How do you experience flow? For me, it’s what I imagine surfing feels like. To perform and teach at your best — it’s a bit like riding a wave. Or at least that’s how I experience it. Check out this 2 minute video of Dave Rastovich describing the sense of wonder, going to the edge, and the connection to art . . .›
Being “in the zone” is about getting out of our own way so that we focus on the NOW. Not on what just happened or what may happen next. We aren’t judging. We’re simply in the doing itself. And this frees us to be more fully ourselves, to respond in the moment, and to bring our best forward.
Achieving Flow
When you’re in flow, you lose self-consciousness and lose track of time. There’s a sense of “oneness” with what you’re doing.
And yes, there’s fear along with the excitement. Getting to flow demands going ahead into the fear and through it to get to the other side.
When you’re there and completely present, there’s a give and take—a heightened sensitivity that helps you react and respond with ease. You can’t get to flow if you’re trying to control everything.
For me, flow feels like being connected to a force, like you’re riding a wave or a dragon. And although there’s a sense of venturing into the unknown, it feels like you’re absolutely where you need to be.
Daring to let go — to dance closer to the edge
Sure, you plan, prepare, and work hard to perfect what you want to present. But when it comes down to the performance, or the teaching, it’s about trusting, letting go, and riding that wave.
I’ve found that the closer to the edge you can get—how far you can loosen up and trust your preparation, and dare to go further—the richer the experience.
Maybe the big difference between surfing and music is that with surfing there’s you and the wave becoming one. With performance and teaching you’re riding the wave in partnership with others—with your audience, your students, your fellow performers. So it’s a kind of collective surfing.
Whether I’m working with someone one on one or in a group, I’m pushing myself to find the wave that we can ride together.
Questions: How do you experience flow? And what helps you get there?
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