Getting into flow
Therapeutic Recreation intern Makayla explains what we mean by "getting into flow," and how WCK’s City Camp programming makes it happen.
What is a flow state?
A flow state is when you are “in the moment” and fully present, immersed in a challenging activity that makes you feel good. It allows you to forget about your worries in that moment and engage with something that brings you joy. When you are in flow, you can feel a sense of enjoyment and happiness on the deepest level. The activities that bring you flow are the ones where you look at the clock and realize it’s been much longer than you thought, or you just never want it to end.
What makes it different?
In a flow state, you feel a sense of doing well and achieving. The level of challenge works for your ability – it’s just hard enough to motivate you to do more or better! Your main concern is not with the end result – instead your focus is on enjoying and engaging in the process. Here are some examples of what flow is NOT:
- Playing repetitive games that are too easy and present no real challenge
- An activity that’s too difficult – you feel stressed or like you can’t accomplish it
- Something you feel obligated to do
- Something results-driven, that you feel you need, rather than want, to do well at
We all have hobbies and activities that we enjoy but don’t get totally absorbed by. If you’re still aware of other things going on, or thinking about what you’re going to have for dinner, you’re not in a flow state! When I’m listening to a podcast I like, I often find myself thinking of other things and have to rewind it. I like the podcast, but it doesn’t get me into flow.
Why does it matter?
Flow is “restorative and pleasurable.” Our brains release dopamine in a flow state, which relaxes us and motivates us to keep going. We become more productive, we feel better about ourselves and what we can achieve, and it helps us to regulate our emotions. Flow states calm our brain activity and create the best conditions for creativity and concentration.
Getting into flow is important, simply because it feels good and it’s fun! We learn about it in therapeutic recreation as an opportunity to be fully present, not self-conscious, and focused on one thing, rather than your thoughts flying around everywhere. It’s a great way to manage the stresses that the rest of life brings. Getting into flow allows kids to be kids for a while, stepping outside of everyday life and taking real enjoyment from their natural interests.
Moments of flow at City Camp
I remember a few of the kids wanted to make a concession stand for our movie screening the following day. They were fully immersed in their project, concentrating completely on their creation, coming up with endless creative ideas and solving problems along the way. There was no “right” or “wrong” way to do this activity, and they had the freedom to use lots of materials to bring their vision to life. When we gave the five minute reminder for the next activity, they didn’t want it to end.
At the end of each day, I heard so many kids say “It’s time to go home already?” This, along with watching how they engaged in the activities and stayed totally present, signalled to me that the whole experience had created flow for them, completely engrossed in the magic of being at camp!
The camp dance party was such a blast – I’ve never seen so many kids smiling, dancing, being totally silly, and singing their hearts out! They challenged themselves to use the glow sticks, boas, and other accessories in such creative ways and to come up with the best dance moves for the music. When I turned the lights on to transition to end-of-day camp fire, I heard a lot of “noooooo” and “ughhhhhh.” So, we decided to switch up our programming and do it all again the next day!
Getting into flow builds connection
At the dance party, I could see how the volunteers and the kids were in the experience together, so tuned in to one another and sharing joyful, carefree moments.
In the chillout room, I observed one-on-one moments of flow with volunteers and kids playing card games, figuring out how to inflate the mats, and creating whole new worlds through imaginative play with the stuffy toys.
Being in a flow state together helps you understand and attune to each other and builds empathy.
How we can facilitate flow states
We can facilitate flow states by:
Holding and protecting space for the things that create them. We literally cancelled some of the planned activities the next day of camp to run another dance party, because we knew the kids didn’t want it to end. Being flexible and adaptable creates room for flow.
Tapping into kids’ interests. On the camp registration forms, parents shared their children’s interests with us so we could set up activities and themes that were more likely to lead to flow states for them.
Getting messy. We didn’t mind that ALL the sparkles were used up, and went everywhere, to create the best movie concession stand in the world. We didn’t impose goals on the kids, but they set them with us and let us in on what success looks like.
Getting out of the way. The kids helped to plan and run their own relay race. We let them ask us for help if they needed it, but we didn’t step in and take over.
Providing challenge. During our “Invention Convention,” the kids figured out how to make their inventions move and they experimented with different forms and prototypes to create their masterpieces. We supplied a range of resources that would allow for creative thinking, problem-solving, coordination, and success.
Creating resonance. One camper and I had so much fun in the chillout room pretending the inflatable chairs were boats, and we sailed through that imaginary world together. Joining in with a child’s imaginative scenarios builds their confidence and encourages them to extend their creative thinking.
How I get into flow
I’ve learned that flow is about setting aside time to do things that we genuinely enjoy and get a sense of satisfaction from. I see it as a form of self-care and something we all need to experience!
Spring Break camp allowed me to be fully present and in the moment again. I got to do things that I don’t typically get to do in my daily life, like put on a feather boa, grab some glow sticks, and dance to Taylor Swift, or grab random pieces of cardboard and become an inventor for the afternoon. These opportunities all-too-rarely present themselves in adult life, but these are the moments when I can’t believe that an hour went by and I notice how perfectly happy I feel.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi did a great TED Talk about flow as the secret to happiness. In it, he mentions a poet who says that, with flow, “you just have to float.” Being with the kids at WCK has made me want to find and make time for those moments that make me float!
What do you truly love to do? Make time to immerse yourself in it once again!
Interested in joining the fun at City Camp?
Help kids get into flow this summer – join the WCK City Camp summer team!