Relaxed Focus

... is key to entering into a state of flow - a process of moving through challenges with purpose (for more on flow click here). Yet it's a paradox. Because when we're consumed in hard graft, the intensity of our focus increases. This naturally creates tension or what I call a psychological contraction.

If we're not aware of this state of consciousness, we close ourselves off from other insights that may permeate our consciousness from outside our focus. We cut ourselves off from the qualities of expansive thinking.

Developing unique and valuable skills holds such rich benefits. Because mastery allows us to enter into a relaxed state of consciousness. We become so good at what we do that we can literally move through any tension arising from any challenge in our field. 

Like using a machete to cut through rain forest undergrowth. After a certain amount of practice you know how to handle the machete in such a way that it slices branches at just the right angle. Being one with the machete is like a meditation, the rational thinking brain shuts down as the intuitive reptilian brain takes over. 

The same concept applies to developing mastery. The greater our focus the more intense our work. But this only serves as one part of the equation. We still have to learn to relax our tension while we focus on the task to arrive at a state of flow. 

Next time you're sitting on the grass focus in on one thing - an ant, a stone, a blade of grass, a leaf. Focus in on this one thing intensely for 30 seconds to a minute, taking in the fine detail. Then consciously bring in a peripheral awareness while you maintain your focus. 

Although you may be very tuned into the object of your focus, an alert awareness of what's going on around you filters into your consciousness. This is what I mean by relaxed focus. 

We can apply this to literally any skill we would like to master in our work environments. And the more we can apply relaxed focus, the faster we can progress in what we wish to be good at.