In The Flow

I'm currently taking an online class in conflict resolution from the Australian based Conflict Resolution Network. In one of the first class modules I worked on, the concept of Fight, Flight, and Flow was introduced as a model for how many of us respond to conflicts within our lives.

I was struck by how much the model resonated with me not only with the conflicts that manifest in my interpersonal relationships, but also the internal conflicts that I have on the mat within my yoga practice. The model assumes that in any given situation in which conflict arises we are faced with how we will respond (better yet, will we react, or respond). Our options are to either escalate the conflict by engaging in fight mode, which invites aggression and resistance into the conflict. We can also react with a flight response, which means we don't engage with the conflict at all inviting passivity and apathy into the conflict. The third way, or response, which invites creativity into the conflict is flow. Flow is the approach in which we shift our mindset from "Ugh, another conflict, not this again" to "Ah, conflict, what an opportunity!"

For me I pondered how this plays out within my own practice when challenges come my way--how do I respond, with fight, flight, or flow? I took time to explore what each of these could look like and encourage you to explore the ways in which you fight, flight, or flow within your own practice too.

Fight mode in practice is when we let aggression take over. It can begin when we start to enter into poses we know we are not ready for, simply because we're trying to prove we can even when we know the modification would be better for where we are in the moment. It can be forcing our body to do things too early, or when we're too tired in the practice. It can also be the "should" voice in which rather than deeply listening to the rhythm within, we "should" on ourselves and do things in our practice that aren't truly good for us in the moment. For me, it's also inflaming the voices in my head that I call the "I suck" mode--the voice that says that anything I do is not good enough and which seeks perfection rather than opening up to and accepting "what is" about this moment. What are some of the other ways fight mode can manifest?


Flight mode manifests as the resistance to doing poses we don't "like" and not putting our fullest into co-creation with the breath and pose. It happens when we stop paying attention to our breath and focus on trivial things (like in pigeon pose playing with your toes rather than being in the experience of the pose). It's the convenient excuse to go to the restroom when practice hits an important peak, or when you are asked to try something new, or something you find challenging. What are ways that flight has manifested for you in your practice?

Flow mode is that space of bravery, of being willing to come face to face with the challenge and engage with it in a co-creative dance. It's the response, "oh this again, how fascinating." It's the spark of curiosity that opens up pathways of connection and beauty in practice. It's a state of being open and the willingness to be opened. What ways has flow manifested for you?

Thinking about all the ways to respond to challenges in your practice, do you notice any patterns for yourself? For me, I am reminded of the quote from A Course in Miracles which says a miracle is just a shift in perception. To enter flow mode all that has to change is our thoughts about the situation. The shift from, "oh this again" to "Oh! This again, what an opportunity" is huge.

Blessings to all of you!