I am always curious about learning better ways to be productive and happier. You often hear people talking about being in the “Zone” or having a good “Flow”. Those moments in life when everything seems to make sense and you feel like anything is possible. In those moments it always feels like I have figured something out and it is so simple. Why can’t I always feel like that?

When you are able to have this “Flow” happen in a group, be it work or play, then it is even more amazing. The things we can accomplish together can change the world. What other studies and research have been done on the effectiveness of working together?

Charles Walker, of St Bonaventure University, wanted to test the idea that activities that lead people to a ‘flow state’ are more enjoyable when they are social, as opposed to solitary. Walker was referring to the concept of ‘flow’ as originally researched by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced MEE-hy CHEEK-sent-mə-HY-ee):

from Wikipedia

In his seminal work, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, Csíkszentmihályi outlines his theory that people are most happy when they are in a state of flow— a state of concentration or complete absorption with the activity at hand and the situation. The idea of flow is identical to the feeling of being in the zone or in the groove. The flow state is an optimal state of intrinsic motivation, where the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing. This is a feeling everyone has at times, characterized by a feeling of great absorption, engagement, fulfillment, and skill—and during which temporal concerns (time, food, ego-self, etc.) are typically ignored.

We have all had experiences when things just seem to click — perhaps on a sunny spring day with a few friends snowboarding, concentrating on some project, or during an intense conversation — and we feel more alive, and happy. The emotion most associated with flow is joy. Obviously, we cannot be in a flow state at all times, but just as obvious is the fact that the more often we manage to achieve a flow state the better.

Walker started with the hypothesis that social flow states are more enjoyable to the individuals involved than solitary ones. So based off this research we are happier and more in the “zone” when we are doing social activities. Walker devised a study to compare the level of happiness (‘joy’) in solitary versus social activities. If you have the time is a very interesting read. He found that social activities seem to be inherently more satisfying in both work and recreational activities. It is a good reminder that we are social in our deepest DNA, and that we can accomplish great things when we work together.

Solitary flow can be very enjoyable, but still does not reach the same satisfactory levels as social flow. Walker’s research confirms what many of us already know and strive for: Walking together is better then working alone. Of course it is not always easy to find a good team and the right team, but when you do it can feel like anything is possible.  Jim Collins does a very good job of dissecting this topic in his books. The conditions that lead to high performing teams are the same that lead to social flow:

• high attention among the group to the mental state of the others, also known as social sensitivity
• high level of competence of the team members
• a level of competence equal to the challenge confronting the team
• feedback on tasks and performance is immediate
• tasks are interdependent, requiring complementary participation
• a shared sense of purpose, and close identification with the group
• shared responsibility for accomplishing the group’s goal.

So I challenge us all to not give up on being open and continually learning how to work and play together. Sometimes it feels easier to do things as an individual and on your own terms … and I definitely think there is a lot of value to spending time alone. However when you can be supportive, honest, have open communication, and work hard within a team then I believe all your dreams can come true.

Boom!

- Rustin Sage Coburn

As  you have probably noticed over the last four to five months a small group of contributing writers have started to fill this blog up with their creative ideas, and slowly breath life back into the voice of what DVLP was… and is.  The core of what DVLP (a Colorado clothing company that saw international success for 5 plus years) stood for was this; “a continuous journey about enjoying life, having fun, and giving back to our community and planet through creative activations.”

How do you live a better life that makes you happy, makes the people around you happy, and supports a healthy planet earth? My post on the Blue Movement a few months back touches on these ideas as a more structured concept… and a global movement. DVLP continued to search for methods of building a positive community of creative people that could make a difference on this planet. The clothing was our platform to reach people, and while the brand had to close its doors in early 2011, the voice and ideas still live on… and that is why, Ches, Abella, Tyler, and myself enjoy filling this blog with our inspirations, findings and thoughts.

Perhaps some day this journey of ideas will once again formulate into a product like clothing, or something else creative. Until then, thank you very much for reading our blog and actively caring about how you live your life.

- Rustin Sage Coburn

NEXT WEEK:
While contemplating the meaning behind all of this I began to research the value of working together versus working alone. What other documentation and studies were out there? What are the most efficient and sustainable ways to be productive and make a positive difference?
Next week I will explore these ideas in more depth and share a little more about what I have learned.

Simplicity is sometime the most difficult thing to accomplish. Living a simple life, or building a simple structure….can be a lifetime exercise, but sometimes everything seems to flow together into a perfectly simple idea or creation.  Tonight I stumbled upon this bridge built in The Netherlands. It exemplifies mankind’s ability to create a simple and efficient structure that blends into its surroundings, yet still serves a purpose.

People often attempt the improbable of walking on water. We have often walked underwater in a pool or ocean, but to walk below water without getting wet or wearing a diving suit was nearly impossible until now. Designed by RO&AD Architects of the Netherlands and Belgium, this pedestrian bridge is an access route to the Fort de Roovere, part of the 17th century defense structures. The concept and execution is so unique that from afar, it is really non-existent. All that you see is a marked line in the landscape but it appears flat and it doesn’t interrupt the views of the area.

Only when looking and standing parallel to it, can you experience the depth and unique experience of walking under water, all without a drop of water on your clothing. uilt with Accsys Technology, Accoya wood undergoes a nontoxic proprietary modification process called acetylation that prevents fungal decay from the exposure of water and moisture while increasing its structural stability. While this water walkway is simple in concept, it is quite complex in its execution.

If you get bored with life ever, then do NOT read this post….it is not for you…

time is but a perception of reality

A few months back I posted a short vision on “How to Slow Down Time“, and today I would like to add a Part 2…. although keep in mind that none of what I am writing about is scientifically proven, or backed up by any “Real Authority”, “Professional Establishment”, or anything else that you might find in-between exclamation marks. It is purely my thoughts and experimentation with life. To be clear, my main focus with this exploration is to learn how to have more time, thus creating true freedom

On the last post I asked if it was possible to actually slow down time, and what this might mean. Time is maybe the most valuable thing we have to offer and gain, and yet why do we continually waste it? I was reminded of this again when watching the movie In Time…. I recommend it.

Why can we not be present and live for the moment upon us? All these wonderful digital devices, social media, messaging tools, etc can disconnect us even more. Have you ever seen a group of friends out at a bar all sitting around a table fixated on their phones? Caught up in what has happened, what other people are doing, or what we might do in the future. So silly when you think about it…. but I have done this myself. Why?

Why can’t we live for right now? What is getting in our way? I ask these questions because there is something deep inside our lack of ability to be present that I believe to be the key to slowing down time.
If you have the courage, I challenge you to the following exercise. Start with one hour a day and build from there:

• Do not worry about any future responsibilities, difficulties in your life, things that make you anxious, fears you may have, anger, frustrations, sadness, or negativity of any sort.
• Do not look at your watch or phone or any electronic device.
• Completely engage yourself in what you are doing or who you are with.
• Think about your own breath, and how blessed you are to have everything that you have.

What do you think? How did time pass for you?

- Rustin Coburn

Last week I stumbled upon an amazing video from a TED talk, that my friend David showed me.
A little glimpse into our very near future of how we can and will interact with the world around us. Prana Mistry’s invention is very intriguing and raises some thoughtful questions:

• Could this really be a free open source technology for all of us to use?
• Will this better our lives by freeing us from the confines of our computer and desk?
• At what point is human integration with technology taken too far?
• What happens if this technology is purchased by the government or used for evil?

What do you Think?

Today I would like to talk a little about how we can help leave a positive footprint on our planet when building new structures. As humans it is in our very nature to consume. We want to have nice things, to built a life, to own a home… and who am I to disagree.  I think we are going to keep acting like humans, but if we can shift our mindset and put our efforts towards better options we will start to create a better world.  And perhaps decrease our impacts on this planet enough to survive and live on a vibrant happy planet.

Below are some helpful things to consider and hopefully implement before building a house or office.

• Choose Efficient Appliances powered by Energy from Renewable Resources.  Choosing efficient appliances, air conditioners and computers can make a big difference in energy use and carbon emissions from power plants.
• Do Not Use Rainforest Timber.  Our rainforest are dimensioning at a shockingly rapid rate. Click the link to learn about other timber options.
• Reduce & Recycle Construction Waste. Packaging, new material scraps and old materials and debris all constitute potentially recoverable materials.
• Breath Healthily with low V.O.C. in your home. Having clean and pure air is important to healthy living for all of us.
• Grow Food Forest Using Permaculture. Food forests take the idea of growing food like it would naturally grow in the forest, but they are designed and managed ecosystems that are very rich in biodiversity and productivity.

Thank you for your time.

- Rustin Coburn

Today was the first day of 2012…although you will be reading this on Jan 2nd, the first Monday of a brand new year. I spent today contemplating this last year of life and how so much has changed and shifted.
There were a lot of wise words and truth to Tyler’s last post…. and I will say that for me 2011 was the beggest year of change I have ever experienced.

The year cumulated in a wild 10,000 person party in the heart of Denver last night. The night started on a wild adventure with my friend Ryan Lorenz.
The tattered streets of a windblown Denver, sneaking into the  Decadence party with VIP arm bands, the visual lights of a party made for the moon, and the throbbing mobs of anticipation.

Backstage with Abella, looking over the pulsating crowds, I began to realize that my entire night… and maybe entire life… was rushing from one place to another to get things done. Schedules, rules, deadlines, expectations, accomplishments, failures, meetings, dates, adventures. While I have deeply enjoyed and learned from all of it, the simple truth is that this moment is what we live for. We keep trying to get some where…where is that? When maybe all we really need to do, is be present and in tune with the vibrations of the world….and the vibrations of ourselves.

The night ended with a four hour conversation with Abella and Ryan in the small warmth of my car, parked in an alley lot. The after parties raged on, but all we needed was a little warmth, three bottles of water and good conversation. The moments when you get to be in tune with yourself and the people around you are rare. Ask those difficult questions.
Listen.
Really listen to what is said….instead of waiting for your turn to talk.
This entire planet is made up of magnetic vibrations all the way down to the composition of an atom. If we want to find a better way to live….
Happy.
Sustainable.

Let go of the anger and the fear. What is it there for? Stop for a moment and feel what is around you. No one is judging you but yourself. So stop and just be.
It sounds crazy I know, but just try listening to the vibrations around you and make some positive change out of it.

There was something different in the air today in Denver. A genuine happiness. A present moment.
Welcome 2012… lets see what you got!

- Rustin Coburn

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
Over the last month the US has spent over $40 billion on Holiday Shopping.
We are not gonna stop shopping, but I thought it would be cool to show some inspiring Videos from American Made Manufacturers.
Find more at FUCK YEAH MADE IN USA
***

Pointer Brand from Cumberland Marketing on Vimeo.

Defy Bags: Old Materials. New Ideas. from Jerry Rig on Vimeo.

Tellason from Vertical Online on Vimeo.

I think it is a sign of the very near future to see a growing economy like China surpass the U.S. in total clean energy investments and technology advancements. U.S. based think tank Third Way  says China has surpassed the United States as the top nation in total clean energy investments, attractiveness for renewable energy investment and overall patents filed since 2010.

“Our country is sitting on the sidelines as the equivalent of 16 percent of our GDP is up for grabs,” says Joshua Freed, Third Way Vice President for the Clean Energy Program.

Freed and his co-authors say China is adopting policies to slowly gain ground against the US in the areas of finance and innovation, particularly in clean energy. The report shows China has the highest public market financing in the clean energy sector, while the United States ranked third in total clean energy investment in 2010, behind China and Germany. In 2008, the United States ranked first.

Hopefully this creates the awareness and motivation for the US and other countries to step up their game.
China is the fastest growing economy in the world, and I personally find it encouraging to see that a big reason for this is the innovation and big picture thinking towards finding solutions to sustainable living on this planet.
Why do you think?

For more information and reading:
http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/