The Natural Flow

Now I'm not sure if you work in a place with a lot of people but I do. I’m in downtown and over the past year or so I have come to notice something interesting about traveling through a mass of people. There is a “Natural Flow” to the masses. Perhaps flow doesn’t quite describe what I am eluding at. A better way to describe it would be “Harmonious Synchronization of Individuals Traversing Distance at the Greatest Efficient Possible”. Josh had made mention of this phenomenon once before but alas, it seems his post about it has been lost to the internet.

I find when I am in the flow (H.S.I.T.D.G.E.) my ability to move from point A to point B is much easier. As I approach people they move ever so slightly off to the side as though they acknowledge my desire to pass them. This also works vice versa I’ll move myself out of the way of those wanting to go around me. My stride is unhindered by others around me. This phenomenon typically lasts for the whole day. You never really think about it until you find yourself out of synch with the Natural Flow.

Suddenly every person you encounter is in your way. Every action you take to pass or move around some one becomes awkward and more of an effort and rather an unhindered stride. You move to pass and people step out in front of you and instead of casually walking around them you’re squeezing between people in a hurry. Others around seem to move around you so effortlessly yet you are held back by some unknown force. Consequently you journey seems to pass much slower than if you where in the flow.

You may ask “How does one get into or back into the flow?” I really have no idea. My leading theory on it would be that the more relaxed you are about your day the better your chance of finding the flow are riding it. Josh had synched with it while listening to The White Stripes and looking at giant sculptures.



This Diagram should help clear up how the "Natural Flow" systems works.