Why Flow?
True long-term happiness is not achieved by material things or their pursuit but through a healthy mindset and state of being. Flow is a state of being, which, when embraced as a way of life gives your life purpose, growth and challenge; which naturally breeds a state of joy and fulfillment.
The Hungarian American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi termed this state of being the state of flow and divided it into 8 elements, the first three he considers essential prerequisites while the other 5 subjective experiences felt during the flow state.
The videos below introduce you to the flow state and all its elements individually through a journey of symbolism, color, and music.
The FLOW State
While flow can and should be experienced in all activities throughout your life whether they be driving, cooking, working, meditating, or walking.. we believe flow art is one of the most effective and powerful methods of practicing flow since it:
- Encourages you to remain active.
- Suits all ages and body types.
- Has no fitness or skill prerequisites.
- Engages senses of sound, smell, touch, and sight together.
- Breeds creativity and teaches you new skills.
- Increases self confidence.
- Increases a desire for self expression.
- Improves mental health and relieves stress.
Amongst many other advantages.
The Element of Clarity
In order to experience flow your goal must not only be clear but how to achieve it must be known. "in every action success or failure is immediately perceived", this helps drive your actions in a known direction.
The Element of Focus
When your focus is targeted and concentrated on the present moment and your present goal with no distractions.
The Element of Balance
When the balance of skill and challenge allows for the activity to be neither too difficult nor too easy, a flow occurs.
The Element of Presence
The complete disconnection from the past and future, full absorption into the now; allowing the consciousness to delve completely into the activity.
The Element of Effortlessness
The experience during a state of flow in which the actions are performed with natural ease and fluidity. "Decisions are spontaneous without any deliberate reflection".
The Element of Control
The feeling of being in total control of the action in the moment, whilst feeling completely relaxed, free of anxiety, tension or worry. "The paradox known in zen buddhism as 'control without controlling'".
The Element of Timelessness
The sense of disconnection from the flow of time, where our perception of normal time is altered. Minutes could feel like hours, and hours could feel like minutes.
The Element of Instant Gratification
The pursuit of a goal, coupled with the sensation of effortless flow grants you a feeling of enjoyment, fulfillment, and drive.