Finding Flow When You Least Expect It
Jun 2nd, 2009 by kathy
For the past few weeks I’ve been taking a refresher course and preparing for a certification exam. I’ve been working and studying hard – but still leaving a bit of playtime to keep my sanity. When I pass the exam, I’ll be a certified Quality Engineer. There’s that nerdy left brain dominant thing again. In today’s economy it just makes sense to increase the skills and knowledge employers want. An added bonus is that my employer paid for the refresher course and the exam fee. That’s not something offered every day. The real bonus though, was the brain exercise I got. My how those neurons needed a new workout! What’s not to love about a free brain upgrade?
Most surprising though, was finding flow while working through the study problems. It wasn’t there when just reading and studying the material, but while working the problems and doing the calculations – and statistics no less! Feeling that little rush of excitement when I could peek at the answer and see that I got it. I’m still a little shocked. But isn’t it fun to learn something new about yourself?
After my test on Saturday, I’m going to start some new brain exercises, but this time focus on the other side. Just maybe I can coax the artist out of the shadows.
Have you experienced finding flow in a most unexpected activity?
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Hi Kathy,
I think this is pretty cool (maybe that’s the geek in me coming out!)!! Good luck on the test!
Me? I found flow while on vacation recently – and I wasn’t expecting it. I found myself focused on asking myself probing questions about what really matters. And it was such a good exercise to work through – and all unplanned and unexpected. It just kind of occurred.
Lance’s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
Definitely. When I started my blog, I knew what I wanted the theme to be, but wasn’t sure about finding topics to post about. Taking out my camera brought on an endless flow of ideas … it’s amazing how looking through the lens and building a supply of photographs serves to inspire ideas coinciding with the pictures.
Joanne’s last blog post..Lost Art
When I cut the grass I let my mind wander where it will. Last week it came up with an unexpected answer to a thorny question I’d been wrestling with for a while!
Kathy G’s last blog post..Hand. Hand. Foot. Foot.
Lance: You mean I’m not alone in my geekness? And did you find answers to your question about what really matters? Whenever I go to that question I always come back to the same answer: relationships with people I love.
Joanne: I just love reading your blog and seeing how you link ordinary experiences with our artistic expression – no matter the media.
Kathy G: Wow! You cut your own grass? I’m impressed. I enjoy other yard work but have always disliked grass cutting since I had to do it as a teenager. What is it about activities like grass mowing, showering, riding the motorcycle (for me) that frees up our minds for creative stuff?
Hi Kathy,
There are still some unanswered questions – and there are some that are answered. Relationship, yes – that came up for me – and just how important that is to me.
Lance’s last blog post..Flip It