Chapter 1: A Coastal Journey

Our adventure took us along the picturesque coastline of Croatia. Instead of joining the masses on Instagram with their sailing escapades, we opted for a road trip that allowed us to explore charming small towns.

One notable stop was Zadar, famous for its artistic installations like the 'Sea Organ' and 'Monument to the Sun.' While these attractions were stunning, nothing could compare to the mesmerizing performance we witnessed from a local known affectionately as 'The King.'

What he accomplished at his age was truly remarkable. It wasn't merely the act itself, but the grace with which he executed it.

We arrived at The Lazy Monkey hostel, dragging our bags from the bus, completely unaware of what awaited us in Zadar. The town exuded a serene, beach-town atmosphere, and to our delight, a beautiful rocky access to the Adriatic Sea was just a five-minute stroll away. We soon found ourselves basking in the sun and taking refreshing dips in the salty waters.

The King's Entrance

A short, sun-kissed man strolled in, likely in his 60s or 70s, dressed in simple swim trunks. He greeted everyone with warmth and radiated a joyful charisma that suggested deep respect from the locals.

He seemed more at home in the water than Poseidon himself. After setting up his spot, he lit a cigarette and prepared to dive.

He dove again… and again…

Each time he leapt into the air, it was as if he was performing a beautiful art piece. The crowd was captivated by his effortless execution.

He dove repeatedly for hours, displaying a level of skill that can only be acquired through decades of practice. Watching him was akin to witnessing an NBA player showcase their skills—smooth and mesmerizing.

The fluidity he exhibited while diving is something that can only come from being entirely present in the moment. When The King dove, the world around him ceased to exist. He was completely absorbed in the experience, radiating joy and bliss.

Flow: The Art of Being Present

Flow represents a state of total immersion in an activity for its own sake, where the ego dissipates, and time seems to fly. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi eloquently described it as akin to playing jazz, where every action seamlessly follows the last.

Every day, we encounter various forms of suffering that can feel overwhelming. We all understand the weight of life’s burdens, and that’s precisely why we seek our own versions of flow.

As I watched The King dive, it was clear that this activity allowed him to forget his troubles. It was his means of relaxation, his therapy. He dove regardless of whether the day was good, bad, or just average.

And that’s the essence of why we engage in activities like diving, hiking, swimming, running, or dancing. It’s about returning to our true selves, escaping the overwhelming intricacies of our lives.

When you’re in the midst of an intense basketball game, thoughts of work vanish. As you scale a mountain, financial worries fade away. The King understood this too; he wasn’t ignoring his life’s responsibilities but rather taking a necessary breather.

To me, this is a beautiful act. When life becomes chaotic, he finds solace on the cliff, engages with locals, lights a cigarette, and dives into the refreshing waters.

Thank you for reading!

I’m Eren, and I share personal experiences to illustrate self-improvement concepts. If this resonates with you, follow me, Eren Elsewhere. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for eight transformative reminders to alleviate frustration and anxiety.

Chapter 2: Moments of Euphoria

The following video captures the essence of finding nourishment in moments of euphoria.

Chapter 3: The 4 Fs of Flow

In this segment, we explore Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's core message about the four factors that contribute to experiencing flow.