The Art of Flow: How Theta Brainwaves Connect My Lifestyle to Taoist Philosophy
Recently, I’ve come to the realization about the connection between my lifestyle, the theta brainwave state, and Taoist philosophy. Through the work of Dr. Greg Wells, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how these naturally occurring brainwaves - associated with creativity, intuition, and relaxation - are rooted in science and how they align perfectly with many of my daily practices and passions.
What Are Theta Brainwaves?
Theta brainwaves occur during deeply relaxed states—like meditation, daydreaming, or light sleep - where the conscious and subconscious minds overlap. These brainwaves foster creativity, intuition, and a sense of timeless flow. The concept of flow, often described as being fully immersed in an activity, closely mirrors this theta state. What’s fascinating is that many of my favorite activities naturally bring me into this state. I always knew what it was, but never had the term or the scientific explanation to articulate it. To dive a little deeper, watch this 10 minutes video by Dr. Greg Wells on YouTube.
How My Lifestyle Aligns with the Theta Brainwave State
Throughout my creative life, I’ve unknowingly dipped into the theta state through activities that connect me to nature, creativity, and presence. These include:
• Painting: As an Artist, I often lose track of time when I’m painting. I become so immersed in what I am doing, and feel truly connected to my work, and the wall I’m painting on. The act of creating quiets my mind and allows my intuition to take over. It’s a meditative process where I feel completely aligned with the flow.
• Walking in Nature: There’s something about walking barefoot on the earth that grounds me and connects me to the natural rhythm of life. These walks quiet my thoughts and bring a sense of peace that feels effortless.
• Surfing: Sitting on my surfboard in the ocean, feeling the waves beneath me, is another way I drop into this flow state. Surfing requires both surrender and presence, a perfect alignment with the theta state and the Taoist principle of wu wei (effortless action)
• Riding Horses: Connecting with a horse is another profound experience of flow. Riding demands a balance of trust, intuition, and being fully present in the moment, creating a state of harmony between rider and horse.
• Journaling: Writing is another way I access this relaxed and creative state. Journaling lets my thoughts flow freely, often leading to insights and clarity I didn’t know I had. To learn more about my journaling practice, follow this link.
The Connection to Taoist Philosophy
Taoist philosophy emphasizes living in harmony with the natural flow of life. It teaches us to surrender control, embrace simplicity, and trust in the unfolding of the universe. This resonates deeply with the theta brainwave state, where resistance fades, creativity flows, and connection to the present moment becomes effortless.
By engaging in activities that foster theta states, I am also living in alignment with Taoist principles. Painting, surfing, walking, riding horses, and journaling are all ways I connect with the natural flow - both within myself and with the world around me.
A Newfound Awareness
Understanding the science behind these experiences has deepened my appreciation for them. The realization that these activities are more than just passions or hobbies - that they’re helping me access a state of creativity, intuition, and connection - has been transformative. It’s also made me more intentional about seeking out these moments and prioritizing practices that bring me into alignment with this flow state.
In many ways, my lifestyle has been a quiet embodiment of both Taoist wisdom and theta brainwave activation. The connection between the two feels like a profound revelation, one that has given me both clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
What about you? Are there activities in your life that bring you into a natural flow state? The more I reflect on this, the more I realize how vital these moments are to living in harmony with ourselves and the world.
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