Recently on a weekend evening out with another couple...
We were sharing the ride and the discussion was about a family member needing a referral to a specialist. One of the people in our group brought up the name of a physician- who specialized in the field we were discussing - and added that he also ran marathons and is an artist -which elevated him as a professional...somehow.
All the details of that conversation beyond the description of the physician were lost on me as I began to think about how we are all multi-talented and have interests and abilities beyond our work and hopefully, we make time for them because it enriches our lives.
You can imagine this physician has a busy schedule and a lot of responsibility in his work, managing stress, and yet...He runs marathons and is an artist. If he is able, why not others? He obviously was intentional about doing these things. Perhaps he realized that by doing them, he would be better in other areas of his life. A well-rounded approach to living life perhaps?
There are countless studies on the benefits of physical exercise for our health, mental health, and overall well-being...But marathons? And, why would he create art? Enjoyment of course but I thought about it further.
Sitting in the back seat of the car, as the conversation continued and our friend navigated the Los Angeles freeways, I had time to contemplate further...( LA traffic affords such things)
I began considering how this person may have found a way to a happy, healthy life and was - most likely- tapping into a 'flow state' in his endeavors. Additionally, practicing this flow state -or even moving meditation for example- provided a core to draw from in all areas of his life.
Flow state is described as the moment when you are completely absorbed in a challenging but doable task, and has been widely discussed as a part of creativity, athletic ability, and problem-solving.
When something gains popularity in the media and science world, many tend to think it is something to obtain outside of themselves- that we may have to work hard to achieve it. I know if you think about it...You have experienced a flow state, or maybe a moving meditation.
I remember a time when I inadvertently ditched my husband on a beautiful bike ride. Why? I got into 'the zone' and just kept going. I didn't notice how far ahead I was.
The Cambridge dictionary defines flow as: To move in one direction, especially continuously and easily
I was there alright and my husband was not thrilled. But, this experience? It was not a phenomenon- my getting in the zone - and I know others have experienced similar situations.
For example, what we did as children at play was drop into a flow state and used what came easy to us, what gave us joy. Art is not the only path to flow state and creativity - aligning us with our true selves. How many have witnessed a child coming to them and proudly saying " I made this" or " I figured this out" with such joy?
It could be anything -whatever they came up with. They are thrilled to have created it. We all remember that feeling and have seen it on children's faces. In adult life, we may have stepped away from it but it is still there.
Creative people have been known to mention how their ideas and work, "Just come to them when they are in the moment". They are experiencing a flow state and creativity. It is assumed that this resource is only for 'creative' people but that is not true.
A flow state and activating our creativity is where each of us can revisit that joy, experience happiness, and connect with our true selves.
Why did I think this physician's past times were important? Balance. Maybe he was experiencing flow in his extracurricular interests and it was helping him to perform even better in his profession and other areas of his life. Emotionally, creatively and cognitively.
Albert Einstein said,"Life is like riding a bike. To keep your balance you must keep moving" Seeking ways to continue to learn, create and grow helps us in all areas of our lives.
In my work, I often ask my groups to stop and think about the things they do easily, which gave them effortless joy. The 'zone of genius' as many call it. Your gifts. What is it...What are they?
Each of us can come up with a few things and then how do we use those things now? How do we feel when we are able to use them? We may not always use them in our work but have we incorporated them into our lives?
Are we continuing to make space for moments of flow states and joy in our lives? Perhaps when we tap into those wonderful things that are innately ours and find that we work better, feel better, and are happier for it.
And for those seeking their NEXT, identifying and reacquainting with their genius zones is an important step to developing their next steps and being able to continue recreating throughout life.
Most importantly, it is something we all have and can use whenever we want to.
Feeling the need for more balance, joy, and happiness?
- Start with exercises to calm the mind such as meditation and moving meditation.
- Develop your awareness - your quiet place.
- Do the things that give you joy for the sake of joy.
- Stay present in the moment. The podcast story below involves a potter's wheel where she had to fully focus - yet relax at the same time.
- Like anything that is repeated, you will find you can access your genius zone and flow easier the more often you practice. And the practice? It is enjoyable. Win-Win. You can do this.
For an inspiring story of how flow and creativity can heal and help us recreate ourselves, listen to this powerful interview with speaker, author, and Thinking Into Results Coach, Barbara Daoust, on NEXT with Elizabeth Ribons
*For context: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, considered one of the co-founders of positive psychology was the first to identify and research flow
______________________________________________
Whether just starting out, or starting again - NEXT encourages us to rethink and design how we live and work - empowering us to continue to remain relevant throughout life
Find out more about the author,( Speaker, Founder, Podcast Host): Elizabeth Ribons
See what is NEXT at NEXT Career & Life
Get empowered with tips, inspiration, and interviews on the podcast NEXT with Elizabeth Ribons - Listen now or on your preferred platform. We'd love your Follow and Review
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
