senjukannon:

gloriousbacon:

Cyber-psychologist Berni Goode talking about Flow on Charlie Brooker’s How Videogames Changed the World.

Flow is extremely important. So, so important.

It’s what keeps some people sane. It’s what drives the world’s most skilled and accomplished athletes, the most intense gamers, the hardcore hobbyists, even many of the most talented artists, musicians and actors – flow is what you get when unstoppable drive meets an unflinching will and unlimited dedication.

Flow is being utterly, truly “in the zone”. And it’s one of the most amazing feelings there is. 

This is why finding a sport, or a hobby, or a martial art, or a handicraft, or a new video game, or any skill-based activity that uses focus and requires practice and repetition is so beneficial for things like depression and anxiety and overall mental/physical well-being.

I don’t really get this with gaming, but I do when patterning. Sometimes sewing (joining lace so show no seam absolutely ditto with elements of tailoring, actual tailoring not dressmaking as there is a difference). But man, patterning, pretty sure my brain waves and heart beat would confirm 😉 And also when singing in my range and with twiddly vocal gymnastics when I have my voice tuned up:) Seriously you need elements of flow for true vibrato (not forced) and to have that blend of relaxed and tensed muscles to trill. I love trilling now.

It’s not so much about not thinking but having that muscle memory laid down so well you don’t have to concetrate on anything but being there.

So if you ever hear actors or singers being all arty about energy or using other jargon this is what they mean. Being in the zone or being present where technique is so well in place you don’t show or feel the effort while in the middle. After yes 😉 And before yes 😉

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Leave a Reply