The state of mind that is popularly called “Zen moment” is a fascinating concept. It commonly occurs when we are so focused on a task or during play that we do not think about ourselves as doing it. It’s when the inner dialogue or monkey mind isn’t chattering random thoughts but is quiet. The very moment we realize this has been happening and that we haven’t been talking to ourselves, the Zen moments vanish.
Some people have learned how to harness this quiet state of mind through practice. It is a matter of achieving the delicate balance between focus and letting go. This has sometimes been compared to tuning a guitar string: too much tension (focus) and the sound is harsh; whereas not enough tension (letting go) results in a dull sound. The right tension (Zen moments) is between too tight and too loose.
At some point in performing a task or playing, we feel a lightness of being–almost as if we are on a raft that is floating down a stream. We only need to gently guide our actions in order to successfully complete what we’re doing. One might say that this is an optimum human state. We know that we’re capable of skillful actions; we simultaneously merge into the Zen moments that quiet the mind and guide our muscular activity.
We percieve that our capabilities are arriving at their peak. At the same time, we feel pleasure as we perform at our heightened potency. With practice, the skillful person latches onto this potent eagerness and adapts the situation to fit her/himself.
The entire process cannot be described fully with words. The flow is experiential. We must be completely engaged in a task or in play for it to happen. When it occurs, we instinctively understand our capability and potential. When we become able to maintain that peak, we have gone beyond the flow. This skill borders on automatic, but is not mindless. To consistently go beyond the flow requires active, patient practice.
When we are in this state of cooperation between mind and body, we feel the fullness of strength and concentration. This is when we perform at our best. Breathe deeply and become calmly aware and focused.
Ciao
The Blue Jay of Happiness quotes 20th century author and screenwriter, Ray Bradbury. “Learning to let go should be learned before learning to get. Life should be touched, not strangled. You’ve got to relax, let it happen at times, and at others move forward with it.”
❤️❤️❤️ this is a precious state of being and I need to give myself permission to lose myself more often.
You are entitled to this permission at all times.
I like your description. I’ve mostly thought of zen as being a quiet time, but reading this, I realize I’m more at zen when being active like climbing or mountain biking. Maggie
Zen might be being fully present in life.
I’d like to ask Kevin Durant and Steph Curry about shooting a basketball and their state of mind. They seem to very much be in the state of mind you describe. I think people who consistently perform at peak levels have mastered the skill of achieving zen.
If they take after Michael Jordan, they have undoubtedly trained for peak mental/physical coordination. Jordan noted this skill in some of his interviews.
Nice quote dear friend. Wishing you an awesome week.❤️🍮🍮
Thank you so much. I hope your week is equally awesome.
All is well on the home front blue jay! And thank you for your well wishes.💕🍮🍮
Excellent!