Underlying mental processes are common to all people in spite of individual differences in capability, intelligence, attitude, and motivation. When these processes are combined to form a single, observable entity, they can be interpreted as a universal action pattern of the mind. Educators, psychotherapists, and other individuals interested in facilitating learning can better understand and work with this universal action pattern if they plot behavioral manifestations of mental activity on a flow diagram. The diagram should represent all categories of information which compose the experience of the mind during mental or physical action. When people understand the action pattern, they can create experiences and achieve chosen goals within limits such as time, awareness, ability, and, in the case of groups, cooperative agreement. In addition, individuals can use the action pattern as a checklist of ingredients of an intended experience and can point out areas of capability and uncertainty. When the action pattern is set in motion, it can indicate smooth flow signals including understanding, opportunity, self-responsibility, and satisfaction. It can also indicate obstruction signals including uncertainty, anxiety, anger, confusion, and vulnerability. The conclusion is that people will develop more efficient energy movement patterns if they interpret their motivations and actions in light of their universal action patterns. (DB)