Flow Tracking Day # 6

Big Frank was well into the flow of it all today. The day seemed to fly by; time seems to not be much present during flow. So here's what it was all about.

1. Big Frank spent much of the day filling out an application and writing the project statement for a Fulbright application. The amount of information required is timeconsuming: biographical, work experience, responsibilities, awards, college descriptions, program descriptions, demographic information, trends, etc. etc. Then there is the contacting of people to be referees and sending them all the relevant information on what the Fulbright program is that he's applying for and the project that he envisions implementing. It took hours and hours and throughout Big Frank was totally in the flow of it all - it did require skill and it was a challenge. Categorize as WRITING.

2. When Big Frank wasn't working on the above, he was writing to agents in India and Vietnam to make appointments for his upcoming February trip. Balancing schedules and trying to fit everyone in a limited time schedule takes patient and skill - especially when you are working via e-mail and there so many people to accommodate. This demands focus and got Big Frank into the flow. Categorize as SCHEDULING/ PLANNING.

2. During Big Frank's lunch (he actually took a half hour for it) he put aside the application and project writing and did some reading. He read "Reality Check" the latest collection of poetry by a great Irish poet, Dennis O'Driscoll. This put him in the flow. Categorize as READING POETRY.

3. After work Big Frank headed to the gym for a workout. He lifted some weights and did a good solid three miles on the treadmill. While running he listened to Sade - especially "Is It A Crime". This is the first time that Big Frank ran to her music and it really got him into the flow - great running music. Categorize as RUNNING/LISTENING TO MUSIC.

Here's a poem from Dennis O'Driscoll's "Reality Check":

The Clock

With only one story to tell, the clock strikes
a monotonous note, irrespective of how
musical the bell, how gilded the chimes
its timely conclusions report through.
Time literally on hands, it informs you
to your face exactly where you stand
in relation to your aspirations, stacks up
the odds against your long-term prospects,
leaves your hopes and expectations checked.
Keeping track of time to the last second, it gives
the lie to all small talk about your reputedly
youthful looks, sees through the subterfuge
of dyed hair, exposes the stark truth beneath
the massaged evidence of smooth skin.

---- Dennis O'Driscoll