We’ve all probably heard athletes talking about it and maybe some of us have experienced it – being in the ‘flow state’. 

A term coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the ‘flow state’ is often described as being ‘in the zone,’ where a person becomes fully immersed and engaged in an activity, losing all sense of time. Nothing at all seems to matter in that moment—not the stress of work, nor the worry of bills, nor the mayhem of life. It’s just you and the activity. 

The flow state is characterised by intense concentration, a sense of control, and the merging of action and awareness. It’s often experienced during activities that are both challenging and rewarding, such as sports or artistic endeavors. The great Michael Jordan often described entering a flow state during basketball games, where he felt he couldn’t miss a shot and time seemed to slow down. Similarly, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has spoken about experiencing a flow state during races, where everything just clicks, and he feels completely in sync with his movements and the water. 

In our everyday lives, we might experience this when we set off on a long cycle or a jog, or when we pick up a paintbrush. In these moments, we find ourselves fully immersed, not distracted by intrusive thoughts, and deeply engaged in the task at hand. That focus and lack of distraction seem crucial; you become deeply immersed in the present moment, with no room for worrying about what might happen or dwelling on what has happened. You are right there in the sweet spot of the moment. However, this state is inherently temporary. It depends on specific conditions and often dissipates once you get off the saddle or untie your laces or wash away the paint from the paintbrush. The outside world or the inside mind goes back to doing what they do best—providing distractions. 

Craving more of that feeling can often leave you feeling unsatisfied, and it can feel impractical to go for a jog every time you want to feel present and not lost in endless cycles of thinking. Simran is not tied to any specific activity but can be integrated into daily life through consistent practice.  

That intense focus, where the stillness lies, through Simran, is where you’re honing the mind’s complete and utter attention on the sound of your own voice, not allowing the bombardment of thoughts to sway the mind into usual worries of what’s been or fears of what lies ahead but rooted firmly to the present moment. This state needn’t be so temporary or dependent on specific conditions but with discipline and practice, true Michael Jordan qualities, there could be a permanence to this state. Next time you're yearning for that moment of mental stillness and can’t jump on the bike, just take a few moments to practice Simran. 

— Health Editor