Flow - ‘in our doing we can be’

Each of us have a ‘sweet spot’ a place in which:

• time both ‘stands still’ and ‘flies’

• we are lost in the moment and exquisitely focused

• simultaneously industrious and at rest 

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls this phenomena ‘flow’. On his death last year the Washington Post described ‘flow’ as:

‘the sense of creativity that emerges from an intense absorption in a challenging activity, whether in the arts, sports, business or a hobby’

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described it as:

“a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it” (1990).

Flow is our ‘sweet spot’ because in our ‘flow moments’ the need we have for growth, excitement and challenge, is perfectly matched with our current skill set. We are neither striving to attain or bored with the monotonous. Rather we are stimulated and free to get ‘lost in our doing’.

It is an interesting phenomena, because in our ‘flow doing’ we can ‘be’. 

Have you heard the often quoted thought - ‘we are not human doings, we are human beings’? It can be a great reminder, especially in times of ‘living in overdrive’ and burn out.

Yet ‘doing whilst in flow’ has physiological effects on the brain that distort time allowing us to be in an intrinsic state of joy and harmony within ourselves, mind, body, soul and spirit. A place of ‘being’ fully alive and living in the present moment. 

While there is wisdom from the past and inspiration in the future, present moment living is where we want to spend the majority of our time. It is living in the now that creates well-being and allows us to thrive.

Flow can happens when we least expect it, preceding those moments when we look up at the clock and hours not minutes have passed. 

Yet it need not be random. We can actively choose to cultivate regular flow moments into our lives.

Some tips for adding ‘flow’ into your week:

• make an intention

• set aside time

• create an environment conducive to flow

• curate a distraction free space

• explore and cultivate creativity whatever that means for you

• spend active time in challenging, worthwhile pursuits

• hone your ability with practice

• have fun

• create an expectation free zone

If you have any questions or would like one on one support to explore flow further, please DM me or make an appointment on my Booking Page.

Until next time

Liz