Climbers often talk about the flow of a climb, sometimes in mystical one-hitter type language, but there is something to it. Biking, running, paddling, you name it; when the body is harmonized with the mind, we contribute not only to our health and well being but also contribute in some small way to our overall life happiness. Ultimately, happiness is an outcome of mindfulness that expands into new facets of our life as we become more masterful in seeking it out.
This may explain why studies show a walk or bike commute to work increases energy and productivity. Being happy isn’t always as obvious as we’d like it to be, but there’s a reason why we crave a long ski day after a hard day at work or why mountain biking in the midst of deadlines smooths out inner tension.
It is fascinating to consider the broader effects of finding ways into the flow and how that can manifest itself in a happier person – not just on the outside but in the actual chemical make up of the brain and nervous system. We may not all be capable of being the champion of our favorite pastimes but when we are able to lock into flow within our own abilities, we are big time winners.
