For individuals who have had spiritual experiences, finding flow may feel like a familiar sensation. Likewise, many flow-seekers name spirituality as a key feature of the “peak experience” often achieved in flow (Privette, 1991). The similarities between these two highly subjective and hard-to-quantify experiences have been so well-documented that most of the current research around spirituality and flow centers on whether the two are psychologically interdependent or not. In a deviation from this narrative, this study instead aims to shift focus from the intricacy of the relationship between spirituality and flow to the synergy of this relationship (however big or small), by demonstrating how the metaphorical muscles used in either one overlap and can be intentionally strengthened to deepen experience not only in both of these states, but in multiple dimensions across life as well.
In order to accomplish this objective, this study will (1) use previous literature to clarify accepted definitions for the experiences of spirituality and flow; (2) illustrate the parallels between spirituality and flow; and (3) outline why practitioners should use these concepts together to deepen their human experience, transcend limitations, and reach higher levels of happiness and wellbeing.
Definitions
To avoid oversimplifying the complex experiences that characterize flow and spirituality, within these definitions a number of “themes” or key qualities that researchers have identified as fundamental to each respective state have also been included. It’s important to note that due to the subjective nature of these states, years of research and study have led to several variations and propositions of accepted themes. The models outlined below were chosen to demonstrate the most comprehensive and widely applicable understanding of the concepts–– but are by no means the only acceptable definitions.
Flow
As defined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1990), psychologist who researched and named the concept, flow refers to “the state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience itself is so enjoyable that people will do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.” (p. 4) Additionally, Csikszentmihalyi proposes that flow is the key to optimal happiness, and that by consciously creating flow, we can cultivate more meaning and purpose in our lives. (pp. 214-240). Following Csikszentmihalyi’s initial research, researchers went on to study the conditions that make flow possible, as well as the markers that indicate flow has occurred. One study involving flow assessed participants in artistic, athletic, and academic settings, and determined a number of themes that were universally reported regardless of the type of flow activity. Those themes included: a merging of action and awareness, deep concentration on the task at hand, a sense of unity with oneself and the environment, lack of self-consciousness, and losing track of time (Martinez, 2014).
Spirituality
In 2012, a team led by researcher Eltica de Jager Meezenbroek conducted an analysis of over 10 years of modern spiritual literature in an effort to measure spirituality. Based on their findings, one can assume the working definition of spirituality: “one’s striving for and experience of connection with oneself, connectedness with others and nature and connectedness with the transcendent.” For the purposes of this study, we will also look to the following core themes of spirituality, identified by psychologist David Elkins (1988): an experientially based belief in a transcendent dimension to life (i.e., knowing there is “more” than what can be seen), creating meaning and purpose in life, understanding the sacredness of life, an ontological thirst, tendencies toward altruism and idealism, deep awareness of existence, and having a discernible positive effect upon one’s relationship to self, others, nature, and life (pp. 10-12).
Parallels: The Foundation for Synergy
Through definitions alone, one might already see several shared characteristics in the language used to describe flow and spiritual experiences; for example, heightened awareness, meaning and purpose, and increased happiness/positivity, to name a few. Particularly noteworthy, in the first scientific attempt to determine if a relationship between flow and spirituality exists, researchers Dillon and Tait (2000) point out that both states contain dimensions of transcendence and a propensity for altered states of consciousness (p. 97). Additionally, Zen philosophy, Hatha yoga, and flow, for example, have all been linked to the transcendence of ego (Ravizza, 2002).
These conceptual similarities are also supported at a biological level. The flow state has been found to significantly increase theta wavelength frequencies in the frontal region of the brain, as well as moderately increase alpha frequencies in the frontal and central regions (Katahira, 2018). In correlation, certain spiritual practices, such as mindfulness and Zen meditation techniques, create a similar response in the brain, increasing the same brain wave frequencies within the same regions (Kaur & Singh, 2015).
These similarities are important to point out because the parallels allow us to consider flow and spirituality as unique experiences, yet simultaneously pieces of the same puzzle. By figuring out how they fit together, perhaps we can not only better achieve each of these states but also ascertain a common ground, or common sum of parts, that may prove more interesting that what they individually offer.
Opportunities for Transcendence
Although Csikszentmihalyi proposes flow as the key to optimal happiness, in a comparative study between the Chinese spiritual concept, Wu Wei, and flow, Nathaniel Barrett (2011) notes, “the very concept of flow is predicated on the fact that attention is limited, and so implies that the conditions of flow can be realized only sporadically at best… Consequently, flow alone cannot overcome the limitations of human nature and the suffering and disappointment that such limitations inevitably bring.” (p. 697)
Flow alone may not be enough to sustain long-lasting happiness and wellbeing, but when deepened by spiritual practice, the possibilities for transcendence are compounded. Not only do spiritual techniques improve flow, but they also have a more far-reaching effect on exactly those limitations Barrett speaks of. For instance, elite athletes in Taiwan who were trained in Buddhist mindfulness techniques saw significant improvement in both their ability to reach the flow state and their mental health (Chen, 2018).
An analysis of the current research suggests that the most helpful spiritual techniques for practitioners to start with as a means for improving flow and life experiences would include Zen meditation, Vipassana (Krygier, 2013), and mindfulness. However, the lack of research in the synergy between flow and spirituality indicates an opportunity for further studies to explore and improve upon existing recommendations.
Conclusion
While there is still much debate around how the experiences of flow and spirituality are related, there both anecdotal and academic evidence to demonstrate that spirituality has a positive synergistic effect on not only flow but the transcendence of suffering––which is also similarly alleviated by flow. By engaging in spiritual practices like meditation, individuals can strengthen their ability to find flow more often and more intensely. Furthermore, by engaging with spirituality and flow together, one may be able toachieve an even more powerful and longer-lasting positive effect(s). Rather when considering spirituality and flow as separate experiences, we may do this at the expense of limiting potential benefits. In summary, it does not have to be either/or, but rather both/and.
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