in the zone

[Robert Burke]

When I can wake up early enough to beat the crowd, I like to go swimming at a nearby community college.  When I first get in the pool my mind is distracted by the cares of the day.  As I swim I like to sing the lyrics (at least the ones I know) to "Cool Change" by the Little River Band.  Gradually the cares of the day melt, and it becomes me and the cool water.

Is there anything you do that gets you "in the zone"?

[Grandma Helen]

I love to walk to get "into the zone".  I walk around town and just blot out the world.  I love it because I get exercise and lose myself into my own mind.  It's amazing.  If I had access to a pool, nothing else would get done, because I'd be content to spend all day there. 

[Leftygrl]

Well, not necessarily an activity to get into "the zone" on purpose, but I am a rower and one definately get's into a zone like state.

Just listening to the blades going into the water, listening to the click of the oar locks, listening to the boat swoosh under you certainly puts me in a restorative and zen-like state of mind.  

Here's a photo I took while coxing a boat on an early morning row, but I truly enjoy rowing (sculling) in a double.

Oh, talking about being in a meditative state. Last summer there were four of us rowing (plus the coxswain), sweep rowing.  There's a cemetery up and past one of the banks and it was very apparent that a funeral going on.  As we rowed past this part of the river we heard bagpipes.  Although a casual row (we had been chatting - typically we don't talk while rowing) all of a sudden we all became quiet and listened to the bagpipes and the wonderful sounds of the boat and water.  It was truly a spiritual moment.

 

[Grandma Helen]

I find that I get so absentminded sometimes I could zone out just about doing anything. 

[Robert Burke]

I don't think you could get through college in the 70s without having to learn Abraham Maslow's "Hierarchy of Needs".  It seemed the main reason it was taught was just because it looked good on an overhead projector, and was easy to use on an exam.  But Maslow's main idea -- self-actualization, including peak experiences and rapture -- was mostly neglected.  It seems that you all are very adept at reaching that zone.  I still have a way to go.

[Grandma Helen]

Bob, I sometimes think it's taken us all a long time to get to the point of "reaching the zone. 

[carol machulski]

I had forgotten about Maslow probably because I tended to cncentrate on Eriksson's steps & trying to ensure that I have finished one as I begin another.

[Dee Holland Eidson]

Some mornings I go to the park for my walk.I love watching the squirrels,birds ,lizards an occasional possum.Once in a great while I see a  gator resting and checking things out. It is a great way to start the day.