What is this Flow about?
This is an excerpt from my Coaching Power Tool Flow vs. Effort published at International Coach Academy. The original article can be found here.
If some of us have ever been in Flow, found our Muse or felt the power and light that Zen seeds in body and soul, the longing for it will never leave us… Zen, Muse, and other terms were used to describe this notion at different epochs or in various aspects of human presence. Even so, an astounding pleasure flow generates in us is all the same.
The term Flow, in relation to the specific state of mind and body, was introduced a couple of decades ago by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a Hungarian-American psychologist. Flow is also a contemporary version of Eastern Dao, translated from Chinese as Way or Path of the less resistance. Dao is an empty space, the heart of tornado that remains tranquil despite the wild, devastating forces raging around. Any attempt to row against these forces currents will bring us nowhere at best, though might easily destroy us. On the contrary, if we trust the silence within us, flow organically with the forces, they’ll turn into our genuine servants guiding us to a happier, more fulfilling life – that is, to our true purpose.
What is Flow? To embrace the physical sensation, imagine the crisp, fresh air early in the morning, a quiet river, like a sparkling ribbon, streams around the green pastures and picturesque mountains. A small boat is drifting gracefully along the river, smoothly carrying you away from all the mundane worries… The sun gently kisses the skin, light breeze touches the face, and spectacular views delight the eye.
Any moment, you are free to adjust the course: slow down to cherish the view, rest on the river bank, or move on. That is, you possess all the prerequisites to succeed with your goal – a river cruise. For example, you have both inherent and acquired skills, such as sensory perception and ability to row, and you are supported by the perfect conditions – a convenient boat accompanied by the steady river stream and beautiful weather.
All of the above allow you to smoothly proceed towards the final destination whilst relishing every single moment of the voyage.
The thrill captivates mind, body, and spirit – this is flow!
In case this flow matter still seems a bit fluffy, the chart below presents the idea from the scientific point of view and could be helpful for visual learners:
Source: Adapted from Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. New York: HarperCollins.
Simply put, if we are overqualified for an activity, the boredom won’t make us wait long. Conversely, if the required skills are missing – we become susceptible to frustration, irritation or even anxiety. In other words, flow is a time span when we feel unconditionally happy and fully engaged in the process while applying our top skills. The skills, in turn, either match the difficulty level of the activity or can be easily obtained on the go.
On an essential level, flow can occur when swimming, running, reading, dancing, climbing, even shopping (as if out of nowhere, we start spotting just the right things!) On a more advanced level, individuals may catch flow when presenting their ideas, painting, designing, writing, or programming – basically during any intellectual or creative activity.
Flow fully unleashes our inspiration; hence, our potential soars. An intellectual or physical activity performed in the flow mode not only results in high quality but also inspires and fosters energy, bringing bliss and happiness all over the course. And it’s not particularly about the result, although for the most part, the exceptional outcome will inevitably show up.
Flow is about the journey per se. Being in flow is an ethereal, yet nourishing, feeling when we absorb and live, rather than dwell on and judge.
Now we see what this buzz is all about, and why artists and other artistic souls chase flow with the sole purpose to harness its power. Some have to wait for ages before the Muse would eventually show up and all the hurdles on the tour to their creativity would magically dissolve.
Oh, this annoying Writer’s Block! William Faulkner joked, “I only write when inspiration strikes. Fortunately, it strikes at nine every morning.”
Luckily, there is hope for all who are still waiting their flow to show up…
Picture credits:
pixaby.com
Halcyon Presence
