Are you busy? yes, you guessed it, I'm busy. But in the midst of all that, I continue to experience the Flow. Csikszentmihalyi, a psychologist and researcher, connects Flow with the ongoing positive experience of engagement and thorough involvement in an activity and moment. So in the midst of studying for exams, writing papers, reading books, attending classes, listening to lectures, participating in family life, walking the dog, I have practiced Flow. Flow and involvement in the presence enhances my life. It makes all the activities that I participate in so much more. Two of my most important activities that take me to Flow and provide a therapeutic outlet for me are quilting and walking Sadie, my goldendoodle. I gain valuable insights in my moments of Flow; new thoughts and synthesis of ideas happen. I experience relaxation and inspiration. All that reading and learning comes together so that my work is more integrated. I created a quilt, to practice my own Flow. The photo below is the gift for my mother and father-in-law, for their 50th wedding anniversary; the following quilt.

I have been quilting for years, but never created anything for them. So as a gift, I just went for it. I put aside my qualms about time, perfection, and decided, it is a gift, to them (and to me - ha, i got to create, :)) from my heart. let it be nothing more, nothing less. 

So often in the past, I get my knickers in a knot, thinking that I should be focusing on something else, a piece for a show, for a customer; that there must be a productive purpose to what I am doing. But I am beginning to practice more and more, self-care and experiencing the therapy of Flow. Taking the time to create, to be thoroughly in the moment as I am creating (Flow) provides numerous benefits in all areas of life. 

And of course, there is Sadie, my other important therapy. We just love her. Here is Thomas with the sweetie.

May you make a connection with your Flow and therapeutic beings in your life. It adds so much to you.
Peace. Deb