Turner writes of “Flow” as a union of action and awareness which is one of the most fulfilling of human experiences. This feeling of flow is something we have all felt, it is that in-the-zone type feeling. Flow causes a loss of ego, and allows you get fully immersed in what you are doing. Flow is experienced most often in the playing of sports. Athletes are able to reach that higher level of awareness and it seems that every move they make it perfect. I for one reach that sense of flow when writing a paper. I have trouble writing a long paper sometimes, just getting a few paragraphs after working for hours. But when I enter that sense of flow I am able to type pages at a time. It is as if the words just pour out of me, as if I am in full connection with what I am doing. With the sense of flow you Have a loss of self-consciousness, and have a distorted sense of time. It is when you are paying so much attention to the task at hand, nothing can interfere.
When on a pilgrimage you experience a sense of flow. Reaching a sense of flow is the crucial component of enjoyment. This is why there are many repeat pilgrims doing the same pilgrimage. There are several through hikers on the AT who are doing for a second, third, or fourth time. We read in Turner’s book (Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture) “Flow is an inner state so enjoyable that people sometimes forsake a comfortable life for its sake” This explains the through hikers who are doing the AT multiple times. They do not want to lose that sense of flow.
No comments:
Post a Comment