2. Flow is the mental state of operation in
which a person in an activity is fully
immersed in a feeling of energized focus,
full involvement, and success in the
process of the activity
3. Etymology
Flow is so named because during Csíkszentmihályi's
1975 interviews several people described their “Flow"
experiences using the metaphor of a water current
carrying them along. The psychological concept of flow
as becoming absorbed in an activity is thus unrelated to
the older phrase, go with the flow.
4. Flow is completely focused
Motivation
It is a single minded immersion and represents
perhaps the ultimate in harnessing the emotions
in the service of performing and learning. In flow,
the emotions are not just contained and
channeled, but positive, energized, and aligned
with the task at hand.
The theory of flow was greatly used in the theories of Maslow and Rogers in
their development of the humanistic tradition of psychology.
5. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
“Flow” has been experienced throughout history and
across cultures. The teachings of Buddhism and Taoism
speak of a state of mind known as the "action of inaction"
or "doing without doing" that greatly resembles the idea
of flow. Also Indian texts on Advaita philosophy such
Ashtavakra Gita and the Yoga of Knowledge such as
Bhagavad-Gita refer to this similar state.
6. Components of flow
Clear Goals
(expectations and rules are discernible and goals are attainable
and align appropriately with one's skill set and abilities).
Concentration
Distorted sense of time
(one's subjective experience of Time is altered).
Direct and immediate feedback
7. Continued
Balance between ability level and challenge
A sense of personal control over the situation or activity.
Action awareness merging.
(Absorption into the activity, narrowing of the focus of awareness down to the
activity itself).
8. Benefits of Flow
Flow is an innately positive experience
it is known to "produce intense feelings of
enjoyment”.
It allows for optimal performance and skill
Development.
9. CONTINUED
Flow also has a strong correlation with the further development of
skills and personal growth. When one is in a flow state, he or she is
working to master the activity at hand. To maintain that flow state,
one must seek increasingly greater challenges. Attempting these
new, difficult challenges stretches one's skills. One emerges from
such a flow experience with a bit of personal growth and great
"feelings of competence and efficacy".
Further, flow is positively correlated with a higher subsequent
motivation to perform and to perform well.
