Flow & Buddhisme - The Correlation.

It's no secret that I'm deeply fascinated by and continually in search of the flow state. I've given various talks on how to find flow at work, shared practices that explore the flow state, and in my day-to-day life, I’m constantly aware of whether I’m IN or OUT of flow. I strive to find that sweet spot where I can enter this elusive state. My daily yoga practice, especially Vinyasa, is where I engage most deeply with flow; it often feels more like a moving meditation than anything else. It’s truly my happy place.

Living in Sri Lanka has only heightened my awareness of this state. The country's Buddhist culture, with 70% of the population practicing Buddhism, has added a new dimension to my understanding. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the connection between flow and Buddhism, as the concept of the "flow state" shares striking similarities with both Buddhist teachings and Vinyasa yoga, revealing a profound intersection.

In Vinyasa yoga, the flow state is a seamless, rhythmic movement between postures, synchronized with breath. It's a state of fluidity where practitioners become fully absorbed in the present moment, transcending the ego and tapping into effortless awareness and connection. This experience is often described as a moving meditation, where the mind quiets down and the body moves intuitively in harmony with the breath.

Similarly, Buddhist teachings emphasize cultivating mindfulness and presence in every moment. The idea of flow aligns with the Buddhist concept of "Samadhi," a state of deep concentration and absorption. In Buddhist practice, cultivating Samadhi involves training the mind to remain focused and present, free from distractions and mental chatter. This heightened awareness brings about a profound sense of clarity, tranquility, and interconnectedness with all beings.

Both Vinyasa yoga and Buddhist teachings highlight the importance of letting go of attachment, surrendering to the present moment, and fostering a sense of non-striving. In the flow state, there's a natural unfolding of movement and awareness, free from resistance or judgment. This reflects the Buddhist principle of "non-attachment" (anatta), which encourages releasing the grip on fixed identities and desires, leading to deeper liberation and inner peace.

Furthermore, both practices recognize the interconnectedness of all phenomena, embracing the fluidity and impermanence of existence. Just as Vinyasa practitioners transition seamlessly between postures, Buddhist practitioners navigate the ever-changing landscape of life with grace and equanimity, meeting each moment as it arises.

In essence, the flow state serves as a bridge between Vinyasa yoga and Buddhist teachings, embodying the principles of mindfulness, presence, and interconnectedness. Through the practice of Vinyasa yoga and the wisdom of Buddhism, individuals can cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the world, ultimately experiencing a profound sense of harmony, freedom, and joy.

We will delve even deeper into these connections during the Awakening Flow retreats in Sri Lanka in November 2024 and February 2025. These retreats will provide an immersive experience to explore the flow state in the context of both Vinyasa yoga and Buddhist teachings. Participants will engage in practices designed to cultivate mindfulness, presence, and fluidity, with a focus on integrating these principles into everyday life. By combining movement, meditation, and Buddhist philosophy, we’ll aim to uncover a deeper sense of flow and bring greater awareness to the profound interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.

- Marie-Lou, Oct 2024

Discovering the Rich Traditions of Sri Lankan New Year: A Westerner's Perspective

It is New Year here in Sri Lanka and I’ve been very curious about the big day(s) here and how they celebrate, so I’ve been randomly asking Sri Lankan people I know about what they do to learn more about the festivities and how we as westerns can participate or at least learn from participating. Here’s is what I’ve learned. 

Sri Lankan New Year, also known as "Aluth Avurudu" in Sinhala, is a significant cultural and religious festival celebrated in Sri Lanka. It falls on April 13th or 14th each year, depending on astrological calculations. Sri Lankan New year is in its essense a time for joy, renewal, and community bonding, where people/families come together to celebrate their culture, traditions, and the promise of a prosperous year ahead. The actual new year spans over several days - the day before new year: ‘nonagathe’ aka. the transition period and the dawn of the New Year. Our friend Isanga told us that the Sri Lankans mainly cook and eat together and the preparations for the New Year typically begin weeks in advance, with people cleaning and decorating their homes, shopping for new clothes, and preparing special foods. I’ve noticed the shopping has been full on with many more stalls of clothes popping up. Also, random little homes are suddenly selling clothes in their front garden. Additionally, Isanga told us that everyone prepares traditional sweetmeats such as "kokis" (crispy deep-fried rice flour cookies), "kavum" (oil cakes made from rice flour and treacle), and "athirasa" (sweet rice cakes) are prepared in households across the country. He will bring us some over the New Years so I will let you know how they taste.

However, what I find interesting is how New Years is divided in two - making room for reflection.

• Nonagathe: The period, which lasts for a few hours leading up to the New Year and which is considered an inauspicious time when people avoid work and engage in religious activities or spend time with family. It is believed that during this time, the old year departs, and the new year is awaited.

• Dawn of the New Year: The New Year is welcomed with the first sight of the New Moon. Normally, I’m told - this is in the morning time, but this new year it’s around 11pm and usually people have to fast prior to and only once the auspicious time arrives, does the families gather around to engage in rituals such as lighting the hearth, boiling milk in a new clay pot, and preparing a traditional meal. The first meal of the New Year, known as the "Kiribath" (milk rice), is cooked and shared among family members.

What I find interesting is that throughout the New Year festivities, various traditional games and rituals are also observed, including "Avurudu Kumara" (traditional games for children), "Kotta Pora" (pillow fighting - so cute!), and "Kana Mutti Bindeema" (breaking the pot blindfolded). In my childrens school they also played a lot of games. One of the games was about having ro eat a bun on a string without using ones hands. I was sent a video of Skylar desperately trying to get the bun in her mouth - not so easy! Another game they played reminded me of the popular Danish game where we blindfolded have to draw a tail on a pig. In Skylar’s class the kids had to draw an eye on the elephant (See picture). She came back after that day and said it was the most fun day in her life. What a joy to gather people in that way - doing childish games for fun and laughter. A bit of a difference than from the western - let’s get hammered and stay up all night.

A few other observations I’ve done after talking and poking around to see what the Sri Lankans are up too that we as westerns can learn from Sri Lankan New years:

Community and Family Bonding: The New Year celebrations in Sri Lanka emphasize the importance of community and family bonding. Families come together to engage in rituals, share meals, and participate in cultural activities. This highlights the significance of fostering strong relationships with family and neighbors, which can be a valuable lesson for individuals in the West where nuclear families are common and community ties may be less emphasized.

Cultural Preservation and Heritage: The festivities surrounding the Sri Lankan New Year are deeply rooted in the country's cultural heritage. People engage in traditional rituals, wear traditional attire, and partake in age-old customs passed down through generations. This underscores the importance of preserving cultural traditions and heritage, which can be a lesson for the West where cultural assimilation and globalization sometimes lead to the loss of cultural identity.

Renewal and Rejuvenation: The Sri Lankan New Year marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new agricultural year. It is a time for renewal and rejuvenation, both spiritually and physically. People clean their homes, settle debts, and engage in religious activities to purify themselves for the new year. This teaches the importance of reflection, renewal, and starting afresh, which can be applied to personal growth and development in the West.

Gratitude and Generosity: During the New Year celebrations, there is a strong emphasis on expressing gratitude and practicing generosity. People exchange gifts, offer alms to the less fortunate, and engage in acts of charity. This highlights the importance of gratitude for what one has and the joy of giving, which can be valuable lessons in a consumer-driven culture often focused on accumulation and materialism.

Connecting with the Natural World: timing of the Sri Lankan New Year is based on astrological calculations and marks the transition of the sun from Pisces to Aries. It’s always been a puzzle to me why we in the west celebrate new years in the deepest of winter. A time where we feel the most tired, introverted and most of all just want to cuddle under the duvet. And right in that season we then have to think about the new year and make wishes for prosperity and health when all we want to do is go back to bed. Starting the new year as nature re-emerges back to life makes a lot more sense to me. We feel a natural awakening and desire to grow, expand and blossom ourselves. Not in January when it’s cold, dark and miserable. What the timely manner of the Sri Lankan new year teaches us is the importance of living in harmony with nature and recognizing our interconnectedness with the natural world, a lesson that is increasingly relevant as we get more and more disconnected with the natural world around us.

Embrace the Sun: Why a Morning Yoga Routine is a Game-Changer

5 Compelling Reasons Why Morning Yoga is a Game-Changer.

There's something magical about the first light of day, a time when the world is still waking up and the possibilities are endless. Personally, I love practicing yoga in the morning. It sets such a tranquil and positive tone and helps me focus and be more productive as I go about my day. This is also why I find setting up a morning yoga routine essential as I’ve first hand seen its transformative impact on my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here is five compelling reasons why morning yoga is a game-changer.

1. 🔋 Energize Your Body and Mind: Morning yoga acts as a natural energy booster, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day. The gentle stretches and controlled breathing increase blood flow, sending oxygen to your muscles and brain. This not only helps shake off the lingering fatigue from sleep but also enhances alertness and mental clarity. By kickstarting your circulation early in the morning, you'll find yourself more awake, focused, and ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.

2. 🌟 Build Positive Habits thru Consistency and Discipline: Practicing yoga in the morning fosters a sense of discipline and routine. It establishes a dedicated time for self-care, promoting a consistent schedule that can positively impact various aspects of your life. As you commit to this morning ritual, you'll likely find that discipline spills over into other areas, creating a ripple effect of positive habits throughout your day.

3. 🪷 Calm a Racing Mind and Reduce Stress:

   The tranquility of the morning hours provides an ideal setting for mindfulness and stress reduction through yoga. As you flow through poses and concentrate on your breath, you create a mental space that allows for introspection and inner peace. This early-morning serenity sets a tone for a less chaotic day, helping you navigate challenges with a calmer mindset and a greater sense of resilience.

4. 💪🏽 Enhance Flexibility and Strength: Morning yoga is a fantastic way to improve flexibility and build strength gradually. The morning hours are conducive to gentle stretching, and a regular practice can contribute to increased flexibility over time. As your body becomes more accustomed to morning movement, you'll notice improved muscle tone and enhanced physical strength, providing a solid foundation for overall well-being.

5. 📈 Boost Metabolism and Digestion: Engaging in yoga poses in the morning stimulates the digestive system and kickstarts your metabolism. The gentle twists and bends help promote healthy digestion, preventing sluggishness and bloating. Additionally, the increased blood flow and movement can aid in the elimination of toxins from your body, leaving you feeling lighter and more invigorated.

Incorporating morning yoga into your daily routine is not just a physical exercise but a holistic approach to fostering well-being. By embracing the sunrise with mindful movement and breath, you set the stage for a day filled with positivity, focus, and resilience. So, roll out your mat, bask in the morning glow, and let the transformative power of yoga guide you towards a healthier, happier life 🌈