In 1970, psychologist Mihaly Robert Csikszentmihalyi coined a mental state in which a person would be entirely immersed, energized, focused, fully involved, and fully engaged. He first became interested in the phenomenon as he observed artists at work, some of them so excited and engaged with their work that they didn’t know what was going on around them, sometimes forgot to eat or sleep, and seemed driven by curiosity and exhilaration. They exhibited a total immersion experience. Dr. C as we’ll call him called this deep immersion experience “flow.”
We might call it, being “in the zone.”
The psychological state of “flow” is a personal experience but can also be experienced as a group dynamic, as long as the group is “on the same page” and engaged together. During flow, we are fully focused to the point of feeling immersed in a state of ecstasy, inner clarity, serenity, and timelessness –an entirely intrinsic period of “being.” While many artists, athletes, writers, and yoga masters describe this kind of experience, I like to think that “deep prayer” engages our minds in a similar state of “flow.”
Dr. C noted that whether in individual or group flow, the state positively affected a person’s cardiovascular health, spirituality, and psychological wellbeing. Flow positively affects balance, happiness, and personal growth, while also raising self-esteem and self-awareness.
It’s no wonder that in today’s world, medical professionals study “prayer” as a healing engagement, promoting optimism, serenity, and improved health.
When you are truly immersed in prayer, you are in the “zone” with Jesus, fully immersed and marinating in his healing, nourishing, and strengthening power. The scriptures call this “abiding.”
To “abide,” according to Greek sources, meant to be fully present, to maintain an unbroken fellowship with, to be rooted in something or someone, much like a root in healthy, watered soil. The more you “abide,” the stronger and healthier you will grow, flourish, and break forth from out of your authentic identity to reach your full potential.
In a sense, this is what Jesus suggests when he speaks to his disciples in our scripture today about what it means to “abide” in him.
Jesus describes our state of “abiding” as a branch attached to a primary vine (Jesus), planted by the vine grower (God). In order for the branch to grow, bear flowers and fruit, seed and multiply, feed others, the vine must be always connected to the “root vine.” If it breaks away, it will no longer have a source of nourishment and empowerment. It will wither, brown, and die. It will no longer have the ability to bear fruit or grow. Like an unused muscle, it will atrophy and fall away.
But a branch that is fully connected to its root source, that draws its nurture and sustenance from its core vine, will continue always to flourish. The image is simple, but effective. In order for us to flourish, grow, serve effectively in the world, we must stay constantly rooted in Jesus.
Connected, engaged, excited, immersed. To cut ourselves off from our source harms not only our ability to serve as a disciple of Jesus but it harms our own health and wellbeing as well. We have life only in connection to Jesus.
This requires us to make time for awareness, engagement, full immersion, giving our full attention to our relationship with Jesus.
Just as artists do their best work, musicians write their best songs, athletes play their best game when immersed fully in a state of flow, so too do disciples feel their most energized, connected, engaged, and Spirit-led when “abiding” in Christ.
How can we possibly think we can follow the Spirit’s direction, if we do not take time to discern, feel, experience, “know” the flow of the Spirit’s breath.
Whether in meditation, deep prayer, scriptural study, singing, or in other flow-like activities that John Wesley named “means of grace,” we must pay attention to the source (Christ) of our sustenance, faith, energy, and empowerment as disciples for the world.
How do you ensure that you are “abiding” in Christ?
Most would say that it’s important to set aside time each day to engage in “quiet meditation or prayer” or another activity that stimulates your sense of “flow” or “abiding.” For abiding is not just a cognitive occupation, not just a rote exercise. It must be entered into with excitement and anticipation and joy. When you enter into it, you can feel yourself fully engaging, not because you “should” but because you are pulled in, because you fully desire to be engaged with the source of your focus.
I like to think of Pentecost for example as a full “immersion” experience. Immersive experiences invite you to become “lost” within the experience itself, to fully marinate luxuriously in the experience of the Holy Spirit’s movement within your being and your life. Sometimes a certain atmosphere can help you to enter into that kind of experiential place.
Rituals, such as candle lighting, music, singing, hand washing, anointings, and other kinds of experiential practices can help you to enter into a deeper state of prayer or spiritual state of “abiding.”
For some, prayer takes on a daily, hourly, even momentary practice, in which God becomes your walking companion, your conversationalist for everyday life.
For others, your practice may be gardening, walking, bathing, even baptism!
The more you encourage your experiences of “abiding,” the more you will feel the palpable presence of God in your life, and the more you will nourish your soul and discern the call of Jesus for your own walk.
But abiding does not need only to be your own personal experience. Congregations can grow closer and more mission-driven when they pray and meditate together. Disagreements can fall away. People can bond and grow together in an entirely new way. When a congregation focuses on discerning the Holy Spirit’s direction and welcomes the Holy Spirit’s infusion in the life and future of the church, amazing and miraculous things can happen inside and outside of the church’s walls.
Communities can heal. People can become powerful witnesses to the health and wellness of discipleship. Churches can become social centers for healing and inclusiveness for all people.
Today, I challenge you to experiment with ways of “abiding.” Put aside some time each day if possible to spend in whatever ways you feel speak to your way of walking with Jesus. Jot own how you feel each day, and at the end of a month, note the growth you’ve experienced, the things you’ve discovered about Jesus and about yourself, and your connections and relationships with others.
Jesus for us is not merely a figure to be studied. He is a change agent and a source of nourishment and hope. He is alive and powerful in our lives today, and he is waiting for you to open your hearts to his sustaining and enlivening Spirit.
May you dare to immerse yourself in the all-powerful Vine of Christ. I can tell you this. Your life will never be the same!