Flow is the merging of action and awareness. It is a mental state, a holistic sensation, where the entire individual is being involved and enjoying the experience and reaches success. The person who is in a state of flow has clear goals, high concentration, no self-consciousness, distortion of time, immediate feedback, balance between ability and challenge level, sense of personal control, feeling of being rewarded, no awareness of bodily needs, and awareness is narrowed to activity. People often experience flow while they are playing a sport, acting in a performance, or doing a religious ritual.
I have often experienced being in a state of flow while I have been playing sports. While playing basketball I was able at times to be in the zone, where everything went perfectly, I couldn’t miss a shot. I was in total control of my body. I simply just played without any effort. There were times when I saw the game play out in slow motion. I experienced flow in the martial arts. After numerous times of repeatedly practicing a form to the point where you are soaked from the sweat of your body you are able to enter into a state where you no longer think about the next move in your form. You simply flow through it. Every stance and move is powerful, swift, tight, and solid. When I spar other people I am able at times to be in a state of flow. You get to a point where you no longer think you just react. You know what move your opponent is going to throw at you before he does it. Your opponent is unable to hit you and you are able to see every window he gives you for attack. Your are fluid and are easily able to win because you have already won in your mind. You have already defeated them mentally.
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