What an incredible few weeks! As you all know I have been immersed in the 100 days of art challenge and it has been eye opening. Anytime you make that much art it is going to shorten the learning curve which also means the failure and junk rate will be high. Having said that, it is a fast path to either finding your voice or checking in to see if that voice is still true to who you are. We change. Our interests, likes and dislikes change therefore it makes sense that our voice will likely change. My art is a highly personal dance between the Holy spirit and myself, led by the Holy Spirit. Hopefully I am moving forward, continuously growing and changing. That also means that awareness of aging is at the forefront. I am a research geek and I am fascinated with the aging process as it pertains to health and creativity. Steven Kotler is my go-to guy and favorite author on both flow and creative ageing. This week I read his book Gnar Country, it is a must read if you have interest in ageing creatively. Here is a recap of the book.
In the pursuit of peak performance and the art of aging gracefully, the concept of flow emerges as a transformative state of being, capable of elevating our capabilities beyond the conventional boundaries set by time and age. This seemingly elusive state, characterized by complete immersion and heightened focus, offers a blueprint for achieving not just optimal performance, but a richer, more fulfilling life experience. Flow, is a daily goal for myself and many other artists, we have all been there. Here, we explore the practical steps towards harnessing the power of flow on demand.
Flow is more than just a moment of clarity; it's a profound state of consciousness where every action, thought, and movement aligns perfectly with our intentions. Achieving flow begins with the alignment of challenge and skill. The task at hand should not be too easy to bore us, nor too difficult to overwhelm. It's in this delicate balance that flow finds its roots, urging us to push just beyond our current limits, where our skills are met with a worthy challenge. This is another reason curiosity and continuous learning are so critical, it is even more important as we age.
Photo provided by Midjourney prompt
Understanding the cycle of peak performance is crucial in our quest for flow. This cycle consists of four distinct stages: struggle, incubation, illumination (or the flow state itself), and recovery. This cycle is crucial for growth and mastery, with each phase playing a vital role in the development of skills and the enhancement of performance. Recognizing that frustration and struggle are not signs of failure but precursors to flow changes our approach to challenges. FAILURE IS PART OF THE PROCESS. I know I am like a broken record here but it super important we cultivate the proper mindset around play, discovery and failure. By embracing the discomfort of the struggle phase and allowing for a period of incubation, we set the stage for the emergence of flow, followed by a necessary period of recovery to consolidate our gains.
Flow is triggered by deep concentration, a sense of control, immediate feedback, and a merging of action and awareness. Creating an environment that fosters these triggers is essential. This might mean carving out uninterrupted time for deep work, setting clear goals that provide immediate feedback, and engaging in activities that demand our full attention and skill level. Routine is important, for me journaling morning pages is the go-to.
Procrastination is a complicated beast but often often stems from feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of a task. The technique of chunking—breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable parts—can help overcome this hurdle. By focusing on one small step at a time, we can gradually build momentum, making the process less daunting and more conducive to entering a flow state. I find this particularly helpful on looong projects where my waning interest, aided by curiosity in to many things, wants to wander. I have talked about it before but the Pomodora technique is a big thing in my studio, a specific working time especially during the struggle cycle.
Photo provided by Midjourney prompt
Next, getting physical. Physical exercise is not just beneficial for our health; it's a powerful catalyst for flow. Regular physical activity primes the brain for enhanced concentration, creativity, and problem-solving—key components of flow. Finding a balance between physical exertion and cognitive tasks can amplify our ability to enter flow states, making exercise an integral part of the peak performance puzzle. Of special note is that long walks in nature especially during the incubation or recovery cycle are particularly helpful.
At the heart of sustained peak performance is intrinsic motivation—the drive that comes from within. Tapping into our intrinsic motivators such as curiosity, passion, and a sense of purpose fuels our persistence and resilience, essential qualities for navigating the ups and downs of the performance cycle.
Steven Kotler's insights into the realm of flow and peak performance, as detailed in his book "Gnar Country," underscore the profound impact of this state on our ability to achieve and maintain high levels of performance, regardless of age. One interesting note I found was that as we age there are certain "superpowers" that are released in the brain around age 50. These are not available to the human body until then. They are trackable and help with wisdom and empathy. By beginning to understand and apply the principles of flow, we can unlock the potential to not only enhance our productivity and creativity but to embark on a lifelong journey of growth and fulfillment.
Kotler's work serves as a compelling guide for those seeking to master the art of living and performing at their best, proving that with the right approach, the best years of our performance are never behind us, but always within reach. Aging is exciting, our best work is in front of us!
Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad
https://amzn.to/3uu42ck
Here are some of the videos from the week:
Mixed Media Card Template in Photoshop/Mixed Media
https://youtu.be/zzuYEx6unWg
Mixed Media Art Resin Finish Over Gelli Paper Collage
https://youtu.be/Kr3-t5ZnIXM
Landscape Gelli Paper Collage
https://youtu.be/8VjP1z_qI3E
Have a great week!
TO
