FINDING YOUR FLOW
"Begin by answering this question in a single, memorable sentence: Why do you get up in the morning?"
― Dan Buettner.
Image Source: Danica Tanjutco (Unsplash)
This week, we will examine the second of the Blue Zones Power 9 - PURPOSE. In the second edition of the Blue Zones, Dan Buettner discusses what Okinawans call ikigai and the Nicoyans refer to as plan de vida (2012,p. 281). He tells us that, roughly interpreted, both mean, "Why do I wake up in the morning?" The answer to this question becomes the mission for the longest-lived persons.
Buettner highlighted an eleven-year study conducted by Dr. Robert Butler and colleagues. During this time, the group followed persons between the ages of sixty-five and ninety-two and found that those with a clearly defined purpose, goal, or reason for living remained more vibrant than those without (2012, p. 282). Dan also discussed the concept of flow as defined by Dr. Mihaly Csiksznetmihalyi - total immersion in a given activity without concern for time, food, etc. (2012, p. 282). First, let's take a look at a mission-driven purpose and then ways in which we can find our flow.
Years ago, I had a young personal training client who had cerebral palsy as a result of an accident. His mother accompanied him to a goal-setting assessment meeting, where I learned more about his reasons for engaging in my services. At first glance, his stated objective was to strengthen his muscle groups. After the meeting, his mom spoke to me separately and said, "He wants to remain independent."
In a follow-up conversation with my supervisor, she asked if I knew what his mom meant by the underlying goal of remaining independent. I talked about the obvious ways of strengthening his muscles. She said, "No, he wants to do whatever it takes to stay out of a wheelchair." While working together, I learned that this young man's dream job was to work at a well-known amusement park. Before he realized this goal, he gained employment at the fitness facility where I worked. He had a clearly defined reason for waking up in the morning - to attain his dream job, and eventually, he did just that.
Like my client, how can we find purpose and potentially our flow? As we age, this path will be different for each person. A helpful hint - as one chapter closes in the storybook of our life, our mission should be to open another. Here are suggestions to help you form your ikigai or plan de vida.
Image Source: Collins Lesulie (Unsplash)
· Learn a new language or play an instrument. Even if you do not become proficient, these activities keep the mind engaged and sharp.
· Volunteer. Non-profits, schools, libraries, and public entities always seek those who desire to share their talents with future generations. As a volunteer, you can benefit from staying socially connected with like-minded, goal-oriented communities.
· Whatever you do - enjoy it (the essence of flow). I love attending yoga classes. Many sources define yoga as a moving meditation, especially the vinyasa (flow) type. The connection of breath to movement assists me in staying grounded and present. After retirement from the fire service, I had more time to pursue a calling that tugged at my sleeve - to become a yoga teacher. I aim to offer trauma-informed classes to those with whom my services resonate. My plan de vida, my reason for waking up in the morning, defines this next chapter in the story of my life. I still serve others, just in a different way. I hope that you find your path as well.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns - don't hesitate to contact me through my email at mindbodybadgeyoga@gmail.com or via the comment sections in this blog. I am here to serve and support you on your quest to rebuild your mind, body, and spirit one breath at a time. Until next time -
Be well,
Tim
References
Buettner, D. (2012). The Blue Zones (2nd ed.). 9 Lessons For Living Longer from the People who've lived the longest. Washington, DC: National Geographic.
Buettner, D. (2021). The Blue Zones Challenge. A 4-Week Plan for a Longer, Better Life. Washington, DC: National Geographic.