Fully immersed in The Flow State
Hello Community,
“The Flow State”. I’ve heard this phrase a few times now, most recently in The Self Care Issue of The Waitrose & Partners HEALTH magazine (highly recommend and it’s free with the myWaitrose card!)
So what is it?
In positive psychology, a flow state, also known colloquially as being “in the zone”, is the mental state in which a person preforming an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energised focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity.
Most recently I experienced this collecting sea glass on Hove Beach. It was SO relaxing and I could have stayed for hours!
Pyschologist Mihaly Csizszentmihalyi explains in his book Flow that the Flow State is being
“Wholly immersed in what you’re doing”.
Csizszentmihalyi states, this is achieved not when you’re relaxed but during challenging activities that need your concentration.
“The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”
I disagree with the above in part in bold, and would challenge Csizszentmihalyi on this.
Restorative Yoga is deeply relaxing and puts me in the flow state. I feel immersed in my breath, my bodily sensations and all sensory feedback. Restorative Yoga is deeply challenging and requires concentration to dive into the parasympathetic and to deeply relax.
Why?
We are wired as a society and culture that success = doing. We should be doing more, making more, constantly being productive and there is a huge guilt attached to slowing down, lying down, taking a nap and resting more.
Luckily, I feel this attitude is finally changing in 2020.
Apparently you do too!
I was initially surprised that my new vinyasa class offering didn’t receive a nibble. Not one single nibble! Restorative on the other hand, to all of you signed up to the 6-week course, I’m delighted. It makes perfect sense – the whole world is coping with some form of PTSD right now and ongoing trauma due to COVID. We need an ACTIVE rest and a serious lie down to process everything that’s happened! As dedicated Yogis here WELL DONE for listening to what you needed versus what you may feel you should do.
As an active advocate of Restorative Yoga and it’s benefits, I’ll forever strive to encourage others to experience the transformational effect of it for themselves.
It’s powerful to slow down.
When you simplify you amplify.
Less really is more.
For those who missed out on the first class of my new Restorative 6 Week course, I’m happy to offer you a last minute sign up if you’d like to join us (live + replays plus last week’s replay). Otherwise look out for my future 6-week terms on offer.
Be well and enjoy exploring your flow state.
Catherine xo
PS. The Flow State was the first class theme of our 6-Week Course. I offered these Journal Prompts which are good soul foods so I’ll continue to share them:
What put’s me in the flow state?
Write a list of creative pursuits you would like to learn / explore / spend more time with.
YOGA TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL
VIA ZOOM + REPLAYS
Lunar Restorative Yin + Nidra (Not sure what Nidra is, try my complimentary 25 minute Meditation here)
Every Monday
6-7.15
14 Sept – 26 Oct
Excludes w/c 12 Oct (Ibiza Goddess Retreat)
*EMPOWER ALUMNI COMMUNITY, Contact me for a 50% discount code to practice these classes! I got you teachers <3
PS. TEACHERS, my EMPOWER MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME is FULLY BOOKED for the October – December intake. Wow! I’m welcoming clarity calls for serious applicants only please who’d like some FaceTime with me before making an investment in the 10 January – 28 March 2021 intake.
