Unleash and Unwind
The series is winding down. Today, we’re diving into the world of dance. A pure state of joy and flow is truly possible if you know how to just let go!
Find your flow on the dance floor!
We’ve all caught ourselves in a moment where we were fully immersed in activity…. whether it’s painting, gaming, or reading…. and time just seemed to fly by. Well, friend, that is what positive psychologists call “flow”.
Flow is being completely focused, immersed, and absorbed by what you’re doing (Mehta, 2018).
In a previous post, we discussed how to use paint to achieve a “flow” state. Another activity that can be used as a tool to achieve flow is dancing. Whether you’re doing the Cha Cha Slide or you’re in a dance exercise class, you’re moving and grooving, possibly tapping into your inner flow.
If you’re like me and you love dance exercise, a good workout and a fun beat may be what you need to “chill”. For me, it started with Zumba. I fell in love with the energy, movement, and freedom. It was great for fitness because I enjoyed it so much that I never noticed how long or hard we worked out. When I learned to relax and stop thinking about everything happening after class, the moves just flowed. According to Hefferon and Ollis (2007), optimal performance can be reached when the psychological state of flow is reached. The mind and body ‘just click’ (Hefferon and Ollis, 2007). There are plenty of ways to start if you have no idea how!
Line Dance at the next family get-together. At the next party, work up the nerve and get on the dance floor! Click with some random strangers or connect in a new way with your kids, family, or friends. Enjoy your life.
When my son was a toddler, we used to have dance parties. I would dim the lights, blast some EDM/dance music, and we would just enjoy jumping around and laughing. I confess, I no longer do this. During those times, however, I never felt freer. I don’t know why we stopped. I think a good lesson to teach and be an example of is you’re never too old to LET GO!
Find music and choreography you are comfortable with. Flow is increased in intensity and frequency when the dancer vibes with the music and movement (Hefferon and Ollis, 2007).
There are many benefits of the “flow” state. Dancers experience enjoyment, confidence in skill and ability, and increased focus and concentration (Hefferon and Ollis, 2007).
When was the last time you did something that combined flow and dance? Do it alone or with your kids… blast some music and rock out! Another option is to choose classical or solo piano to listen to, dance, and get lost in.
- WARM UP.
- DANCE.
- REFLECT & REJOICE!
Dance is a great tool that allows us to express joy, release stress, and find a sense of flow. It doesn’t matter what you do, have fun and get to moving!
Much love,
REFERENCES
Hefferon, K. M., & Ollis, S. (2006). ‘Just clicks’: an interpretive phenomenological analysis of professional dancers’ experience of flow. Research in Dance Education, 7(2), 141-159.
Mehta, A. (2018). Flow and dance/movement therapy: theoretical links. International Journal of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities, 8(3), 123-127.
Peterson, C. (2006). A Primer in positive psychology. Oxford University Press.
Console the Soul 