The Flow
01.
Exploring the deeply therapeutic state of full immersion, energized attention, and a sense of fulfillment.
CREATIVE SELF-CARE
The flow is an altered state of consciousness where you seemingly transcend the physical realm. Time suspends and you are fully immersed, energized, and awake to the present moment. Reaching the flow state of mind is well-researched and offers great healing benefits to all emotional, physical, and mental levels.
Whether gardening, dancing, cooking, writing, or painting, getting lost in a creative activity has a way of activating The Flow. When you find yourself in this state of mind, you’re surrendering to your innate creative energy. Our goal is to incorporate this connection into our everyday lives.
Morning Ritual
MORNING PAGES* Before reaching for your phone, breathe into the morning freshness of your raw mental state. Commit to three handwritten pages of free-flowing thoughts. This is a brain-dump, where organization and end-result is not considered.
The purpose is to clear your mind so there’s room for your innate creative energy to come to the surface. Be as messy with your language and handwriting as your brain and body need to be*
Tip: leave your sketchbook on your nightstand for easy access.
*Morning Pages are a technique introduced by Julia Cameron in her best-selling book, The Artist’s Way
The act of creation is a kind of ritual, it reaffirms and mystifies the power of life.
— Keith Hairing
MONTHLY THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY ACCESSING THE FLOW
Block out one hour each week to activate the flow state of mind. The therapeutic activity below is a natural flow-inducer that helps shut out the noise of our busy thoughts. Giving yourself this space for simple creative expression may result in surprising effects. Fresh ideas, solutions to nagging quandaries, or feelings of peace or freedom have been known to arise. Similar results may surface when engaging in a favorite creative hobby.
Materials: Sketchbook + basic writing or drawing materials (ie: pencil, sharpie, micron, colored pencils, India ink, etc), masking tape, glue stick or rubber cement.
Set your space: Loop inspiring music, light a candle, take 4-5 slow, deep, cleansing breaths.
Turn on the playlist (see below) or your own inspiring music.
Remove a page of your sketchbook. Crumple or fold it into a smaller size.
Flatten out the page and tape it to a hard surface, if needed.
Trace and fill in the folds and bends in the page. Try different approaches to using your tools; blend with your fingertips, shade with the pencil’s edge, play with rhythmic patterns. Eliminate perfectionism and release expectations.
Use the creases in the paper as your guide. Allow your mind to wander.
When you come to a stopping point, adhere your art to another page in your sketchbook.
Reflect on what came up for you during the process. Jot your thoughts down next to your art, keeping in mind that judgement doesn’t belong here.
Tune into how creativity activates The Flow state of mind ⎯
CULTURAL INSIGHTS
Laina Miller is an Artist, Creative Wellness Consultant, and Social Emotional Arts Instructor. All viewpoints and activities expressed were generated from personal and professional experience and bolstered by favorite mentors, readings, and teachers. The aforementioned have been cited whenever possible. For additional support, please reach out to a trusted mental health advisor.
Some of the links above may be affiliates, which means a small commission is made if you purchase. All products have been authentically chosen with your amusement, education, and enlightenment in mind. The affiliate opportunity is always secondary.