When aiming for a smooth creative flow, “Point Zero” is an essential concept that can’t be ignored.

It doesn’t really matter which field you’re in — as long as your work is more than a technical job, you’d benefit from finding that sweet place. It’s like a white surface that’s always there, a safe space for your innovative juices to flow freely.

But it’s often buried under a pile of unfinished tasks, emotional clutter, or thoughts about tomorrow.

There are obviously several ways to get into that zone, and different approaches likely lead to the same destination.

For me, this space naturally appears when the amount of ‘other stuff’ isn’t overflowing. And by saying ‘other stuff’ I mean — all things on my mind. All things life-related. Let it be open conversations, ongoing projects, things I need to repair, etc. So keeping awareness of how many open tabs we have at any given time can be surprisingly beneficial. The land of too-much has never been a great starting point when it comes to focus.

Silence practices are another way I find really productive. After some time in reduced stimuli, the mind has already gone through all the rest — and is now available to the new and relevant. When all the mental processing of what’s already there is over, the brain is all-in for forming new connections.

Uninterrupted silence is like a deep cleaning of the pipes. Always a good idea, and best if done regularly. It’s different from guided meditations, which come with many benefits of their own, as the idea is to allow everything that is there to rise — seeing it clearly for what it is. It is also different from sleep, where a deeper clearing and processing on the unconscious level takes place.

The effect of being in silence on neurotransmitters is profound. When the thoughts gradually dissolve, a gentle focus on bodily sensations naturally takes place. This process activates the body’s relaxation response, leading to a decrease in the production of stress hormones like cortisol, and an increase in the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like endorphins.

And how does it all bounce back to a productive mind? Well, the answer is quite a simple one. The mind is available.

Silence can be practiced both in shorter sessions to keep ourselves fresh, as well as in deeper and longer sessions, which in my eyes are the real deal. It is hands-down the optimal reset — no competition.

Another route that is significant for optimal flow is brain-boosting nutrition. When we run on lower-quality fuel, not enough fuel, or we’re missing key ingredients — our brain suffers. We may experience it as being a bit tired, or a slight difficulty concentrating. But it ain’t our natural state of being, and it can be transformed.

How many times a week do we find ourselves in this place? What distractions are standing in our way? How can we sustain an ongoing bond with it? It takes more than good intentions — it takes internal discipline.

All in all, Point Zero is a joyful place. It is an area of play. A field of unpredictable moves, surprising links, and unbeatable edge.