Enhancing Flow Consciousness

Flow consciousness refers to the psychological state experienced by those completely and enjoyably absorbed in whatever they are doing. Related to the popular concept of being in the zone, this optimal state is achieved when we transform the natural chaos of the mind by imposing order on consciousness. Whether performing a life-saving operation or collecting tolls from an interstate booth, what we are doing doesn't matter nearly as much as the inherent conditions of the activity and how we approach our experience.

The study of flow, however, is not simply concerned with short-term experience, but is part of a larger study for how to achieve a satisfying life. It draws on the need to develop skills to meet challenges in order to prevent boredom, but at a rate that doesn't cause us to experience anxiety. Because of their ongoing nature, flow experiences lead inexorably to an ever-increasing complexity in consciousness.

According to Professor Csikszentmihalyi, we achieve flow consciousness when we are stretched (but not too far) to achieve a goal within a rule-bound system that can give clear feedback. This approach requires us to pay attention to conditions, discover new truths, define new goals, and to monitor feedback. A professional approach to cooking is a rule-bound system that gives clear feedback and provides unlimited opportunities for increasing the complexity of consciousness.