Thursday 20th March 2025
Towner Eastbourne BN21 4JJ
Image: Gaynor Sádlo
This talk reflected Gaynor’s research at the University of Brighton, where she held a professorship in Occupational Science, focusing on the neuroscience and therapeutic effects of ‘Flow’. Gaynor is also a ceramicist and a member of Eastbourne Studio Pottery.
Gaynor explored the neuroscience behind the experience of Flow, which is a positive mental state often reported by those engaged in arts practices. Deep concentration on an activity that demands maximum skill has the effect of helping us forget our ‘selves’ - and this makes us lose track of time. Skills thus have the power to alter our very states of consciousness. The discovery that our brain works in networks - and that each takes so much energy that some have to be switched off when others are active - has been crucial to increased understanding of the positive health effects of the arts. Reduced self-awareness seems to give us a ‘break’ from thinking about our troubles, potentially reducing stress.
Having been a member of the network and an active participant in the Eastbourne creative community for many years, Gaynor is moving imminently and this sadly was her last talk for BMN. A big thank you to the wonderful Gaynor for sharing her research and knowledge on the fascinating subject of Flow and its positive impact on our wellbeing. Such a huge topic to cover in just over an hour. Thank you to all those that came along and those that asked interesting questions. Gaynor you will be greatly missed but we have been so lucky to have you as a Blue Monkey.
