Flow State

Flow State - Flow is the mental state of operation in which the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing by a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity. Proposed by positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, the concept has been widely referenced across a variety of fields. - Wikipedia

I first heard of flow while studying at University of Chicago. Being a competitive swimmer in high school and college, this concept fascinated me. I knew that I had experienced flow but just didn't know it had a name. Many athletes, musicians, artists, surgeons...etc. are very familiar with it. It means being dialed in and performing almost effortlessly...mind and body, earth and time all in sync.

When I was a swimmer, then a kayaker and likewise now as a kitesurfer and standup paddle boarder, I know this is what keeps me coming back. This is what makes my mouth water when I look out at the sound and see whitecaps to the horizon. Those moments of conscious perfection that are experienced in a flow state is what you strive for every time you go out.

Today I road in the sound after work. The sun was setting. The water was warm enough to wear board shorts and a neoprene top. Not even booties were required. You can feel the board SO much better without booties. With 30mph winds, on a 7m Slingshot RPM and a 132 Naish Thorn, I leaped like a frog again and again and again. 30 feet. 40 feet. 50 feet. Sending the kite. Landing with ease (most of the time).

But there was this one particular attempt where everything just clicked. I was blazing upwind through thick chop. The water was cresting and forming little ramps for me to play with. I believe the last thought that crossed my mind before the leap was “you know you don’t have health insurance yet............

…...fuck it.” I carved hard upwind and sent the kite.

I saw rooftops today.

Tomorrow morning when someone asks me, “how are you?”

My response will be, “great. I experienced flow state yesterday. You?”

Now I know what to call it! :o)