Flow

You are lucky if you have read Csíkszentmihályi's book about the flow experience. You are even luckier if you have already experienced that particular feeling. I would say the luckiest are those who have managed to experience it with others, and countless times.

Rowers are lucky.

In her brilliant book 94-year-old Kornélia Pap beautifully describes the sense of freedom that rowing offers, which often mixes with the flow experience, that I wouldn't attempt to do it now. However, I would repeat and emphasize that this can be very often experienced in a rowing boat, especially in a team boat.

I had the luck to experience this several times, for example, a week ago at this year's national rowing championship in Szeged, Hungary.

But what is it about?

“The flow experience is a state of mind in which a person is completely immersed in what they are doing, filled with joy, fully absorbed in it, everything else fades into insignificance, and they strive to continue at any cost.”

I'm not sure if it's related, but I would think that if a person has been able to experience this state, they will increasingly be able to do so in different environments in the future.

Unfortunately, I find it increasingly disturbing that my brain (and body) is active in the evening, becoming productive around 5 PM, which is the state I constantly desire. Beyond being a disadvantage, it can sometimes be beneficial. I find myself more and more often entering some kind of mental state, primarily during work-related activities, as the evening approaches.

But what does this feeling give?

Actual satisfaction.

A feeling that makes a person's day better, one that they don't dare to interrupt, lest it vanish forever.

The good news is that it won't, it will likely reappear next time.

And the bad news is that the more we desire or expect it, the less likely it is to occur.

A fraction of a second here or there, "that's what it's about!" It was good and it will be good! Thanks!