Question

Think of an activity that you participate in that you find engaging and absorbing. For example, this might be omething like playing video games, reading, or a hobby. What are your experiences typically like while ngaging in this activity? Do your experiences conform to the notion of flow? If so, how? Do you think these xperiences have enriched your life? Why or why not?

Answer 1

I find writing to be an immensely engaging activity in which I get engrossed easily.

Some things that I experience while doing this activity are:

1. Strong concentration and focused attention

2. The activity is intrinsically rewarding

3. Feelings of serenity; loss of self-consciousness

4. Timelessness; a distorted sense of time; feeling so focused on the present that I lose track of time passing

5. Feelings of personal control over the situation and the outcome

6. Complete focus on the activity itself

Yes, this experience absolutely aligns with the flow state. According to positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, what I experience in those moments is flow, a state of complete immersion in an activity. He explains the mental state of flow as "being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you're using your skills to the utmost."

Achieving a state of flow has been a great way to make writing more engaging and enjoyable for me based on my personal experience. Not only do I often perform better when I am in this state of flow, I am often able to improve my skills in this area. I am continually seeking new challenges and information in order to maintain this state. As the flow state has enhanced my performance and skill level, these experiences have truly enriched my life, both professionally and personally.