February 2021 Theme: The Endless Benefits of Finding Flow

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February 2021 Theme: The Endless Benefits of Finding Flow | Wit & Delight

I recently read a study that concluded that “flow” may be more beneficial than mindfulness during periods of quarantine. The process of fully losing ourselves in something other than the current news cycle or circumstances outside our control likely has a more positive effect on our overall sense of well-being than other activities like meditation.

As someone who meditates daily, and often finds herself at the whims of her flow (whether her schedule dictates it or not), I found this both encouraging and a little annoying.

Here I am, trying to connect with my present, to be a little more grounded in the now, while all the while indulging in my propensity to do deep work (or learning) might do a better job in creating that “feel good” sensation I crave so much.  

This month I want to talk about finding flow, and what happens when we surrender ourselves fully to an activity that excites us enough to engulf our attention. What are those things with which we can easily occupy ourselves for hours? Why do they have that effect? Why is it that we assume all hard work must require a sense of sacrifice and pain? Are we ignoring what comes most naturally to us because of a belief it isn’t as valuable as something we fought long and hard to achieve?

This month I want to talk about finding flow, and what happens when we surrender ourselves fully to an activity that excites us enough to engulf our attention. What are those things with which we can easily occupy ourselves for hours? Why do they have that effect?

In the month ahead, our contributors will be writing about when to leave a relationship (and how to do it), and sharing a guide to creating your own art at home. They’ll be passing along remedies for common PMS symptoms, and sharing the simple trick to getting what you want. I’ll be writing about finding flow when your brain works differently, and I’ll also be sharing updates on our home design progress (including our complete list of home plans for 2021!). We can’t wait to share this and more with you throughout February.

In the month ahead, I invite you to consider how releasing resistance and finding flow could positively affect your relationships, work, mental health, and sense of self. Because while it may seem counterintuitive, sometimes the most uncomplicated path is also the most rewarding route to take.

Take a peek at a few related articles from the archive below…

Beyond Distracted: Tips to Focus in a Chaotic World

Owning the Ebb and Flow of Your Relationship

How to Start (and Stick) a New Creative Habit

50 Ways to Spend Your Next Mental Health Day

How to Learn to Enjoy Your Own Company

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BY Kate Arends - February 1, 2021

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February 1, 2021 5:01 pm

I am elated! “Flow” is my 100 day commitment to the #100dayproject, actually #100daysofcreatingflow. Have you read the book “Flow: The psychology of Optimal Experience” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi? If you look at the book in Audible, there is a lovely downloadable PDF which asks some amazing questions. I love Wit & Delight, and always look forward to your content. Thank you.

February 2, 2021 2:46 pm

I’m so excited to hear more thoughts on this! I’ve thought a lot lately about what brings me fulfillment vs what fulfills others and trusting that it’s okay if my cup gets filled differently.

GARY PRYKA
February 5, 2021 3:32 pm

I wanted to thank you for Developing the “Stay on Track” tool – it really helps me stay in the flow by staying involved in the thins that are most important to me!

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