“It is how we choose what we do, and how we approach it,

that will determine whether the sum of our days adds up to a formless blur,

or to something resembling a work of art.”

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

(1934 – )

Finding Flow: The Psychology Of Engagement With Everyday Life

 

 

A week or so ago I shared a bit about being asked to participate in a secret art show. Contributing to a good cause feels good, so I was happy to commit. And to be perfectly honest, I was intrigued by the challenge of painting small works. And so it began.

 

Painting for me is therapy. No, that may not be completely true. It’s more like meditation. I liken it to gardening, if you have experience with that. In the same way that working in the soil can lead one to focus only on that plot of dirt, only on that moment, working on art is much the same. At its best, painting allows me to focus – truly focus – and stay in the moment. For my twirly brain, this is a gift.

 

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is a professor of psychology and author who coined the term “The Flow.” I thought I had one of his books, but when I checked every shelf in the house, I came up empty-handed. So maybe I haven’t read his work. Maybe I’ve only read about his work. Clearly, I’m not in The Flow when it comes to knowing what I have and have not read. I think that means I’m in The Old. Dag. But I digress. The Flow is pretty much the same thing as being in the zone. It’s full-on commitment and focus and absorption. It’s that mind-space that sets us free from the rest of life, and allows us to be where we are. It is, quite simply, presence.

 

Anyhoo – so I met the challenge of working on two little paintings, and I met the deadline. I thought that would have to be good enough, in the self-satisfaction department, as I wasn’t gaga for the pieces or anything. After they’d cured a bit, I sealed them. (This, for me, is a necessary step and it not only gives a little protection to the painting, but also makes the colors pop in a way I can’t describe.) And that’s when the magic happened.

 

I adore those little paintings! They’re not grand masterpieces or anything, and they don’t have to be. They are darling, however, and when I looked at them I felt all bubbly and smiley! I also understood, in admiring the works, that they had been created by being in The Flow.

 

Turns out, having pure moments is a greater gift than I thought. Sure – the clarity of intention during those moments is beautiful. But so is the recognition that achieving such moments is possible. I mean, if I’ve managed to benefit once from being in The Flow, it is surely possible for me to achieve that magic again, right? If I know I need to still my mind, heading outside to do some weeding is usually a good prescription. If I feel stressed and challenged, sitting before a canvas can be a beautiful remedy. Knowing what’s good for me isn’t a cure-all, by any means. But utilizing that knowledge sure does help.

 

Sorry I can’t share the little paintings yet, but like I said, they’re going to a secret art show. I’ll post some pics after the show goes down. For now, I hope to ride the wave of my love affair with the two little works for as long as possible. And to remember that good enough really is good enough. Sometimes it’s downright fabulous. Bubbly and smiley even.

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