thoughts about the flow state

04-Aug-2024

Sometimes when I write, the words flow from my mind seamlessly. There is no sitting back, rereading, and mulling over—to do so risks losing the rhythm. In these moments, I feel more like a vessel than an author; the ideas have been bestowed upon me and they must propagate. I’m not thinking, but I subconsciously understand the intricacies and musicality of the final product.

This “flow state” is a rare but reliable occurrence. Comparing their appearances,¹ there are several consistent characteristics. At the very least, I must be focused solely on writing, and the topic must be something I have an affinity for. This is rather expected. It would seem rather difficult to enter a state of heightened concentration while distracted by doubt or other tasks. For this reason, I’ve noticed that these experiences typically occur when working in isolation at a time far later than planned.

Some of the more unexpected flow state characteristics include the content written itself. Often, I am astonished by what I write. Fully formed concepts emerge—clear and coherent—yet I have no memory of deliberately thinking them through. Embarrassingly, these portions are often the most cogent in a respective essay; perhaps my subconscious is a better writer than I am.

Most importantly and frustratingly, this is a state that I can only achieve unintentionally and spontaneously. On multiple occasions, I’ve attempted to induce a flow state—starting many essays on topics I’ve thought about extensively with friends and independently. Yet, I inevitably fail. Similar to how C.S. Lewis described the titular joy in Surprised by Joy, the flow state can only be achieved when not sought directly.

While I am unsure how many—if any—of these traits are generalizable, they are certainly essential for my entries into the flow state. I’m certain that many readers have achieved this state under different conditions, but the specific prerequisites are secondary; what truly matters is the resulting elegant cascade of ideas.

The flow state is hard to conceptualize, especially for those who have not experienced what I am describing. I hope that this occasional experience is universal and that readers have also encountered it. I only recognized my occasional entrance into this state relatively recently. But these are the moments I write for. Perhaps, one day, I’ll be proficient enough to enter this state at will. Until that day comes, however, I will continue to write.