Distinctive components of flow experience 1/2

The flow state or optimal experience is distinguished by a series of parameters or characteristics that describe the subjective experience of the person while immersed in the activity.

These components help to understand the depth and nature of this state of total commitment.

Union and Absolute Concentration

The "union" is the initial moment where the person begins to experience the state of flowing, feeling so absorbed in the activity that he/she becomes part of it.

For example, a musician may feel that the instrument is an extension of himself and that the music emanates from him naturally.

This union goes hand in hand with an "absolute concentration" on the task.

The person is completely immersed, oblivious to everything around him or her, to the point that he or she may not notice significant external events.

It is important to note that this concentration does not require conscious psychological or mental effort; it arises naturally.

Sense of Control and Dominance

During the flow, one experiences a "sense of control" and mastery over the activity being performed.

This implies a total absence of concerns about performance or outcome, as the person feels competent and capable of handling the challenges the task presents.

In activities such as video games, a skilled player can feel complete mastery over the game, which intensifies his or her immersion.

Loss of Self-Awareness and Temporal Distortion

The "loss of self-awareness" is another notable feature.

The person leaves aside excessive planning and internal confrontations between different alternatives of action, since thought and action are fluidly coordinated. A kind of "letting go" of the activity takes place.

This is accompanied by a "distortion of the sense of time". Commonly, it feels like time flies, and hours can seem like minutes.

However, while in the activity, there may also be a feeling that external time is slowing down, or a complete loss of sense of time.

Intrinsic Value of Experience and Challenged Skills

The activity is undertaken for the "intrinsic value of the experience for its own sake", not for the external benefits it may bring.

Someone who runs in a flow state does so for the simple pleasure of running, not necessarily for the health benefits or weight loss.

Finally, the flow state implies a "value in the person's abilities" and adequate challenge.

Although the person masters the activity, it presents a challenge that tests and utilizes his or her skills, making him or her feel even more absorbed and competent.

The task is neither too easy nor too difficult.

In addition, there is clarity as to the goals of the activity and immediate feedback on progress is received.