What Happens After Awakening? Loch Kelly on Flow States

Evelyn Reed · 2026-09-15

You know that first moment of awakening? The one where everything suddenly feels open, still, and strangely free? It's beautiful. But then what? That's exactly what meditation teacher Loch Kelly explores in a recent conversation with host Michael Taft. And let me tell you, it's a game-changer for anyone interested in mindful living. ### Waking Up vs. Waking With Loch draws a clear line between two phases. The first, "waking up," is that initial glimpse—recognizing openness, stillness, and the absence of a separate self. It's like stepping out of a cramped room into fresh air. But the second phase, "waking with," is where things get really interesting. Here, appearances aren't separate from awake awareness. They're inseparable. This is what's called "one taste." Think of it this way: waking up is realizing you're the sky. Waking with is realizing the clouds are also the sky. Nothing is excluded. ### Flow States as a Gateway The conversation also dives into flow states—those moments when you're so absorbed in what you're doing that time disappears. Loch suggests these aren't just random peak experiences. They're actually glimpses of our natural state. When you're in flow, you're not fragmented. You're whole, responsive, and fully alive. > "Flow states aren't something you achieve. They're something you notice." – Loch Kelly (paraphrased) So how do you move from occasional flow to living in flow? Loch offers practical pointers: - **Drop the story.** Notice the narrative you're telling yourself about the present moment. Then let it go. - **Welcome everything.** Instead of pushing away discomfort, include it in your awareness. It's all part of the same awake space. - **Start small.** You don't need to meditate for an hour. Even 60 seconds of genuine noticing can shift your entire day. ### Why This Matters for Mindful Living If you're a mindfulness professional, you've probably seen clients get stuck after their first big insight. They think they've "arrived." But awakening isn't a destination—it's a continuous unfolding. Loch's distinction between waking up and waking with gives us a map for what comes next. It's not about trying harder. It's about relaxing into what's already here. And that's the beautiful paradox. The more you let go of the need to get somewhere, the more you realize you've never left home. So the next time you find yourself chasing a flow state or wondering what's after awakening, remember: you're not late. You're not behind. You're just being invited to wake up *with* your life, one moment at a time.