7 Characteristics of Being Autotelic

Autotelism is the closest way psychology has come to measuring spiritual or mystical experiences

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The state of "flow" that autotelics experience in altered states of consciousness resembles Abraham Maslow's "Peak Experiences," but unlike peak experiences which can occur randomly at any important moment through our lives, Autotelism describes a quality that can be constantly cultivated.

Some common experiences Autotelics have include:

• Openness to new challenges.
• Concentration. Concentration is so intense that the mind can't think or worry about anything else.
• Passionate Persistence, or pursuing the activity/challenge until it is completed.
• Loss of Self. Self-consciousness disappears once the state of "flow" is entered so there is no "self" anymore. Time begins to warp and distort.
• Intuition and Clarity. You know what needs to be done and how to do it.
• Gratification. Actions and experiences themselves are so gratifying that they are done for their own sake, not for some future reward.
• Ecstasy. Life feels perfect, whole and complete.

Autotelics can be found in all fields of work and all walks of life. Here are some experiences shared first-hand by Autotelics:

How to Develop Your Autotelic Nature

Imagine experiencing the greatest enjoyment and pleasure you could ever have while listening to music, walking the dog, washing dishes, talking to a friend, drinking a cup of tea, cooking a meal, or doing errands. What if you looked forward to all of these activities equally?

Although some may be more naturally inclined towards Autotelism, we all carry the potential  to enter these Autotelic states of flow, creative passion, ecstatic absorption and timeless awareness in our daily lives and routine habits. Here's how:

1. Find an Activity

Choose something that you enjoy doing. It can be anything such as playing the piano, working on your novel, skiing, horseback riding, playing football, and so on.

Keep in mind that if the activity is too easy you’ll be bored and your mind will wander. If it's too difficult you’ll be overwhelmed and you won’t be able to reach that subconscious "autopilot" state of flow. However, depending on the intention you set in the next step, even the "easiest" activity can become challenging (e.g. finding the most efficient way to wash the dishes).

2. Set Clear Intentions

An autotelic learns to make choices and set clear intentions. They set goals and determine their obstacles so they can decide a system of action. Only once they know where they are going and what challenges are involved, can they decide the best skills necessary to get there.

3. Immerse Yourself Fully in the Activity

Eliminate all other distractions. You don't want anything irrelevant to drag you away from your task: if your concentration is broken you’re going to exit the autotelic state of flow.

4. Learn to Truly Focus

Focus and concentration here is key. Find a sensory "anchor" to ground yourself in the activity. Our bodies and minds have the incredible capability to enjoy life. Gaining control of your mind opens you to experience and derive joy from almost anything. Every taste, smell, sound, thought, and observation can be the anchor of immediate enjoyment if we take the time, focus, and effort to experience it.

Focus leads to involvement and engagement, which can only be maintained by constant inputs of attention. It's through this complete engagement in our inward sensory experience that we rid ourselves from all self-consciousness; the most common source of distraction.

Becoming a Disciple of Discipline

It is through these steps that the autotelic can enjoy life in its fullest form. It's a beautiful paradox: being capable of controlling our mind's experience can turn even the dullest experiences into an Oasis of freshness by relinquishing control of our subconscious minds.

Achieving this control however requires determination and discipline. Setting a strong intention to absorb ourselves in our activities to the point where we enter a subconscious "flow" and mastery in what we are doing, demands persistence. Developing this skill helps us to beome more than what we are.

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It is through autotelism that you can experience what the martial artists call a "mind like water" and top athletes refer to as the "Zone," within the complex world in which you're engaged. We all have amazing capabilities to control our level of enjoyment in everything we do. Practicing the steps of developing autotelism is a very concrete way to improve the quality of your own life.

Autotelic individuals experience flow regularly, and are more creative and innovative. "Without flow, there is no creativity," says Csikszentmihalyi. If you are interested in learning further about Csikszentmihalyi's work, look into his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience or watch his TED talk.

Is there a certain activity that allows you to easily channel your Autotelic abilities? I'd love to hear them in the comments below.

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