When we are in a state of flow, we liberate our minds from negative events of the past and from negative thoughts of the present, like, ‘I can’t do this’.
Monica Fernandes
Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi coined the term to be in a state of ‘flow’ in 1975 to define being totally immersed in what one is doing, and experiencing a “growth towards complexity”. Another term used to define this state is being ‘wired in’. The term being in a state of flow brings to mind a river flowing to its destination. It seems to have a clarity of objective and is unperturbed by the obstacles of rocks in its path. It seems ever so calm as it flows along.
A person is in a flow when he enjoys what he is doing which may be painting, reading, studying his favourite subject, writing or improving his football skills. He is so focused onan activity that time seems to slow down and he misses out on a lunch appointment. Another feature of being immersed in the now is that of lacking self consciousness. Watch a tennis match at Wimbledon. Despite the big crowd of spectators, the tennis players are totally focused on the game.
Time seems to stand still when we are in a state of flow. A tennis player feels as if the ball is coming to her in slow motion. However, when the game is over and she is out of flow, she realizes that the ball moved really fast.
A great advantage of being in the flow are that it enhances happiness and enjoyment. Steven Kottler, the well known journalist and author, says that our brain releases as many as five feel good chemicals. Our sense of pain diminishes. Michaelangelo would have been in a state of flow as he painted the Sistine Chapel while he lay on his back for hours on end. Our activity is meaningful, our skills appreciated and its great fun being creative. It is dynamic, ever changing. It also is likely to result in mastery and success.
When they get on to the stage, well known singers have the ability to get the audience involved in the flow. For those few hours, everyone has forgotten their troubles and let go of their inhibitions. The singer gets the audience to sing along with him, sway to the music and clap their hands. This is called ‘flow contagion.’
We have to work to be in a state of flow but it’s worth it. The first step is to pinpoint our talent and our passion. Let’s assume it is playing the piano. To be an expert, we need to set time aside for practice, practice, practice but that’s no problem as it is an enjoyable activity. Eliminate all distractions. Don’t look at our mobile to check out messages every little while. Wemay need to locate a good teacher and allocate time slots for the activity. Rome was not built in a day.
Psychologists state that it is important to set targets that are a little beyond our reach and keep on setting these targets a notch higher once we achieve them. Visualise ourselves achieving each target. If we set our targets too high, we will get frustrated and quit. Weightlifters may aim lifting a certain weight but they increase the weights gradually until they reach their goal. Challenge ourselves, they say, but don’t aim for the moon. When we are totally focused in an activity, temporary setbacks or failures spur us to greater heights.
An ideal situation would be if you found your flow in your workplace. You have always dreamt of being an actor. You have the talent as you always played the main role in school and college plays. You are willing to start at the bottom, but you are aware there is a long road ahead. In the meantime you need to earn your daily bread. Perhaps you could find a job during the day and spend your evenings in a theatre group. When there is a will, there is a way.
Ranveer Singh is a versatile and much admired actor who wears many hats. The secret of his ability to take on any role – serious, romantic, tragic or comic – is his sheer love for acting. He is willing to put in hours of practice in preparation. This is because he is in a state of flow while acting.
We have all experienced flow at some point or the other. The saints, who have this intense, all embracing love of God and their fellow human beings,have experienced an elevated, blessed state of flow when they see visions, when they are one with God.
The state of flow is considered to be an essential quality for attaining happiness. When we are in a state of flow, we liberate our minds from negative events of the past such as failures and from negative imaginary thoughts of the present, like,‘I can’t do this’.’All that matters is the here and the now.
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