Blossom

As the weather finally starts to get better, it was time for this blog – as well as its author, to change its vibe. Although the world around us might not make our job easy, I think it is past due that we find ways to brighten up our mood – and what better way to do that than writing once again? In tribute to all its contributions to my life, this one is about the act of writing itself.

It is quite the rush when you feel your writing tone starts to take its shape. Writing, in any form, provides you a space that simply cannot be provided anywhere else. Not even in daily conversation or a professional/academic platform where your voice is still valued and heard, yet with limitations. They say that the person you really are is who you act to be when no one is watching. Simple reasoning would be, in a setting without any observation, you yourself become the sole decision-maker of which thoughts turn to action. Well then that would make the act of writing an extremely good simulation of free will.

On the other hand, even though you are still the one in charge with your tone and words, the thought process in any form of art has this “flow state” that takes over. You see it with writers who claim to be as shocked as you are when main character of their book does something out of line, or a beloved character gets into an accident all of the sudden. It is almost like their destiny is writing itself, outside of authors control. Or with singers, they start to sing and all of a sudden they are off-script with high notes and vibratos, and in their spontaneity it is pure bliss to witness such creative improvisation.

So what is this “flow state” exactly? What do we mean about the flow itself?

Flow is what happens when you become so absorbed in something that the outside world fades into the background. Coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, this mental state is often described as being “completely in the zone.” Time moves differently, distractions disappear, and your mind becomes fully engaged in the present moment.

Flow is typically marked by:

• Deep, uninterrupted focus
• A seamless connection between thought and action
• Less self-consciousness and overthinking
• A distorted sense of time
• Genuine enjoyment and internal motivation

What Happens in the Brain During Flow?

Flow isn’t just emotional—it’s neurological.

🧠 The Brain Quiets the Inner Critic
During flow, activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex temporarily decreases. This phenomenon, known as transient hypofrontality, helps reduce self-doubt, hesitation, and mental clutter, allowing creativity and intuition to take the lead.

💡 Dopamine Levels Increase
Flow also stimulates dopamine release, which boosts motivation, focus, and satisfaction. In other words, the brain rewards you for staying engaged and learning deeply.

🌱 Neuroplasticity Gets a Boost
Creative activities like painting strengthen the brain’s ability to build new neural pathways. Over time, this supports stronger memory, quicker learning, and greater adaptability.

Why Flow Matters in Artistic Practice

Experiencing flow through painting can transform more than just your artistic skills—it can positively affect your overall well-being.

🎨 Creativity Expands Naturally
Flow encourages experimentation and creative thinking, helping students feel more confident exploring new techniques, styles, and ideas.

🧠 Learning Happens Faster
When the mind is fully engaged, information sticks more effectively. Many students in our Royal Oak painting classes notice significant growth and breakthrough moments once they settle into a regular creative rhythm.

💆‍♀️ Stress Levels Decrease
Writing can become a mental reset button. Entering a flow state often reduces stress, quiets anxiety, and creates a calming sense of presence.

🌿 A Deeper Sense of Fulfillment
Regular flow experiences are linked to greater happiness, confidence, and emotional balance. Beyond improving artistic ability, flow helps people reconnect with themselves in meaningful and lasting ways.

🌸Moral of the story, if you have something in your life that you reach the flow state with, keep it, cherish it and watch how your world blossoms! 🌸

With love,