If you’re struggling or juggling, it seems counterintuitive to regularly turn up the tunes and dance it OUT, but did you know that it’s a wonderful way to get in a state of “flow”?
If the word, flow, is new to you, here is a refresher…
Psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, PhD, coined the psychological theory of “Flow” in the 1970s. He defines flow as, “Control of consciousness that determines the quality of life.”
In less formal terms, flow refers to a mental state where we’re completely absorbed in an activity, “in the zone”. It’s that feeling of intense focus and enjoyment when everything else fades away and we lose track of time. It’s a state of optimal experience where we’re fully immersed and challenged by what we’re doing.
Flow is an integral component of well-being, high-quality relationships, achievement, meaning, and purpose.
During complicated times, finding ways to carve out flow times is more important than ever. It’s about living in the present moment, balancing a skill and the challenge of the activity in which we’re engaging.
Not all activities are equal when it comes to achieving the flow state. An activity will stimulate flow if it:
- Provides a challenge
- Requires skill
- Provide immediate and unambiguous feedback.
- Requires concentration
- Provide immediate and unambiguous feedback.
- Provides a sense of control
- Presents clear goals. These can be small everyday goals. All you need is a clearly defined endpoint.
Way to Flow, Ladies! Susan Simpson (in blue) and Sheila Grubb
For many, flow is associated with a hushed Yoga class, stretching ourselves into uniquely challenging positions, and focusing on “Ommm…”
For those of us (me!) who prefer a more lighthearted form of flow, studies show that adding playfulness to the activity, along with the opportunity to experiment, explore, and not take things too seriously is an excellent addition to the flow chart (no pun intended).
Activities that allow for both flow and playfulness are often the most rewarding.
Imagine experiencing any of these “highs”…
- A musician completely absorbed in improvisation, playfully experimenting with new sounds.
- A painter so focused on their artwork, that they lose track of time, yet enjoying the creative process itself.
- Friends lost in a game, playfully competing but also having a blast together.
- Friends dancing and sweating it out together with challenging and fun movements.
- Increased creativity
- Improved learning
- Stronger social connections
- More enjoyment from life in general
I have had a lot of family stress lately and I also do a bunch of traveling (her hubby, Fredi, is the Baltimore Oriole’s bench coach). This can cause anxiety and throw me out of alignment. The other day I woke up feeling a bit overwhelmed and anxious, I forced myself to throw on my leggings and get myself to Mojo (Atta Girl!)
It’s remarkable just being with all the ladies beautiful energy, the great music and Cindy’s talent to lead us all, get a great workout and lift us up, made me feel a million times better after I left class! So grateful for Cindy and the Mojo community! Thank you for sharing, Tricia!
You DESERVE it!
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