<p><span>At the risk of preying on my childless friends (I should add I was one of those people until my early 40s), parents have limited time. When I was single, I used to find focus by engaging in all sorts of amazing but often time-consuming practices (e.g., going out for long runs each morning, taking time to meditate, and going away on extended writing retreats). </span></p>” readability=”56″>

I recently savored 25 delicious and productive hours of being “kid-free.” I left my kids and husband at our cottage in New Hampshire and road-tripped back to my home in Cambridge. I was amazed by the freedom and focus I felt and the massive list of things I completed during the short break from my family.

As I headed to a 6:00 a.m. yoga class, I thought about how some people without kids just don’t realize how good they have it. I love my children, but let’s face it, life is easier sans kids! The reality is that even when they don’t have a stomach bug or a runny nose, having kids (especially little ones) is a demanding and often exhausting endeavor — one that raises the bar for even the most organized, resilient and energetic individuals.

There are, however, many blessings to being a parent. For me, the greatest “work blessing” has been the extent to which having kids has awakened me to the power of flow.

Discovering Flow

When we are in flow, work is effortless. We’re in a state of high cognition where we feel fully present and deeply focused on everything we do. Regardless of where you are in life — whether you are kid-free, in the thick of things, or post-little-ones — it is important to spend time in flow, engaging in work that is challenging, inspiring and passion-inducing.

So, how do you get into flow?

As I like to say, flow begets flow. Once you find it, it is easier to find it again. This is why flow is especially important for parents. When you understand and know how to access flow, you are able to make the most of every moment.

At the risk of preying on my childless friends (I should add I was one of those people until my early 40s), parents have limited time. When I was single, I used to find focus by engaging in all sorts of amazing but often time-consuming practices (e.g., going out for long runs each morning, taking time to meditate, and going away on extended writing retreats).