At Resurface, our journey into flow state began with surfing. There’s something magical about catching a wave – time seems to slow down, your mind clears, and you’re completely present in the moment. But what we’ve discovered through our community is that this transformative state of consciousness isn’t limited to the ocean. Flow state, as described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is accessible through countless activities, many of which might already be part of your daily life.
Understanding Flow State
Flow state occurs when you’re so deeply absorbed in an activity that everything else fades away. As Steven Kotler explains in his groundbreaking work, flow is “an optimal state of consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best.” It’s that sweet spot where challenge meets skill, where you lose track of time, and where action and awareness merge into one seamless experience. This state isn’t just about peak performance – it’s about peak experience. Research shows that flow triggers the release of various performance-enhancing neuro-chemicals, including dopamine, norepinephrine, endorphins, anandamide, and serotonin.
Cal Newport’s concept of “Deep Work” aligns closely with flow state, describing it as “professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit.” While surfing provided our gateway to understanding flow, we’ve learned that this state of optimal experience is wonderfully democratic – it’s available to everyone, through many different pathways.
As Martin Seligman points out in his work on positive psychology, engaging in flow-producing activities contributes significantly to what he calls the “good life” – a life characterised by complete absorption in what we do. These moments of total engagement aren’t just enjoyable; they’re fundamental to our psychological well-being and personal growth.
Diverse Paths to Flow
In Motion with Horses
There’s a unique harmony that develops between rider and horse, where communication becomes wordless and intuitive. Whether it’s dressage, trail riding, or simply grooming, the focus required to work with these magnificent animals can lead to profound flow experiences. [Our community member @horserider shares beautiful insights into this connection on their profile]
The Meditative Art of Walking
Sometimes the simplest activities can lead to the deepest flow states. Walking, especially in nature, can create a rhythm that quiets the mind and brings you into the present moment. The repetitive motion, combined with changing scenery and natural sounds, can induce a state of moving meditation.
Creative Flow
For many, flow state comes through creative expression:
Writing
Whether it’s journaling, poetry, or storytelling, writing can transport you into a space where words flow effortlessly and time disappears. [Follow @writer_in_flow for inspiring prompts and experiences]
Painting and Drawing
Visual arts offer a direct channel to flow state, where the boundary between artist and artwork dissolves. [Our community artist @flow_painter demonstrates this beautifully in their work]
Pottery
The tactile nature of working with clay, the spinning of the wheel, and the focus required to shape forms can create a deeply immersive flow experience.
What makes flow state so beautiful is that it doesn’t require extraordinary circumstances. You might find it while:
- Cooking a meal with full attention
- Gardening and connecting with nature
- Playing music or singing
- Rock climbing at your local gym
- Practicing yoga or tai chi
- Dancing, whether formally or freely
Our Surfing Connection
At Resurface, surfing remains our core pathway to flow state. The ocean’s unpredictability, the physical challenge, and the need for complete presence make it an ideal environment for experiencing flow. But our appreciation for surfing has only deepened our understanding of how flow state can be accessed in multiple ways.
Your Journey to Flow
The key is finding activities that align with what Kotler calls the “flow triggers.” These include:
- A challenge-skills balance (pushing just beyond your comfort zone)
- Clear goals and immediate feedback
- Complete concentration
- The removal of distractions (what Newport terms “attention residue”)
- A sense of control and autonomy
- Activities that feel intrinsically rewarding
As Kotler notes, “Flow follows focus. The state can only occur when all our attention is directed at the present moment.”
Join Our Flow Community
We’d love to hear about your experiences with flow state. What activities transport you to that special state of consciousness? Share your stories with us and connect with others who are exploring different pathways to flow.
Ready to explore flow state through surfing or learn more about incorporating flow into your daily life? Reach out to us to begin your journey.
References
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
Kotler, S. (2014). The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance. New Harvest.
Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.
Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Free Press.
#FlowState #MentalWellness #Mindfulness #FindYourFlow #ResurfaceUK #FlowActivities #PersonalGrowth #MindfulLiving #FlowPsychology #WellbeingJourney
