20 Comments

I really enjoyed that book, Flow. This is a well-done summarization, Mo!

Sometimes I'll read an essay I wrote some months back and I'll think, "I couldn't have written that; it's too good, it sounds like it was written by a professional!" And I really can't remember writing it! That's how I know I was in a flow-state while composing the piece.

I have also been in flow while woodworking (for a few years I built guitars), totally immersed in getting the spruce braces of a guitar top, say, just perfect.

Flow is a great place to be!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Don. I'd love to get into woodworking. I can imagine how peaceful it must be once in full flow.

Expand full comment

It really is a great hobby, which I will pick up again someday (I made/make my living as a carpenter so it's never far away). One great thing about it is there are so many capacities in which to involve oneself, from carving little folk statues to a full furniture shop. Power tools or no power tools. Inside or outside. And always working with this beautiful, living material.

Expand full comment

It truly is, Don. Woodworking/working with our hands can be a great means to be in flow state, too!

Expand full comment

Thanks for the validation, Matthew. Do you work with your hands?

Expand full comment

Not much, though when using weights or engaging in yoga I do a bit. I am exploring more cooking, gardening and small home renovations/repairs to learn....all of which can be made forms of art!

Expand full comment

Yes, they sure can!

Expand full comment
Jul 16Liked by Mo Issa

Spot on! I always find flow when I’m engaged in yet another stained glass project. Like the one who looked back at his writing and couldn’t believe he wrote it, when I look at my stained glass art, i do wonder how I accomplished creating such beauty! Same with older pieces of my writing. Love that I now know it was because I was in the flow! 🙏🏻

Expand full comment
author

Great to hear that my words resonated and I'm kind of jealous of your stained glass project. I'd love to learn some kind of creative work suing my hands.

Expand full comment

Mo; that was a clever piece of writing, plus the format works !

Expand full comment
author

Thanks,Karl

Expand full comment

Keep flowing mo!

Expand full comment
author

Yes, every day I hope.

Expand full comment

What else is the point.

There's no joy, no harmony, no music elsewise

Expand full comment

Your story about running and feeling 'flow' perfectly shows how great it feels to be fully present in the moment. It reminds us that true happiness comes from being completely engaged in what we love. Thanks for sharing Mo.

Expand full comment
author

💯 true! Thanks, Tinashe.

Expand full comment

I used to be a runner, and the times when conditions were the roughest (snow, rain) were the most enthralling because you had to be entirely focused on your movements. Same with hiking conditions.

Expand full comment
author

Yes, Exactly! Thanks, Elizabeth!

Expand full comment

This is so stunning!! May we all find the flow.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Caroline

Expand full comment