Been thinking a lot about the “flow State Continuum” in the context of outdoor activities lately. It’s fascinating how different activities seem to lend themselves to different points along that spectrum. For example, something like trail running on a familiar path might often induce a lower level of flow – you’re challenged, but mostly in control and aware of your surroundings. Whereas something like rock climbing, especially lead climbing, pushes you further towards that high-intensity flow where focus is laser-sharp and everything else fades away.
I’m curious how others perceive this continuum in their own outdoor pursuits.Do you find certain activities consistently place you at one end or the other? Maybe kayaking or mountain biking allows for more modulation and conscious shifting along the flow state spectrum depending on the conditions and the route you choose? What are some techniques you use to move yourself along that spectrum, maybe to increase the challenge when things are feeling too easy, or to pull back and regain control when you feel like you’re pushing too hard?