Let’s take a look at some basic definitions and examples of flow experience.
Flow has been recognized throughout history and across cultures. The teachings of buddhism and taoism speak of a state of mind known as the “action of inaction” or “doing without doing” (wu wei in Taoism) that greatly resembles the idea of flow. Also, hindu texts on advaita philosophy such as Bhagavad-Gita refer to a similar state.
The flow state has been described by the world’s greatest thinkers as the most productive and creative state of mind in which to work.
In positive psychology, flow, also known as the zone, is described as a mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement and enjoyment. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does, and a resulting loss in one’s sense of space and time.
The world famous Hungarian psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was the one who actually coined the term “flow state” and describes flow in his own words: “Being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. Time flies, the ego falls away. Every movement and thought follow inevitably from the previous one. Your whole being is involved, and you’re performing your skill to its uttermost”.
On the other hand, an american author, Steven Kotler wrote: “When doing what we most love converts us into the best possible version of ourselves and that version hints at even greater future potentials, the urge to explore these potentials becomes a feverish compulsion.”
Bryce & Haworth concluded in their research that the experience of flow is: “About allowing oneself to merge with the moment and open up to creativity, imagination and wisdom rather than chasing after a goal or specific result.
Father of positive psychology, Martin Seligman postulates that: “An investment in learning optimism and hope, practising gratitude and being more mindful can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfilment and well-being and that true authentic happiness derives from raising the bar for yourself, not rating yourself against others.
Intrinsic motivation goes through the roof. Thus flow becomes an alternate path to mastery, without misery. Studies done on athletes experiencing “the zone/flow state” also show that their brain waves are similar to the brain waves experienced in meditation.
We can experience the flow state in whatever activity we are in. Some might enter the flow state while engaging in a sport such as skiing, surfing, basketball, martial arts, dancing or running. Others might have such an experience while writing, singing, or on a business meeting.
Flow or being in the zone, is a state of optimal perception, a state of being that creates a foundation for deep inner peace, a sense of empowerment, natural expression of authenticity and optimal performance.
Few examples of flow state descriptions:
“It is a state of performing with zero friction, zero viscosity, and superconductivity —
it is a state of absolute harmony and endless energy.“
Christopher Bergland, ultra marathon runner
“I felt as though I was driving in a tunnel. I had reached such a high level of concentration
that it was as if the car and I had become one.“ Arton Senna - F1 race car driver
“It was almost as if we were playing in slow motion. During those spells I could almost sense how the next play would develop and where the next shot would be taken.”
Bill Russel, Boston celtics, basketball player
“Flow ecstasy is an altered state where our normal waking consciousness vanishes completely, replaced by an intense euphoria and a powerful connection to a greater intelligence.” Plato
“The way to learn the most is when you are doing something with such enjoyment
that you don’t notice that the time passes.” Albert Einstein
“Going with the flow is responding to cues from the universe. When you go with the flow, you’re surfing life force. It’s about wakeful trust and total collaboration with what’s showing up for you.”
Danielle LaPorte
In their own ways, with differing languages, techniques, and applications, everyone has been quietly seeking the same thing: the flow.
