Have you ever just been in the zone, where you are completely happy pottering away at something without a care in the world? Well it turns out there is a word for this state - flow.
In 1990, Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi published his findings for his studies on happiness, and achieving what he calls "optimal experience". In his book Flow (which if you haven’t read - we highly recommend!), Csikszentmihalyi describes happiness as an internal state, where the levels of happiness can be increased by introducing experiences into your life that create flow.
While in a state of flow, people typically experience deep enjoyment, and feel fully involved in life. Flow occurs when your skill level and the challenge at hand are equal, during a task difficult enough that you're required to focus your mind, yet easy enough that it is achievable.
The state of flow can be reached through any activity, whether it's a jigsaw puzzle, colouring in, rearranging your cupboards, or of course - painting a masterpiece.
This time last year, we entered the Christmas season with uncertainty, and 2022 felt like a year of catching up. This Christmas we have more freedom, and it is the perfect time to get creative and increase the flow in your life.
So be kind to yourself, do something new, try something creative and most of all - go with the flow!
For a bit of inspiration, check out some of the cool artwork Paintviner's have been making this past month.
