What else brings 'flow' or joy besides cars?
Discussion
Flow is not just enjoying something, it’s actually a different state of mind or positive hyper focus.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)
I get it swimming open water sometimes, but not in a pool where I’m having to turn every few minutes. I also get it running on occasion. In both activities sometimes I feel like I could run or swim for hours and it feels almost effortless and I even forget completely how long I’ve been running or swimming for. It’s weird but awesome when it happens. It’s hard to describe but it feels amazing and I’m totally connected to what I’m doing and like I’m running or swimming completely efficiently.
The only other thing I get it from is drawing where after about 20 mins I just really enjoy it and it feels deeply relaxing but I’m aware and not sleepy.
It’s not really like just enjoying something it’s more like mindfulness or meditation but it comes from concentrating on something you enjoy doing, for me anyway. I’ve got loads of other hobbies and things that I enjoy but flow is something a bit different than just enjoying doing something or relaxing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)
I get it swimming open water sometimes, but not in a pool where I’m having to turn every few minutes. I also get it running on occasion. In both activities sometimes I feel like I could run or swim for hours and it feels almost effortless and I even forget completely how long I’ve been running or swimming for. It’s weird but awesome when it happens. It’s hard to describe but it feels amazing and I’m totally connected to what I’m doing and like I’m running or swimming completely efficiently.
The only other thing I get it from is drawing where after about 20 mins I just really enjoy it and it feels deeply relaxing but I’m aware and not sleepy.
It’s not really like just enjoying something it’s more like mindfulness or meditation but it comes from concentrating on something you enjoy doing, for me anyway. I’ve got loads of other hobbies and things that I enjoy but flow is something a bit different than just enjoying doing something or relaxing.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 14th July 22:34
Radio control slope soaring - A great way of unwinding!
I learned at Hankley Common (where the helicopter destroying the house scene in 'Skyfall' was filmed).
The usual slope was only about 30ft top to bottom. On a thermic day though, you could transition from the slope to a booming thermal, until the model was a speck in the sky. The thermal would then pass, and you would soon be back to scratching along the ridge until the next thermal came through.
One time at The Trundle, by Goodwood racecourse in Sussex, we were there around sunset one Summer evening. There was almost no wind, but the ground was giving off the heat it had absorbed through the day. Flown carefully with the gentlest touch on the controls, the glider would stay up. Too much control and the extra drag would cause it to lose height. We (my brother and I) kept flying until we ran out of light.
Coastal sites have very smooth predictable air. This is how I would like to be able to fly:
Le Fish - Aerobatic Slope Soarer
I learned at Hankley Common (where the helicopter destroying the house scene in 'Skyfall' was filmed).
The usual slope was only about 30ft top to bottom. On a thermic day though, you could transition from the slope to a booming thermal, until the model was a speck in the sky. The thermal would then pass, and you would soon be back to scratching along the ridge until the next thermal came through.
One time at The Trundle, by Goodwood racecourse in Sussex, we were there around sunset one Summer evening. There was almost no wind, but the ground was giving off the heat it had absorbed through the day. Flown carefully with the gentlest touch on the controls, the glider would stay up. Too much control and the extra drag would cause it to lose height. We (my brother and I) kept flying until we ran out of light.
Coastal sites have very smooth predictable air. This is how I would like to be able to fly:
Le Fish - Aerobatic Slope Soarer
If I'm learning a new tune / scale theory / musical theory on the guitar, then time just flies.
Yesterday evening, it was everything Harmonic Minor and associated chords and progressions. After moving to Phrygian Dominant (5th mode of Harmonic Minor), two hours had gone and my fingertips started to hurt.
Yesterday evening, it was everything Harmonic Minor and associated chords and progressions. After moving to Phrygian Dominant (5th mode of Harmonic Minor), two hours had gone and my fingertips started to hurt.
Europa1 said:
Rowing in a crew when it all just clicks, from a pair up to an VIII.
It's brilliant, it's powerful, it's visually stunning, you're asking questions of your body and getting the right answers, and if you're on an empty stretch of river and the conditions are calm, so much the better. It really is a mental tonic, that feeling of being part of a well drilled unit. Of course, like most sports, when you're having a 'mare, it sucks and you get angry. But I nominate the good times when rowing; it can be quite intoxicating.
I loved the Rio 2016 Men's VIIIs final - they steamed out of the blocks and you just knew no-one was going to get past them (particularly with Andy Triggs-Hodge in what's known as the ejector seat):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4UXGhI0Jp4
I haven’t rowed for years but your post brings me right back.It's brilliant, it's powerful, it's visually stunning, you're asking questions of your body and getting the right answers, and if you're on an empty stretch of river and the conditions are calm, so much the better. It really is a mental tonic, that feeling of being part of a well drilled unit. Of course, like most sports, when you're having a 'mare, it sucks and you get angry. But I nominate the good times when rowing; it can be quite intoxicating.
I loved the Rio 2016 Men's VIIIs final - they steamed out of the blocks and you just knew no-one was going to get past them (particularly with Andy Triggs-Hodge in what's known as the ejector seat):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4UXGhI0Jp4
Edited by Europa1 on Tuesday 14th July 22:11
The sound of the blades turning and the movement of the boat with everyone in sync, so awesome.
El stovey said:
I haven’t rowed for years but your post brings me right back.
The sound of the blades turning and the movement of the boat with everyone in sync, so awesome.
Likewise and completely agree. The sound of the blades turning and the movement of the boat with everyone in sync, so awesome.
Tech sparring with somebody at your level. Watching, reading, moving, judging, feinting, throwing, fast and light, just trying to catch them out and not be caught out. Totally in the moment, moving without thinking.
bearman68 said:
For me, spannering can be like that. 3 hours can pass in a moment of intense concentration and joy. the quality of the work is often very good in these circumstances.
Reading is also such an activity for me - time seems to slow, and the book comes to life as I'm absorbed into the story. Back in uni, I was measured at reading over 800 words a minute in this kind of trance.
But thinking about it, maybe rock climbing is the ultimate - this kind of total concentration where only the rock matters, and falling and failure become a thing not the be considered. Fear takes a back seat, and the joy and flow of movement on the rock is the only thing that matters. Complete bliss. But complete exhaustion after.
Beautiful post and it describes flow perfectly. Almost like an out of body experience. Reading is also such an activity for me - time seems to slow, and the book comes to life as I'm absorbed into the story. Back in uni, I was measured at reading over 800 words a minute in this kind of trance.
But thinking about it, maybe rock climbing is the ultimate - this kind of total concentration where only the rock matters, and falling and failure become a thing not the be considered. Fear takes a back seat, and the joy and flow of movement on the rock is the only thing that matters. Complete bliss. But complete exhaustion after.
It reminds me of another time I had flow on holiday recently. I was swimming in a pool that had a water jet like an endless pool in a normal pool. I turned it on and started swimming, I didn’t have to think where I was going or look for anything but just swim. After a while I remember just feeling like I could swim for days and like the water was flowing through (not around) my body with no resistance at all.
My wife ended up stopping it as we had to go out for dinner but I’d been swimming for about 2 hours but felt I could swim much longer.
Another vote for Mountain Biking, but for me almost anything out in the countryside and ideally up a mountain. I can sit on top of a mountain, and if the weather is nice and I'm not disturbed by other people, happily stay there for hours.
One thing I've never tried but think would be nirvana for me would be gentle cross country skiing. Just the thought of a sunny day, with nobody anywhere near me, skiing along the side of a mountain, being able to stop and hear the silence in a way you only can in snow...
Also, listening to music in the dark, but only if I know what track comes next.
One thing I've never tried but think would be nirvana for me would be gentle cross country skiing. Just the thought of a sunny day, with nobody anywhere near me, skiing along the side of a mountain, being able to stop and hear the silence in a way you only can in snow...
Also, listening to music in the dark, but only if I know what track comes next.
Cycling, especially mountain biking.
The adrenaline buzz of a fast flowy downhill. The satisfaction of cleaning a tricky bit of trail. The 'runners high' after pushing yourself up a long climb, often with the reward of a spectacular view at the end of it, and then the anticipation of another downhill blast.
I've been doing it for the last ten years and still absolutely love it.
Get yourself a decent bike, get fit, get the confidence and skills to tackle some awkward terrain at speed. Then get yourself to somewhere like Glentress, or the Lakes if you want a more natural experience. You might also get the added bonus of a great drive there and back.
The adrenaline buzz of a fast flowy downhill. The satisfaction of cleaning a tricky bit of trail. The 'runners high' after pushing yourself up a long climb, often with the reward of a spectacular view at the end of it, and then the anticipation of another downhill blast.
I've been doing it for the last ten years and still absolutely love it.
Get yourself a decent bike, get fit, get the confidence and skills to tackle some awkward terrain at speed. Then get yourself to somewhere like Glentress, or the Lakes if you want a more natural experience. You might also get the added bonus of a great drive there and back.
Music, I'm a guitarist. messing around on Logic or GarageBand trying to create a tune with many instruments. Also, If I hear a piece of music (classical or rock) I particularly like I'll try to learn it and recreate it.. can take many many hours, all those nuances with strings and brass take a lot of listening and the hours just roll by.
Tennis. Enjoy a lot but not sure the time passes quickly after the first hour!
Tennis. Enjoy a lot but not sure the time passes quickly after the first hour!
21st Century Man said:
Touring.
Sort of car related but it's not about the car, although touring in a great car is obviously a bonus. I'm never happier than when driving across Continents, it's the journey as much as the destination. Wandering around historic towns and cities, stopping for coffee and cake, window shopping, parks/museums, lunch, people watching, taking in the architecture and foreign ambiance, evening wander, drinks, dinner and to bed in a centrally located hotel if we're in a car, or campsite if we're in our campervan. Moving on every other day or two, for weeks at a time. Over the last thirty odd years we've covered absolutely everywhere in Western/Eastern Europe, with many repeats, Scandanavia up to Nordkapp, bits of Africa. Last year was six weeks in Japan (in a Toyota Vitz rental). I could've continued indefinitely with that had funds allowed, saving up to do it again next year.
+1Sort of car related but it's not about the car, although touring in a great car is obviously a bonus. I'm never happier than when driving across Continents, it's the journey as much as the destination. Wandering around historic towns and cities, stopping for coffee and cake, window shopping, parks/museums, lunch, people watching, taking in the architecture and foreign ambiance, evening wander, drinks, dinner and to bed in a centrally located hotel if we're in a car, or campsite if we're in our campervan. Moving on every other day or two, for weeks at a time. Over the last thirty odd years we've covered absolutely everywhere in Western/Eastern Europe, with many repeats, Scandanavia up to Nordkapp, bits of Africa. Last year was six weeks in Japan (in a Toyota Vitz rental). I could've continued indefinitely with that had funds allowed, saving up to do it again next year.
I think it's quite a hard thing to achieve and not repeatable for me but things that have had this effect for me have included :
PCB layout when I first started out. Headphones on and with a problem to solve, being at 1 with the tools and lost in the problem achieving more in a few hours than in the rest of the week combined. I used to love getting stuck in to layout and no distractions seemed to happen.
Similar to the above (for me) - When you really get in the zone writing software. I have had a few times when 1 day (or night) writing code has yielded huge amounts. I wrote a completely new audio sub system for a chip in 1 day/night once sat on a friend's sofa and it is still in use in hundreds of millions of products today with very few changes from that night's work. I don't quite know what happened but everything just worked that day.
I have had it happen once or twice when rally driving. Normally, I'm sawing away at the wheel fighting the grip levels but very occasionally, a stage or test just seems to click and suddenly you are operating at a higher level, everything seems more controlled, smoother and you have time to process the instructions, think ahead and put the car exactly where you want it - it is briefly easy with test times to prove it . You finish the stage, think that you've cracked it only to go back to normal in the next event. It's those moments, that give me a glimpse into what it might be like for a proper driver sadly nowhere near enough to be consistently good...... (I reckon this has happened to me maybe 3 times (for a couple of minutes) in about 60 events (~600 stages / tests)
PCB layout when I first started out. Headphones on and with a problem to solve, being at 1 with the tools and lost in the problem achieving more in a few hours than in the rest of the week combined. I used to love getting stuck in to layout and no distractions seemed to happen.
Similar to the above (for me) - When you really get in the zone writing software. I have had a few times when 1 day (or night) writing code has yielded huge amounts. I wrote a completely new audio sub system for a chip in 1 day/night once sat on a friend's sofa and it is still in use in hundreds of millions of products today with very few changes from that night's work. I don't quite know what happened but everything just worked that day.
I have had it happen once or twice when rally driving. Normally, I'm sawing away at the wheel fighting the grip levels but very occasionally, a stage or test just seems to click and suddenly you are operating at a higher level, everything seems more controlled, smoother and you have time to process the instructions, think ahead and put the car exactly where you want it - it is briefly easy with test times to prove it . You finish the stage, think that you've cracked it only to go back to normal in the next event. It's those moments, that give me a glimpse into what it might be like for a proper driver sadly nowhere near enough to be consistently good...... (I reckon this has happened to me maybe 3 times (for a couple of minutes) in about 60 events (~600 stages / tests)
Flow is about mastery of a skill to the point that the technique and knowledge is spontaneous and second nature allowing you to focus on and enjoy the moment, the nuance, the challenge, the problem, the opponent, the risk, the speed, the rhythm etc etc
As somebody once said, 'Don't concentrate on the finger or you'll miss all that heavenly glory.'
As somebody once said, 'Don't concentrate on the finger or you'll miss all that heavenly glory.'
Zed 44 said:
21st Century Man said:
Touring.
Sort of car related but it's not about the car, although touring in a great car is obviously a bonus. I'm never happier than when driving across Continents, it's the journey as much as the destination. Wandering around historic towns and cities, stopping for coffee and cake, window shopping, parks/museums, lunch, people watching, taking in the architecture and foreign ambiance, evening wander, drinks, dinner and to bed in a centrally located hotel if we're in a car, or campsite if we're in our campervan. Moving on every other day or two, for weeks at a time. Over the last thirty odd years we've covered absolutely everywhere in Western/Eastern Europe, with many repeats, Scandanavia up to Nordkapp, bits of Africa. Last year was six weeks in Japan (in a Toyota Vitz rental). I could've continued indefinitely with that had funds allowed, saving up to do it again next year.
+1Sort of car related but it's not about the car, although touring in a great car is obviously a bonus. I'm never happier than when driving across Continents, it's the journey as much as the destination. Wandering around historic towns and cities, stopping for coffee and cake, window shopping, parks/museums, lunch, people watching, taking in the architecture and foreign ambiance, evening wander, drinks, dinner and to bed in a centrally located hotel if we're in a car, or campsite if we're in our campervan. Moving on every other day or two, for weeks at a time. Over the last thirty odd years we've covered absolutely everywhere in Western/Eastern Europe, with many repeats, Scandanavia up to Nordkapp, bits of Africa. Last year was six weeks in Japan (in a Toyota Vitz rental). I could've continued indefinitely with that had funds allowed, saving up to do it again next year.
Robertj21a said:
Zed 44 said:
21st Century Man said:
Touring.
Sort of car related but it's not about the car, although touring in a great car is obviously a bonus. I'm never happier than when driving across Continents, it's the journey as much as the destination. Wandering around historic towns and cities, stopping for coffee and cake, window shopping, parks/museums, lunch, people watching, taking in the architecture and foreign ambiance, evening wander, drinks, dinner and to bed in a centrally located hotel if we're in a car, or campsite if we're in our campervan. Moving on every other day or two, for weeks at a time. Over the last thirty odd years we've covered absolutely everywhere in Western/Eastern Europe, with many repeats, Scandanavia up to Nordkapp, bits of Africa. Last year was six weeks in Japan (in a Toyota Vitz rental). I could've continued indefinitely with that had funds allowed, saving up to do it again next year.
+1Sort of car related but it's not about the car, although touring in a great car is obviously a bonus. I'm never happier than when driving across Continents, it's the journey as much as the destination. Wandering around historic towns and cities, stopping for coffee and cake, window shopping, parks/museums, lunch, people watching, taking in the architecture and foreign ambiance, evening wander, drinks, dinner and to bed in a centrally located hotel if we're in a car, or campsite if we're in our campervan. Moving on every other day or two, for weeks at a time. Over the last thirty odd years we've covered absolutely everywhere in Western/Eastern Europe, with many repeats, Scandanavia up to Nordkapp, bits of Africa. Last year was six weeks in Japan (in a Toyota Vitz rental). I could've continued indefinitely with that had funds allowed, saving up to do it again next year.
I read the Wikipedia article about "Flow" and thought I'd misunderstood with my post. So I deleted it! But it works for me, the sense of wellbeing and inner peace I get from it, all the baggage of home/work just falls away. I guess that's what holidays are for!?
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