I started a new journey this week. Like anything new, there's much to learn. Usually when I have the task of learning something, my mind is filled with chatter. My thoughts are scattered. I become anxious about whether or not I'm learning fast enough or learning the right things.

But this time is different. This time I'm not thinking about what I'm doing, I'm just experiencing the things and people around me. Experiencing joy. Time seems to slow and my senses seem to be heightened, helping me to absorb everything. I've heard this state described as flow. It's exhilarating! While I'm in this state, I realize that I'm fully connected to the here and now.

Being in this state flow reminded me of how much of my life was spent "not present". There’s nothing worse than thinking (or stressing) about work when you’re trying to have fun. Except maybe, thinking about having fun when you’re trying to do work.

I have caused myself immeasurable suffering the constant chatter of my mind. Thinking about the past, or the future, or the other thing that I was supposed to do are all ways that my mind creates anxiety and worry. Both of which cause suffering for me.

If I want to experience more joy and less suffering, I just need to drop into flow. I can achieve flow by focusing on the right here and the right now. Focus on the person in front of me. Focus on the place I am in. Focus on the task that I am doing.

Tuning in to the here and now helps me get centered and reconnect with my flow.

So, I invite you to give it try.. Be here now. At least once today.