Flow States

Part IV of the Extended Mind Series.

Considering 'mind' as a field of living relationships, extending beyond the body.

This series will explore the concept of 'mind as a field', in contrast to 'mind as thoughts within a head', through a variety of theoretical and practical examples.

Entering into a flow state through dynamic action is a powerful way to align mind, body, and spirit. Just as clarity of mind can be sought through stillness, harmony can be realised through dynamic activity.

Whilst we often associate more peaceful practices like Zazen (sitting meditation) with spiritual practice, dynamic and ecstatic practices have been used for aeons to great effect. In the spirit of the Extended Mind Series - if we remind ourselves that our mind and our thoughts extend beyond our 'little heads' through our body and into our environment, it follows that our efforts to cultivate a 'clear mind' should engage the entire organism. A 'clear mind' or a 'still mind' in Buddhism does not mean a mind that lacks action, it refers to a mind that is aligned with the body and provides no resistance to action or inaction.

A Vehicle

Any discipline that facilitates 'flow states' can operate as its own vehicle for growth and discovery.

Notice the use of the word 'vehicle' here?

Buddhism refers to its teachings and practices as vehicles, which is reflected in the translation of the two main schools of Buddhism - Hinayana (Sanskrit for lesser vehicle), and Mahayana (Sanskrit for greater vehicle).

The process of mastering an art or craft often reveals teachings that one will find applicable and true across many dimensions of life. When the nature of a craft, and the process of mastering it allows you to:

• Learn how to learn.

• Have greater insight into yourself.

• Have greater insight into nature.

• Regulate your emotions.

• Channel focus and creative will.

• Experience states of unity.

... then that craft is authentically operating as a vehicle of growth and individuation.

The Cascade Effect

Entering into flow states more regularly as you work on self-mastery will have tangible effects on other dynamics in your life. Mastery is a layered and revelatory process. Without taking the journey in one area of life - without progressing towards master in any one discipline - you will not see far down the path in any direction. Persisting in at least one discipline will inevitably teach effective strategies for learning practicing, and performing that apply remarkably well to other dimensions of life. Beyond this, it will effectively alter neural networks in your brain and train your nervous system, making it easier to progress towards something resembling master in other areas of life.

Imagine that regardless of what you are learning, there is an essential monomyth to the process of learning itself. If you don't become familiar with this monomyth, then life is overwhelming because it presents you with a million things to master...

Masters see only one thing to master.

A white belt looks at a black belt and imagines the journey required to attain his position.

The black belt, looking back at the white belt, sees a different journey bridging their two positions.

Two different stories map the same process, varying not only in content, but also in structure.

This simple allegory (above) might be one of the best ways to conceptualise the axiomatic distinction between the methods of Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism (Lesser Vehicle School and Greater Vehicle School):

• Hinayana is the path to enlightenment (Buddhahood) from the perspective of the white belt.

• Mahayana is the path to enlightenment (Buddhahood) from the perspective of the black belt.