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Flow occurs when the challenge level matches our skills from "summary" of Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
When we are engaged in an activity that fully captures our attention and allows us to enter a state of effortless concentration, we experience what is known as "flow." This state of optimal experience occurs when the challenge level of the task at hand matches our skills. In other words, flow arises when we are faced with a task that is neither too difficult nor too easy for us to handle. When the challenge level is too low compared to our skills, we may become bored and disengaged. On the other hand, when the challenge level is too high, we may feel anxious and overwhelmed. It is only when the challenge level is just right - when it stretches our abilities without pushing us beyond our limits - that we are able to enter a state of flow. In this state of flow, our attention is fully focused on the task at hand, and we experience a sense of deep immersion and involvement. We lose track of time and self-consciousness, and our sense of self fades into the background as we become completely absorbed in what we are doing. This feeling of total engagement is what makes flow such a powerful and rewarding experience. Flow is not limited to any particular type of activity - it can occur in a wide range of pursuits, from sports and creative endeavors to work and everyday tasks. What is essential is that the activity provides a clear goal and immediate feedback, allowing us to continually adjust our actions to meet the demands of the situation.- Flow is a state of being in which we are fully present and fully alive. It is a state of effortless action and deep enjoyment that arises when we are able to bring our skills to bear on a challenge that is just right for us. In this state, we are able to achieve a sense of mastery and fulfillment that can be truly transformative.
