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What is Flow?#

The Flow state is a state of being fully present and deeply relaxed. Flow in meditation can lead to a range of benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, increased focus and concentration, and improved overall well-being1.

During meditation, there is typically a shift in brainwave patterns from the beta waves to alpha waves associated with relaxation and calm focus2. With continued practice, the patterns can shift even further into the theta waves associated with deep relaxation and meditation3. In this state, you can maintain focused attention and experience a sense of timelessness and effortless action, similar to the experience of being in the Flow. Though the brainwave pattern is similar when you are drowsy, the difference is that you are not unconscious but fully aware of your mind.

Flowtime analyzes brainwaves in real-time to evaluate the depth and state of meditation. The flow trend divides the mind state into active, neutral, and flow, showing how long and deep you reached the state. The higher the curve, the more active the brain is, which means you could be focused, anxious, stressed, excited, etc. You'll gradually get into the flow state by staying focused and deeply relaxing.

Getting into a flow state during meditation can be a highly personal experience, but here are a few tips that might help:

  1. Find a quiet and comfortable space: Choose a place where you won't be interrupted or distracted. Make sure you sit comfortably, with your spine straight, and your body relaxed.
  2. Focus on your breath: Start by focusing on your breath. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus on the sensation of breath moving in and out of your body.
  3. Let go of distractions: When thoughts or distractions arise, acknowledge them, but don't dwell on them. Gently let them go and bring your focus back to your breath.
  4. Practice regularly: The more you practice, the easier it will be to get into a flow state. Set aside a regular time each day to meditate, even if it's just for a few minutes.
  5. Experiment with different techniques: You can use many other techniques to find what works best for you. Some people find guided meditations or visualization exercises helpful, while others prefer silent meditation.

Remember that getting into a flow state during meditation is not the goal. The goal is to be present and focused in the moment and to relax and refresh yuor body and mind. With practice, you may find yourself naturally slipping into a flow state naturally, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. Enjoy the process and the benefits that come with regular meditation practice.

  1. David E.Melnikoff. (2022). A Computational Theory of the Subjective Experience of Flow.↩
  2. Kenji Katahira. (2018). EEG Correlates of the Flow State: A Combination of Increased Frontal Theta and Moderate Frontocentral Alpha Rhythm in the Mental Arithmetic Task.↩
  3. Akira Kasamatsu M.D. (1966). An Electroencephalographic Study on the ZEN Meditation (ZAZEN).↩