Saturday, April 11, 2015

Flow

My professor friend Denise was the first one to introduce me to the concept of flow, as written about by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the book titled “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.  Here is a link to an explanation of what he is talking about when he talks about flow, http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/mihaly-csikszentmihaly

My blogging friend Beth posted a video of herself playing piano. As I watching the video, I realized her piano music sounded the way I feel when I am working in Photoshop or out taking pictures with my camera, or gluing pictures and words into my journal to make a collage. Time stops, and there is peace.

It’s a good feeling, particularly when I have serious things on my mind, like dealing with cancer. I’m wondering if any of you experience flow, and how or what it is you do that brings you to that state.

And thank you, Denise and Beth! 


I'm looking forward to more flow opportunities once I'm done with my chemo treatments. When I get disconnected tomorrow, I will have three more treatments left.

8 comments:

  1. I get flow when I exercise or write.

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    1. I get flow when I walk, Cyn. I had forgotten that. I have not been walking (for exercise) since before my surgery. I'm looking forward to getting back to it.

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  2. Have captured the link to explore later, Annie, but would imagine it fuels your thoughts here. This "flow" of which you speak is something we speak of in Pentecost as being "anointed", but the act, itself, isn't restricted to a Spiritual event. One can know it in many ways; and God, indeed, can be in it in many ways. It depends on who or what one looks to in receiving it. Can you photography bring it to you in your knowing Him? Oh, yes! Christ will use YOUR talents and even your stumble down the path in as much as we but make ourselves a vessel for Him..... Forgive me. Preaching again. It is always good to come here and experience what you bring to the "picture"....

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    1. I enjoy your "preaching," Jim! I find what you say to be true for me.

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  3. D. Lott Arellano12:30 PM, April 14, 2015

    Another one of those 'synchronicity' moments! I was thinking Sunday that the hours I spent hiking on Saturday - scrambling up rises and ducking under branches - were the closest thing to a flow experience I've had in many months. As soon as I was driving home I was deciding where to ramble next. It's powerful stuff and I'm ready for you to encounter it again!

    Much love, my dear friend. Sending thoughts of strength and healing.

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    1. I'm glad you had the experience, Denise! Much love to you, too!

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  4. Smart guy that Flow man. Wow, imprisoned as a kid during the war?!? Amazing to imagine starting from that point and ending up with an idea like flow.

    The other night, I was very agitated, feeling unable to sleep and the only thought I had was to play piano and sing. Despite the late hour and the ongoing battle with laryngitis, I sat at the piano and poured through about 10 or so songs, mostly singing in my head. But by the end of it, my nerves literally tingled in the most soothing way and I put my head down and promptly slept. That piano is my oldest and most reliable friend.

    Painting and drawing also give me plenty of flow moments. The focus allows me either a "holiday" from anxieties or to throw it all up (sorry for the visual there) onto the canvas.

    Teaching provides some of those moments in various doses. Occasionally, there are those times when you get to witness the kids developing their own flow moments.

    Glad to see the countdown on the chemo. Prayers for you.

    Love your azaleas photos! Breathing in the colour.




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    1. These sound like great flow moments, Daisy!

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