The document discusses the concept of "flow state", which is described as a state of total absorption, optimal functioning, and intrinsic motivation that occurs when an individual's skills are fully matched to the challenge at hand. Key requirements for achieving a flow state include maintaining focused attention, having a positive mental attitude, and ensuring a balance between the perceived skills of the performer and the perceived challenge of the task. Examples are given of activities like playing jazz or martial arts that can facilitate entering a flow state where one's whole being is involved and the activity is intrinsically rewarding.

1. Experiencing physical problems and mistakes
Inability to maintain appropriate attentional focus
Flow state blockers
Example of Intrinsic Motivation
Negative mental attitude
Seemingly effortless
Lack of audience response
Intrinsically joyful
Development of a positive mental attitude
Your whole being is involved
Positive precompetitive affect Inner movement
You're using your skills to the utmost
During contest Positive competitive affect
Every action, movement, and thought
Maintaining appropriate attentional focus Flow state facilitators Like playing jazz
follows inevitably from the previous one
Perception of being prepared Physical readiness
Interesting itself
Teammates
When you engage in activity For its own sake
Unity with
Coach
No external purpose
Challenge of the task
Enjoyed
Balance must be struck between
Something that is to be
Skill of the performer
Appreciated
The Flow Experience - Csikszentmihalyi
Flow cannot occur If the task is too easy or too difficult
Total absorption in a task
State of consciousness
Matched
Optimal level of functioning
Skill level and challenge level must be
Hight
Self-contained activity
Apathy results If skill and challenge are low and matched Requirements
Not with the expectation of some future benefit
Done
Mindfulness
Autotelic Experience Simply because the doing itself is the reward
Meditation
The ego falls away Time flies
Yoga Focused attention
End in itself
Alexander Technique
Martial arts
© Ivan Staroversky - www.StarOverSky.com