"Flow" & Creativity

I've been thinking a lot about "flow". It seems to be an important component in creativity, meditation, physical and mental mastery that all humans crave.

I've thought back to times in my life when I have achieved flow without the aid of drugs or alcohol.

Sailing comes to mind.  There is that moment of perfect mastery.  With your hand on the rudder, the sails taunt with wind, in total  silent synchronicity with the elements on a sparkling sunny day.  There was nothing like it to take me away.

I imagine rock climbing, scaling the side of mountain, a rock face; focused on that next hand hold, that next toe niche must also have a similar feel of mastery.

I used to organize special events.  I know the feeling of pulling off a near perfect event, with hundreds of people.  Me, as the silent, behind-the-scenes conductor.  Having thought of everything, anticipating every possible glitch.  Everyone doing their jobs according to plan.  My skills set in communicating and organizing, meeting and matching the task at hand.  Flow in the moment and a deep sense of satisfaction, mastery.

Even creating a beautiful garden, pruning a bush just right, painting a picture, throwing a pot, painting a room a beautiful shade, playing a concerto, building something.  I imagine all these thing can create a sense of flow.

And aside from "doing", I think through meditation or prayer, it is possible to connect with spirit in a way that surpasses daily life in something Lyubomirsky calls "superflow".

At the same time, I am aware of activities that I'm certain create flow, but which can be very damaging when done to excess.

I imagine gaming can create a feeling of mastery and satisfaction as one moves from level to level in the game, pitting one's skills against the the game designer's mind; learning new skills which allow one to move forward in the game.

However, I've seen what excessive gaming can do.  It takes people away from their families.  It seems to compel people to stay up all night, begin to miss work.  The fantasy world of the game gives one a feeling of effectiveness one may not have have in their actual lives.

I can see gaming being used as a tool of distraction--a tool we all need to have in our belts in some form, as we cope with life's vagaries.  And I'm certain it creates flow.  But as with everything, balance is also a state we must seek.

I've also observed artists, who while creating incredible works of art, neglect their children.  Ignore their partners.  Neglect their financial obligations and even their own physical health.

What is "a good life" after all?  Surely it is one where we can fulfill ourselves and our potential; but not at the expense of others.  Perhaps people who have found flow in their work which will ill suit them for being parents should be careful in making that choice.

So a cautionary note about flow.  Yes, we should seek ways of increasing flow in our lives; whether it be through cleaning the house, our jobs, creating a work of art, meditation--but not become addicted to it to the point of neglecting ourselves and others.  Flow is a practice, another tool which can increase happiness, which can improve the quality of or lives; but all things in balance and in health. Or, as the medical profession might say: To do no harm.