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I recently had the opportunity to watch the film Flow. Words can’t describe this movie. It has to be experienced. You can get a basic idea of the film’s content through the trailer below if you’ve never seen it. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend watching this film.
My PhD was in Transpersonal Counseling, and this film’s title is a concept from transpersonal psychology. The film Flow is a visually stunning exploration of the interconnectedness of water, life, and the environment. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, the movie is about the adventures of a stray cat, a dog, a lemur, a bird, and a capybara who escape a flood in a small sailboat. While the plot is simple, the visuals and the emotions Zilbalodis can create as the characters interact with each other are breathtaking. Its themes resonate deeply with the psychological concept of “flow,” a state of optimal experience described by transpersonal psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi.
The parallels between the film Flow’s narrative and the psychological state of flow align with the transpersonal dimensions of Druidry—a modern spiritual path rooted in nature, wisdom, and interconnectedness.
The Concept of Flow in Psychology
In transpersonal psychology, flow represents a peak state of consciousness where we are fully immersed in the present moment, experiencing joy, creativity, and effortlessness. According to Csíkszentmihályi, flow occurs when there’s a perfect balance between challenge and skill, often leading to a sense of timelessness and profound satisfaction. This state has manifold implications for mental well-being, creativity, and spiritual growth.
Flow is not just a psychological phenomenon but also a metaphor for the larger rhythms of life. The way water flows—effortlessly adapting to obstacles while maintaining its course—serves as a symbol of this state of being. This connection becomes even more apparent when examined through the lens of the film Flow. As the animals escape the flood in their tiny sailboat, they are forced to “go with the flow” and make the best of their situation. At first natural adversaries, by the end of the film their journey has taught them to work together for the good of all.
How the Film Flow Reflects the Psychological State of Flow
The film Flow demonstrates how characters who would have been natural adversaries come together to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. While there are signs of humankind’s presence – abandoned cities, wrecked boats, and houses devoid of human occupants – actual humans are notably absent. The animal characters are all that remain. They have to learn to work together to survive a flood. On a symbolic level, the flood waters symbolize the fluid, adaptable qualities of the psychological state of flow. Just as water nourishes the earth but also has the power to destroy, flow nourishes the human psyche by fostering creativity, clarity, and connection when used positively. Here are some key parallels between the film Flow and the concept of flow:
- Interconnectedness:
The film Flow highlights how a crisis beyond the control of the characters in the film causes them to overcome their differences for the benefit of each other. Similarly, in transpersonal psychology, flow connects individuals to their inner selves, others, and the broader universe. This sense of interconnectedness leads to an awareness of our place in the larger web of life. - Adaptability:
The characters’ ability to adapt to the environment and to their plight mirrors the psychological flexibility achieved during flow states. Flow empowers us to move with grace and resilience, whether navigating personal challenges or creative endeavors. In the film Flow, the characters must adapt to survive. Through this adaptation they place themselves in the flow of the energies of the Universe. - Sustainability:
Achieving flow sustains emotional and psychological health. At first wary of each other, the animals eventually learn to overcome their fears and take care of each other. The film Flow’s call for working together to overcome difficulties can be interpreted as a metaphor for nurturing the inner resources that facilitate flow. A scene near the end of the film where a secretary bird seems to transcend the material universe illustrates this concept perfectly. While the bird transcends, the cat is left behind because its mission on Earth isn’t finished yet.
The Role of Flow in Transpersonal Psychology
Transpersonal psychology extends beyond the individual self, exploring the spiritual and transcendent dimensions of all human experience. Flow is a gateway to these dimensions, as it dissolves the boundaries between self and environment, creating a sense of unity often described as spiritual or mystical. This ” oneness ” state aligns with many spiritual traditions’ goals, including the spiritual goals of Druidry.
Flow and Druidry: A Spiritual Connection
Like the film Flow, Druidry emphasizes harmony with nature, reverence for the elements, and a deep connection to the cycles of life and all living things. The concept of flow is deeply embedded in Druidic practice, particularly through its relationship with nature. Here are some ways flow and Druidry intersect:
- Elemental Reverence:
In Druidry, water symbolizes emotion, intuition, and the subconscious. Practicing rituals near rivers, lakes, or springs helps Druids align with the natural flow of energy, fostering a state of mindfulness and connection akin to psychological flow. In the film Flow, water represents both the elemental powers of creation and destruction. The flood caused the crisis, but at the same time, the water provided sustenance as the cat fished for food for all the boat’s occupants. - Creative Expression:
Flow states are often linked to creative activities, such as writing, painting, or music—practices highly valued in Druidry. Through creative expression, Druids tap into the flow of Awen, the divine inspiration that fuels artistic and spiritual pursuits. In this way, flow is analogous to the experience of the Awen. In the film Flow, the characters experience flow as they learn to work together for survival. - Mindful Presence:
Central to Druidry is the practice of being fully present in nature, whether through meditation, walking in the woods, or observing seasonal changes. These practices cultivate a flow state by merging awareness with the environment, dissolving the boundaries between self and nature. In Flow, the characters must live in the moment, as they work together to survive. There’s even a somewhat humorous scene in which the lemur appears to be meditating. - Interconnectedness and Sacred Cycles:
Flow experiences reflect the cyclical patterns of life and nature, which are core to Druidic philosophy. The Wheel of the Year, a cycle of seasonal festivals, mirrors the ebb and flow of natural energies. Participating in these cycles fosters a sense of harmony and flow within practitioners of Druidry and other Pagan paths. Towards the end of the film the flood waters subside, rewarding the animals for their diligence as if to say that when a crisis comes, there will be a time when it subsides. If we are diligent in our flow states, we can ride out the storms life brings when we work together.
Conclusion: Bridging Flow, Psychology, and Spirituality
The movie Flow serves as both a literal and symbolic reminder of the importance of flow in our lives—whether through experiencing flow in our connections to each other or the psychological state of optimal experience. By drawing connections between the film, transpersonal psychology, and Druidry, we see that flow is not merely an individual phenomenon but a universal principle guiding all life. The more connections we can make to nature, to each other, to ourselves, and to the mystical aspects of life, the more flow we can experience.
Through the practices of mindfulness, creativity, and reverence for nature, Druidry offers a pathway to cultivating flow, enriching our spiritual and psychological well-being. By embracing these practices, we not only align ourselves with the rhythms of life but also contribute to the collective effort to sustain the flow of the natural world.
In the current political climate where selfishness and greed are embraced at the price of society, even to the point that civilization and the survival of the planet are threatened, the film Flow serves as a powerful fable for our times. It teaches us how we all need each other. If the human race is going to survive, we have to place ourselves in the flow and learn to value our diversity.
Share Your Thoughts on Flow!
Have you had your own peak experiences through flow? Did you see the film? What did you learn from it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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