Creativity often includes the sensation of being in a state of full concentration or hyper-concentration is both pleasant and productive. The author Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes this state of “flow” . This 10 minutes is dedicated to the topic of creativity and what sustains us.
Have you ever lost yourself or lost time whilst doing something?
Actually I can get lost in housework – and I like to lose myself in creative pursuits like quilting or music. I dedicate a whole day to those pursuits because you need time to get to the place where you can enjoy it, where you can be who you are. It’s nice. I like the precision of quilting and I like the colours and expressiveness of quilting. I’m not into traditional styles – I like vibrant modern shapes and creating something new out of something old. I also like to express something of the person I’m making the quilt for.
What if you couldn’t do it? I’d probably find something else – I’d find another creative outlet. I’m always doing something crafty or artistic card making, singing. It’s not a passion – as I often flit from one thing to another. I envy people their single passions. I don’t know why I change so much – I’m curious I guess.a
What sustains you? I suppose the pursuit of excellence in myself – to be the best person I can be – and having other people reflect what they see in me. Which I can then adjust. Even in my paid work I work on problem solving and precision. I’d love to solve the world’s problems – but you can’t until you solve your own. I think it’s so important to be relaxed about who you are. I feel sorry for people who can’t see what they’re good at – or allow themselves the place and time to do what they’re good at. Woman S 47
