation is key.”

Positive psychologists have determined that this sense of flow creates one of the key components of happiness and total well-being.

Flow, described as “a state of optimal experience” by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, helps us answer the pressing question “What do you need in order to live a happier life?” He began studying people, such as dancers and artists, who engaged in activities they loved. He discovered that each experience involved flow, often referred to as total engagement or “being in the zone.” 

Positive psychologists have found that flow benefits our personal growth, achievement, physical health, happiness, and self-esteem. In her book Positive Psychology, psychologist Bridget Grenville Cleave explained that in order to experience flow, you need to feel completely absorbed by and at one with what you’re doing. Your goals become clear and fear of failure dissipates as you lose track of time, because what you’re doing intrinsically rewards you. 

Unfortunately, though, we live in a society that emphasizes choosing a career because of its extrinsic rather than intrinsic rewards. According to Gallup, only 34% of workers in the U.S. feel fully engaged in their tasks, and feel enthusiastic and committed to what they do.

I don’t believe that we’re all designed to work as robots, only pursuing what the media tells us to pursue as we feel forced to monotonously complete a task in a state of dread, boredom, and/or apathy, constantly counting down to the moment when it is socially acceptable to make our exit. As long as we continue to leave our time to experience joy for the future, we will never be able to experience it in the present. How is that living? How is that freedom? 

The Baha’i writings ask us to endeavor to earn our livelihoods with that true inner calling we each experience:

O My Servant! The best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling and spend upon themselves and upon their kindred for the love of God, the Lord of all worlds. – Baha’u’llah, The Hidden Words, p. 51.

I believe that flow, or engagement, represents an essentially spiritual feeling that only our true calling can give us. The Baha’i teachings say we each have a spiritual purpose, and we all can offer our special talents to the world that feel natural and enjoyable. I believe that we are all designed to contribute to the betterment of the world, and the sooner we allow ourselves to pursue what truly engages us and enriches the lives of others, the more productive we will be and the happier our lives—and those of the people around us—will become. 

We don’t all experience flow from doing the same thing, but we all experience it from doing something. So, have you gone with the flow?

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Comments

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  • jack Price
    Feb 7, 2020
    -
    So in other words just follow people around right did any of you ever stop and think.... Why not be a leader not a follower..... Why not be a voice not an echo.....
  • Don Boykin
    Nov 28, 2019
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    Thanks Radiance, I enjoyed your article. At 81yo I still write articles and poetry, draw abstract art and publish usable education material, one of which is 'What Do You See?' an unorthodox STEM eBook; given your background you may find it interesting, especially the subjective psychological aspect. I am pioneering with my wife in the Solomon Islands.
  • Don Boykin
    Nov 28, 2019
    -
    Thanks Radiance, I enjoyed your article. At 81yo I still write articles and poetry, draw abstract art and publish usable education material, one of which is 'What Do You See?' an unorthodox STEM eBook; given your background you may find it interesting, especially the subjective psychological aspect. I am pioneering with my wife in the Solomon Islands.
  • Kim Douglas
    Sep 13, 2019
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    I love how you capture "Flow" - that experience of the Divine flowing through us, the loss of self-consciousness, total engagement with a process. Yes, writing is like that for me, most of the time. I'll admit that my ego-self can get in the way sometimes, but prayer and meditation, breathing, gets me out of my own way. Thank you for another lovely article, Radiance. I love pondering your words.
  • Katrina Crews-Noble
    Sep 11, 2019
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    Wow! Radiance, I always knew that you have a beautiful heart and this article allows me to see how beautiful your soul is as well. May God continue to bless you with the awesome talent of being a blessing to all of us! Thank you for the eloquent insight of who you are and what you stand for. Katrina ????
  • April Mims
    Sep 10, 2019
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    Great writing, Radiance!
  • Omid Kokabi
    Sep 10, 2019
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    Ikigai
    Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being." The word "ikigai" is usually used to indicate the source of value in one's life or the things that make one's life worthwhile. The word translated to English roughly means "thing that you live for" or "the reason for which you wake up in the morning." Each individual's ikigai is personal to them and specific to their lives, values and beliefs. It reflects the inner self of an individual and expresses that faithfully, while simultaneously creating a mental state in which the individual feels at ease. Wikipedia
  • Hala Jarrah
    Sep 8, 2019
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    "In the young people of the world, then, lies a reservoir of capacity to transform society waiting to be tapped. And the release of this capacity should be regarded by every institute as a sacred charge." - Universal House of Justice, 2012 . I found myself mesmerized by Radiance's amazing soul stirring article, such a spiritual insight and ...inspirational analytical skills. Radiance, the precious youth is not only the pride of her parents and family but also of the whole community and society. Can’t wait to read your next article and all other publications. God bless you and guide you in all your future endeavors.
    Read more...
  • Leif Eric
    Sep 8, 2019
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    Awesome! I guess the Apple doesn’t fall far from the Tree. Great Job.
  • Celeste Dixon
    Sep 7, 2019
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    This a terrific article Radiance. It gets right to the point of it all. I can say that I have definitely experienced "the Flow" with music, story telling and sewing and dance.
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