The Flow, In the Zone

[gcgang]

I recently heard a discussion of The Flow.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

The flow, or being in the zone, basically is when you are totally immersed in an activity, highly focused and unaware of time, described as optimal experience delivering a high sense of accomplishment/enjoyment.

While I'm sure many here are permanently in the zone since ER, for the rest of us, What do you do to get in the flow/zone?

 

[sengsational]

My flow experiences are when I'm doing home improvement projects, occasionally when using or writing software, playing music. But, like meditation, I never know if I'm really doing it...it just seems like I am.

But to learn more, you might check out Csikszentmihalyi's TED talk or his "Flow" book. Pronounced "chick sent me high". He's the one that popularized the idea.

https://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_on_flow

 

[FIREmenow]

Sailing small boats.

 

[gcgang]

I get there playing games, backgammon, poker, bridge, golf...

The segment I heard, mentioned Silicon Valley types were "microdosing" (LSD) to come up with creative ideas on the next generation of iPhone stuff.

 

[DatumPoint5]

I never know when I am "in" the flow, but, I always know when I "was in" the flow. It always happens during a program coding session. As a programmer, when you start something you consider "quick" and you get into it, and you look up at the clock and you suddenly realize 8, 10, 12 hours have passed, yet you feel like it was only a few minutes, you know you "was in" the flow!?!?!?

 

[Aerides]

Running.

Sometimes, more occasionally than I'd like, I realize I have no memory of the last 5 or 10 minute stretch that I've covered. Usually not much longer, but I know that span didn't have any "ugh this sucks...can i stop yet...i hate running" feelings that I feel the other 99% of the time.

Feels like free exercise!

 

[MRG]

I never know when I am "in" the flow, but, I always know when I "was in" the flow. It always happens during a program coding session. As a programmer, when you start something you consider "quick" and you get into it, and you look up at the clock and you suddenly realize 8, 10, 12 hours have passed, yet you feel like it was only a few minutes, you know you "was in" the flow!?!?!?

One of the few things I miss about w*rking. I could get there going through system dumps too.

 

[walkinwood]

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's book, Flow, made a big impression on me years ago.




Mihaly C's book, Flow, made a big impression on me years ago. Like a previous poster says, you know you've been in a state of flow only afterwards.. almost by definition. I find myself in that state usually when doing something that is interesting to me, but also challenging. Post-processing photographs is a reliable flow activity for me.

 

[SheitlQueen]

Competitive shooting.

 

[John Galt III]

Getting a low price from ticket scalpers outside college sporting events. Supply and demand. Usually too many tickets, not enough buyers. I'm the buyer. I know if I don't get the low price I want, I'll just watch it on TV somewhere in town, and have just as much fun. The scalpers sense that and usually cave. I love getting $48 dollar tickets for $10. Zones me every time! Feels so good, so right.

 

[aja8888]

While I'm sure many here are permanently in the zone since ER, for the rest of us, What do you do to get in the flow/zone?

Since I retired, I have not found anything to hold my interest long enough to get into a "flow". I find this unfortunate and feel like I am "running in place" or "just going through the motions" every day. Maybe it's age or lack of enthusiasm, or not finding an activity I like well enough to get with it again.

 

[Midpack]

Sailing more often than any other activity. And it comes and goes when I play golf. Cooking and restaurant dining. Listening to music, watching theater. It happens sometimes when I build spreadsheets and some other computer/internet activities. It used to happen at work some, but I don't care to recount that and you don't want to hear it.

 

[Blue Collar Guy]

Getting a low price from ticket scalpers outside college sporting events. Supply and demand. Usually too many tickets, not enough buyers. I'm the buyer. I know if I don't get the low price I want, I'll just watch it on TV somewhere in town, and have just as much fun. The scalpers sense that and usually cave. I love getting $48 dollar tickets for $10. Zones me every time! Feels so good, so right.

Hahahahaha, seeing them eat the tickets is also good fun.

 

[ER Eddie]

Yeah, the book is good, I recommend that.

My flow experiences:

- reading (if it's interesting and a little challenging)
- writing (if I'm interested, expressing myself, not self-conscious)
- video games (these get a bad rap but often produce flow for me)
- some parts of my work (the writing, mostly)
- conversation, if it's good and I'm not self-conscious
- sex, if it's good and I'm not self-conscious (although I'm having trouble remembering)
- any video material that really engages me

 

[scrabbler1]

Reading a good book often results in my passing time very quickly.

 

[Blue Collar Guy]

New gadgets, I get mesmerized by how these things dont do what I want them to do, ie, dehumidifier that takes its time to dry, dishwasher that gives me wet dishes, washing machine that uses an ounce of water and tells me my clothes are clean. I stare at them and watch all the lights flash, and the buzzers go off and the digital numbers move. I spend hours looking at them. They dont work any better, and I spent so much time I must have entered a time warp.,

 

[growing_older]

New gadgets, I get mesmerized by how these things dont do what I want them to do, ie, dehumidifier that takes its time to dry, dishwasher that gives me wet dishes, washing machine that uses an ounce of water and tells me my clothes are clean. I stare at them and watch all the lights flash, and the buzzers go off and the digital numbers move. I spend hours looking at them. They dont work any better, and I spent so much time I must have entered a time warp.,

I get that way watching the Roomba vacuum the room, but I didn't think that was flow. It seems more like hypnotism because I just enjoy seeing it go back and forth.

 

[ER Eddie]

The dirty little secret of this book was that people experience flow more often at work than they do in their leisure hours.

I think that's because of two things: 1) people are pooped from work and don't have the mental energy to create flow, preferring instead to do lazy stuff like watch TV; 2) people generally aren't very good at creating flow situations for themselves; work will force it upon you.

 

[ls99]

Last night in dance class one hour seemed like ten minutes. Having a great dance partner seemed to enhance the experience.