A flow state is a state of being without a self, a state of being without distracting thoughts. Monkey mind chatter has disappeared. So has the duality of judgment and analysis. There is a sense of fluidity between body and mind, being totally absorbed by and deeply focused on something, beyond the point of distraction. There is little to no sense of time, but other senses are heightened.
Athletes, musicians, writers, painters all attest to having experienced being in a flow state when they accomplish achievements beyond their more normal capability and talent. Flow states are actually available to everyone. They can be cultivated, developed, yes, but they can also appear unbidden and unexpected. When awareness of such a non ordinary state of being arises, there is no doubt about it. It can then be dissolved by thinking about it, talking to self about it or in some other way entering into the domain of I/me/my/mine. This is that pecky egoic self that meditation is said to dissolve.
Meditation can be of benefit for stress management and relaxation, as an antidote to depression, as support for healing, as an antidote to anger and much more. What may not be so well known or recognized is that certain meditative practices can contribute to the dissolution of ego, that enduring sense of self, of a me, that being full of thoughts, ideas, opinions, judgements and emotions, sometimes in disarray.
Beyond these benefits, however, meditation can also lead to a state of nonduality, a dissolving of the sense of separation between the me, the ego, that feels a separation between itself and the rest of the world. A variety of spiritual disciplines and practices can enable temporary states of non duality. The naming of this state introduces what may be a novel concept for those who have not done exploratory dives into the practices that are said to promote it.
A question might be posed, so what? Why is this even important? Why should I waste my time on this or any other meditative practice? What is the benefit of flow states, on one hand, and non duality, on the other hand? And if there is a benefit, how might this be attained?
Authors Sam Harris and Douglas Harding have discussed flow states and non duality in their writing and recordings. This link introduces Douglas Harding’s comments about having no head, along with comments by Sam Harris.
Consider this an appetizer for further personal exploration of noncommercial meditative practices and their benefit for experiencing non ordinary states of consciousness, devoid of the trappings of personal ego.
The Dharma wanderer’s take on such a journey arose this morning after the above link was introduced in a meditation discussion group. The benefit is simply this:
Experiencing a moment of having no head brings one into alignment with all that is. Being in alignment with all that is enables the practitioner to bring their talents and intention to the task of being of service to all beings and the world.
The Journey continues…
🙏💕🌎
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