The first reading introduced something called "the flow state". This is explained as the state you enter when you are doing something and time almost seems to stand still or fade away; your focus is so intense it is "superhuman intense"; the work you do seems effortless and at the same time energises and satisfies you.
The book asked questions like, when last did you experience such a state and what were you doing?
I know when I do coding, I enter this "flow state" as it just seems to be an extension of my self and I can spend hours in that state and find it extremely satisfying (when it compiles and executes as intended). Perhaps I missed my calling... Can you recall your "flow state"?
The next book was titled "Your Move" by CJ Casciotta and there were some paragraphs that really jumped off the page and I'll copy them here as I wouldn't do them justice by rewriting in my own words. You will see that there is a musical metaphor running through this boom which of course appealed to me but I am sure you can see the intended symbolism with your dreams and goals.
"You can keep a tune in your head your entire life but until you scratch the notes out on paper and play it, it will never come to life."
"...symphonies start with movements, and movements start with measures, and measures start with chords, and chords start with a single note."
"...I am convinced there are a million creations sitting at the bottom of an ocean of souls begging to be explored, recovered, polished, and treasured, if we could only dive deep enough to hear their cries."
We have been so conditioned by being mature and grounded that the imagination of our youth has been buried in unattainable depths, instead of being allowed to flourish and sprout into wonderful, fantastic creations. We are so busy planning and preparing for tomorrow that we lose out on today. "...the investment we were hoping for was fixed on the future, at the neglect of the present."
"Truly skilled makers don't just make the tangible; they have somehow learned to create the unseen as well. They resolve to become experts at crafting space while carving away comparison, geniuses at smoothing away lies and doubt while sealing in silence and solitude, understanding that this type of craftsmanship is vital to the health and sustainability of their vision." I wish every task I undertook had the same craftsmanship as described in that paragraph. It becomes a work of art rather than just another deliverable. I imagine if this wish was attainable then every task would become a "flow state" task and a permanent state of nirvana could be achieved.
I watched a documentary and was struck by two individuals who were so satisfied with their jobs that they could not say enough about how great it was and how proud they were to be doing what they were doing. One was sheeting/cladding installer on buildings and the other was a dent remover for a ship building company. Now, I wouldn't have been so enthralled doing either of those jobs but they had such passion for their work and understood that their contribution was extremely important and were proud they could be involved. They have learned to see the real craftsmanship where I only saw a task. Perhaps we should stop for a second, look at our own crafts and skills and appreciate the unique craftsmanship we have to offer.
"You matter. It matters. We belong to a world split into a million fragments, trampled by news clips and sound bites all reinforcing a hopeless future. We desperately need to hear music again, the kind only you can bring. We don't care if it's quiet at first. We could use a little less noise. let the symphony begin. We're waiting to hear you."
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