the floor is lava
The Floor is Lava stands out in the childhood memories of many. This exhilarating, heart-pounding game transformed our mundane living rooms into treacherous landscapes, with fiery lava replacing the once safe floor. The furniture became our islands of refuge, the only things that stood between us and the perilous molten liquid below. Each leap from the couch to the coffee table was a test of bravery, every narrow escape from the imaginary lava was a triumph. The thrill of the game was not just in the physical challenge, but in the power of our collective imagination, turning the familiar into the fantastic. In the midst of the game, the outside world ceased to exist, and we were adventurers navigating an uncharted, dangerous terrain.
Unexpected change in life can feel like a sudden jolt, similar to turning a corner only to find the path you knew is replaced with unfamiliar terrain. It's as if the rug is pulled out from under your feet, leaving you in a state of temporary disorientation. The initial reaction to unexpected change is often shock and disbelief, followed by a flurry of emotions ranging from fear and anxiety to excitement and curiosity, depending on the nature of the change. These changes can disrupt your routines, plans, and expectations, forcing you to reassess and adapt. It's a period of uncertainty where the familiar has vanished, and the new is yet to be fully understood.
We often find ourselves in what anthropologists call 'liminal spaces' - the in-between periods where we have left the familiar behind but have not yet fully arrived at the new. These thresholds of change, much like the spaces we leapt across in as children, are fraught with uncertainty, but also brimming with potential. The liminal phase echoes the precarious moment of suspension in the air. It's a space of transformation, where old certainties dissolve and new possibilities take shape. Just as our imaginations were tested and stretched in the game, our resilience and adaptability are challenged in these liminal spaces. It's within these transitional states that we discover new aspects of ourselves and emerge with deeper self-knowledge.
differences in concept, similarities in experience
Liminal space and flow state, while both related to experiences of transition and change, are distinct in their nature and effects. Liminal space, derived from the Latin word 'limen' meaning 'threshold', refers to an in-between state or a transitional phase in life. It is a space of ambiguity and disorientation that arises during periods of change, where one has moved from a known situation but hasn’t yet been incorporated into a new one. This concept is often associated with feelings of uncertainty, discomfort, and the potential for transformation.
On the other hand, flow state describes a mental state of complete immersion and intense focus in an activity. It's a state where one is so fully engaged that all else falls away, leading to heightened performance and a sense of effortless control. The flow state is usually associated with feelings of enjoyment, creativity, and a sense of timelessness.
While liminal spaces and flow states are distinct concepts, they share a common thread of transformation, adaptability, and growth. Both represent states of transition — liminal spaces being the threshold between what was and what's next, and flow states being the transition from ordinary consciousness to deepened immersion. Both these states require an individual to step into the uncertainty that accompanies new experiences. They foster greater capacity, as navigating through them requires the ability to adapt and respond to changes.
time may seem to dilate
The subjective experience of flow state is often described as one of complete immersion and heightened focus. When in flow, individuals lose themselves in the task at hand, becoming so absorbed that all other thoughts and distractions fade away. Time may seem to dilate, with hours passing like minutes, as a result of the deep engrossment in the activity. It's a state of effortless concentration and enjoyment where actions and awareness merge, creating a sense of harmony. The task being performed feels intrinsically rewarding, and there's a sense of being in control without consciously trying. Challenges are met with enthusiasm and confidence, leading to a sense of progress and achievement.
For some, flow might be found in the rhythm and precision of cooking a favorite recipe, where each chop and stir becomes an effortless dance. For others, it could be experienced during a focused work session, where they are so absorbed in problem-solving or creative thinking that they lose track of time. Engaging activities, whether it's gardening, painting, or playing a musical instrument, can also induce a flow state, as can physical activities like running, yoga, or even dancing alone in the living room. Even seemingly mundane tasks, like cleaning or organizing, can lead to flow if they're approached with a certain level of focus and intention.
Entering into a creative practice can often feel like stepping through a threshold into the unknown. Much like standing at the doorway of an unexplored realm, it involves a blend of anticipation, mystery, and some trepidation. As you cross this threshold, you leave behind familiar terrain and open yourself to new possibilities and ideas. You step into a world where the rules of the everyday are suspended and imagination reigns. The blank canvas, the empty page, the silent instrument — they all represent the uncertainty and infinite potential that lies ahead. This creative space, like any uncharted territory, can be intimidating. Yet, it's within this space that flow happens. As you navigate this creative landscape, you learn to listen to your inner voice, to take risks, to experiment, and to see the world in new ways. Every brushstroke, every word written, every note played is a step further into the unknown, an exploration of your creative reality.
take the first steps
Initiating flow state in a creative practice often begins with a conducive environment that promotes focus and minimizes distractions. This could be a quiet space with necessary tools and resources that inspire creativity, such as an artist's studio, a writer's desk, or a musician's practice room. Ambient conditions like lighting and temperature should be comfortable to the individual, and potential interruptions should be minimized.
Choose an activity that you are passionate about and that offers a balanced challenge — one that aligns with your skills but still pushes you to grow. This could be painting, writing, composing music, or any creative endeavor that you love. Remember, this activity should be intrinsically rewarding to you; the joy of the process itself should motivate you, not the outcome.
As you start your work, strive to focus completely on the task at hand. Don't worry about the end result or external judgments. Instead, lose yourself in the process, paying deep attention to every detail. Welcome feedback from the task itself, adjusting and learning as you go.
Achieving a flow state is about harmony between you and your process, where actions and awareness merge. Don't force it; let it come naturally as you engage deeply with your creative practice. With presence in the moment, you'll be on your way to experiencing flow in your creativity.
Click through a few examples in the slideshow below to see what resonates with you.
share your experience
Finding a supportive community can be deeply satisfying in your journey toward creative health. This community could be a group of similarly inspired individuals who are also exploring creative practice for well-being, or professionals who can provide expert guidance. Sharing your discoveries with others not only consolidates your own learning but also provides opportunities for you to gain insights from the experiences of others.
This could be in the form of one-on-one support with a dedicated professional, a group of supportive friends, or even an online community like art therapist Shauna Kaendo's Creative Community Care. Such a community becomes a safer space for you to express yourself, learn, grow, and celebrate your progress.
There are numerous local art collectives like the Neurodivergent Artist Collective and community centres offering workshops and collaborative opportunities like the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre.
The key is to find a community that aligns with your creative needs and provides a supportive and stimulating environment for your creative growth. Creativity thrives in connection and collaboration—don't hesitate to reach out and join a community that resonates with you.
reflect on what's most meaningful to you
Consider the moments when you've been deeply absorbed in a task, when time seemed to distort and the world around you faded into the background. Recall the sense of fulfillment and serenity you experienced in these moments of flow. How did it feel? What were you doing? What triggered this state? Reflecting on these questions can provide valuable insights into the conditions that help you enter a flow state.
Recognize the impact of these flow experiences on your well-being. Notice how these moments of deep engagement can create a sense of clarity and purpose, helping you navigate transitions more smoothly. Use these insights to intentionally create more opportunities for flow in your life, aligning your activities with your skills and passions.
Sustaining forward momentum during transitions is not about rushing through changes, but about fully engaging with each moment. By consciously integrating flow experiences into your routines, you're not only optimizing their positive impact but also turning transitions into periods of growth and self-discovery. Each time you enter flow, you're building resilience into your environment, fostering creativity, and strengthening your ability to navigate life's transitions.
find more support
Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT)
CiiAT specializes in virtual art therapy education and clinical services, offering affordable and accessible virtual art therapy services. Their Art Psychotherapy Diploma is recognized by the Canadian Art Therapy Association and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Full Circle - Art Therapy Centre
This center offers both in-person and remote art therapy sessions, providing a safer space for individuals in need of mental health support. They aim to help people heal through creative processes and offer free 15-minute phone consultations with their art therapists.
SickKids - Creative Arts Therapy
The Creative Arts Therapy program at SickKids supports the health and wellbeing of children, youth, and families through therapeutic relationships using music, art, and play. They provide art therapy for patients ages 5 to 18 years from any inpatient area in the hospital who need support.
references
"Learning in the Liminal Space: A Semiotic Approach to Threshold Concepts" by R. Land, J. Rattray, and P. Vivian presents a semiotic approach to understanding learning in liminal spaces.
"Risk, Rupture and Change: Exploring the Liminal Space of the Open Studio in Art Therapy Education" by T. Crane and L. Byrne. This source discusses the three-way conversation in art therapy education involving the educator, the art, and the formation of a therapist identity.
"Art Therapy as a Liminal, Playful Space: Patient Experiences during a Cancer Rehabilitation Program" by K.K. Roessler, N.C. Hvidt, K. la Cour, M. Mau and others. This source explores how patients' experiences in a liminal space can facilitate reflection on new life patterns.
"Liminal Embodiment: Embodied and Sensory Experience in Cancer Care and Art Therapy" by C. Sibbett. This source sheds light on the importance of embodiment and the lived experience of liminality in both cancer care and art therapy.
"Liminality: Living and Practising at the Threshold" by C. Sibbett. This source explores the concept of liminality in the context of an art therapist working with individuals affected by cancer.
"Exploring the Transformative Effects of Flow on Children's Liminality and Trauma" by U. Haring, R. Sorin, and N. Caltabiano. This source explores the impact of flow and the concept of liminality on the healing results in children experiencing trauma.
"Art Therapy as a Liminal, Playful Space: Patient Experiences during a Cancer Rehabilitation Program" by K.K. Roessler, N.C. Hvidt, K. la Cour, M. Mau and others. This source discusses how patients' experiences in a liminal space can facilitate reflection on new life patterns.
"Borderlands: Exploring Creativity as a Practice of Liminality in the Arts Therapies" by M. Rova and M. Behm. This source discusses how the client-therapist interaction can be seen as a liminal space and the role of flow in the work of clients.
"In the Zone: Flow State and Cognition in Older Adults" by B.R. Payne, J.J. Jackson, S.R. Noh, and others. This source explores the nature of the flow state among older adults.
"Flow Experience and Health-Related Quality of Life in Community Dwelling Elderly Japanese" by K. Hirao, R. Kobayashi, Y.C. Lin, and others. This source discusses the positive impact of experiencing the flow state in daily life on mental health.
"An Exploration of the Relevance of the Concept of 'Flow' in Art Therapy" by S. Warren. This source outlines the clinical experience of the usefulness of flow in art therapy.
"Theory and Art Therapy" by R. Carolan and K. Stafford. This source discusses the mechanisms of change inherent in art processes and their role in psychotherapy, which may involve flow states.
"Art Therapy and the Brain: An Attempt to Understand the Underlying Processes of Art Expression in Therapy" by V.B. Lusebrink. This source delves into the understanding of different functions and structures of the brain involved in information processing, which may be linked to the experience of flow in art therapy.