Finding Flow State As A Writer
How to achieve and maintain the intricacies of “flow.”
Do we have the potential to access an unlimited capacity of the mind? Upon entering flow state, it sure feels like we do.
What is flow and how do you enter being in a static state of undisturbed focus?
I would describe this state of mind as one that escapes processing moment by moment. David Allen, a best-selling author describes his highest levels of productivity as being a result of having a “mind like water.” A place where creativity is fluid, relaxed, and isolated.
For me, to be in flow is that of pure bliss. Words shoot from my slim fingers like darts filled with electricity. I faithfully run my hands across my keyboard and I am sentenced to oblivion during a high-powered and lucid performance. I throw my heart on the page and just keep writing as the word vomit escapes through the keys.
During flow I usually have a scene going on in my head of precisely what I’m writing about. I see it as a movie, and my eyes glaze over as I worship the sound of my thoughts. They are crystal clear, so enticing, and seemingly gifted from the Gods. There is no time. There is just me and my thoughts. It’s a beautiful thing.
The fastest article I’ve ever written during a moment of flow was this one: Calling Thin People Skinny Isn’t a Compliment. I squeezed it out in roughly twenty minutes into the notes section of my phone. I sat at my kitchen table waiting for dinner and while oblivious to the sounds and smells around me, my thoughts encapsulated me.
Many people believe that uncovering a state of flow is an experience we should only expect to know a few times in a lifetime. Some tend to think that this mindset is reserved for people with athletic abilities. This simply isn’t true. During any task at any moment in time, literally, anyone can experience this well-sought after and momentous series of careful thoughts.
Okay, we get it. Working in the zone is great.
How can we enter this state of consciousness regularly and relatively effortlessly? I haven’t found just a single activity that results in immediate concentration. Though, through trial and error, a combination of these simple things seems to make a significant difference in the depth and duration of my concentration.
Spend time in nature and get to know yourself better.
When I’m lacking inspiration or harboring stale energy, I always feel rejuvenated after escaping real life by going into nature for a little while. By immersing myself in the trees, by the stream, amidst singing birds or chirping insects, I feel renewed and born again.
Most importantly, my mind is clear and I’m better equipped to enter a mindset of productivity and laser focus. You can call me a tree hugger, but it’s more than that. It’s spending time with myself, alone, disconnected from the world, and reflecting on how well I truly know the person I see in the mirror each day.
It doesn’t have to be anywhere special. For me, just sitting on an isolated patch of grass barefoot will do. When I do this, it’s essential that I disconnect from others around me. I’m able to type my ideas faster than I’d write them, but loathe meaningless disturbances during me-time.
I put my phone on airplane mode. And sometimes I’ll sit out in the rain, too. Yes, I know I’m crazy. Whether it be droplets or tsunami-like, rainwater washes my worries away.
Work out or get groovy before you sit down to pour your mind into the keys.
Incorporating moderate yoga or pilates into my day seems to help me remain grounded and be patient with myself. Getting grooving or dancing sporadically throughout the day is a requirement for me.
It acts as a springboard for my creativity, and after thirty minutes to an hour of hard-core, heart-pumping dancing, I am literally unstoppable. Monthly, my friends and I love to attend Ecstatic Dance in Philly, where we get funky with like-minded individuals.
Make sure you’re well-fed before you start writing.
I think the consensus would agree that being hungry while attempting to get those gears turning and the creative juices flowing is an impossible task.
While I try hard to never let myself get to a status of hangry, on occasion it happens. And there is no writing at all that takes place during this time of mental distress.
Try journaling before you write — even if only for five minutes.
I try to keep an intentional habit of journaling for five minutes first thing in the morning. My reaction is to grab my phone and check my notifications, most of which end up being totally unimportant. Despite this, it’s a tricky habit to crack. So I leave my beloved orange book on the floor next to where I rest.
Upon waking, I often excitedly begin my day with an anticipated to-do list, some things I’m grateful for, and sometimes even remnants of a dream I had that night. This not only helps me get into the mood to write, which admittingly I usually am by default.
It also helps me to get my initial thoughts of the day onto paper and reminds me that the first draft of a piece isn’t as scary as it seems.
I remind myself that I can’t edit a blank page, and get ready to type soon to start my day. This helps me to expect to enter the zone of my choosing, easily, and foreseeably.
Maintain privacy if possible.
I realize this isn’t realistic for many, especially those with young children or those who live in a small household, like myself. Finding privacy and complete silence has always been my most productive atmosphere to study in and retain information.
In college, I would lock myself in a private cubby at the library with headphones that played nature sounds. I had to be in comfortable clothes, well-rested, full, and most importantly, alone. I find that this habit has transitioned into my writing habits, post-grad.
Thankfully, I have become accustomed to random sounds around me and find myself able to tune them out accordingly. In the past, any noise would slap me right out of focus.
Still, I thrive in mostly silence, with the sound of birds or the ocean at my disposal. When I ask my mom to stop her casual conversation with me while I try to write, she subsides since she realizes human voices are my primary distraction.
Avoid a Burnout
Just because you’ve been in and out of the zone all day, spewing miraculous and wise words on paper doesn’t mean you need to keep pushing when you’re ready to quit.
After a productive, focused session of consistent writing, I am more than happy to enjoy time absorbed in another of my favorite hobbies. That’s the beautiful thing about writing.
In order to come up with new ideas and thoughtful compositions, you actually should go out and experience life so you have something insightful and genuine to share with others.
Avoiding burnout also keeps me coming back to the keyboard for more the following day. I feel refreshed after I have completed a piece — like a little piece of my heart and mind is out there for all the world to see and do what they wish with it.
And if an article takes me twenty minutes to complete or a few days, I still would consider that a product of flow. When I’m writing, I’m really writing, even if I take breaks frequently.
If you wish to enter flow more often and for longer durations of time, perhaps these simple and often overlooked tips may do you good. They’ve certainly helped me, and I’m only a year and a half in.
Happy writing!
Best,
🆂🆄🆉🍊
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