Monday, October 7, 2013

Go with the flow...


image from: http://www.lifedreaming.me/wp-content/flow1.gif


This weekend's rich discussion around vitality and flow has really got me thinking.  Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's theory of flow was new to me.  Although after describing, analyzing and reflecting over the concepts in our group discussion, I felt like it was obvious: People are happiest when they have achieved a state of flow- or an intense mastery, joy and satisfaction with the tasks at hand.  

It was easy to see how athletes and artists could achieve that optimal level.  However, in nursing it looks and sounds a bit different.  I tried to visualize how flow could look like in a hospital or classroom setting.  Does "flow" occur when all of my various nursing interventions (e.g. giving medications, mobilizing a weak client, listening to concerns, teaching a patient)  align with the client's exact needs?  Or if there is a reciprocal exchange of gratitude between myself and the patient?  Or is "flow" in a classroom full of nursing students when one student is able to comfortably demonstrate learned skills with ease and confidence? 

I wonder- how does flow "look" or "feel" in our own small activities of daily living?   I am curious about what I can do consistently to help create or enhance this optimal level. 

Lots to think about! What do you think? 
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2 comments:

  1. Mary-AnnOctober 12, 2013 at 7:15 PM

    Hi Rose
    Thank you for posting that TED video. For me flow occurs when I'm not thinking about what I'm doing. It just happens naturally and easily. An argument can have flow, so can a traffic jam, it's how I am in it. If I'm stuck in traffic but use it as an opportunity to chat with my passengers or to listen to a really good interview on the radio. Having flow with another does require a give and take though, doesn't it? I think I know when I am fighting something in a relationship, not allowing myself to be in the flow of it. Man, you've given me a lot to think about! Cheers,
    Mary-Ann

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  2. UnknownOctober 29, 2013 at 12:46 PM

    I agree with you completely! Finding flow may be more difficult in nursing than the arts. I think each person has their own experience with flow.
    To be honest, some days it is easier to "find flow" thank others. Sometimes, I am dancing and performing a sequence of moves, but not feeling in the zone. Other days, I am so connected to a piece of choreogreaphy, emotionally and physically that my flow is both felt and seen by others.
    Perhaps you do not experience flow in your profession, but I'm sure that you have felt the phenomenon elsewhere in your life. I really enjoyed reading your post this week!

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