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Lifestyle

THE LAST WORD WITH…FLOWSTATE

Meet new Irish brand Flowstate, the brainchild of 3 friends: Adrienne Murphy and John Belton of No17 Personal Fitness and, the artist, Al Hester (aka Maser). It began as a passion project starting when their like minded attitudes to life and work came together to form a brand which connects the ideas of art and wellness. We caught up with the dynamic trio to find out their tips on how to find that all important flow state at the most hectic time of the year...

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The Flowstate team, John Belton and Adrienne Murphy of No17 Personal Fitness and artist Al Hester, aka Maser.

GOING WITH THE FLOW

Yoga, exercise and meditation are no longer a one hour class people attend each week, it has now become a lifestyle. Staying in a flow state after these classes is a challenge for us all to bring into our day-to-day life. That's where the idea for Flowstate began, the team have created with their mat, an engaging space for movement and an awe-inspiring print that arouses peace and mindfulness. When all of these elements come together it offers an energised focus, encourages a community and an environment that's free from stress and allows you to go with the flow.

THE DESIGN

The artist Maser explains, “We have four Flowstate mats which we’ve named ‘The Botanical Collection’. Mat 1 is designed to create a tranquil space for your practice; the mixture of colour builds an energetic state, whilst the white iconic lines centre you on the mat and focus your mind on your practice. The prints for mats 2, 3 and 4 come from work I did when I was living in London and felt trapped in this very hectic environment. I am not hardwired for chaos so I turned to plants for inspiration and to escape from my surroundings. I created a little utopia in my bedroom with lavender, aloe vera and English ivy. Later, these entered my work and became part of my botanical pieces. Now, I want to bring them into my mind space, so I have worked prints into the new, limited edition Flowstate mats.”

The Flowstate mat is designed to create a tranquil space for your practice; the mixture of colour builds an energetic state, whilst the white iconic lines centre you on the mat and focus your mind.

Al Hester, aka Maser

ENTERING A FLOWSTATE...

We asked the trio about what helps bring them into a state of flow...

Al: Being busy enough, but not so much that I get stressed. I’ve got better at managing myself (and asking for help from our studio manager), and I make sure to put plenty of things I enjoy in the diary so I don’t get too immersed in the day-to-day of work. I love hiking, and climbing mountains so I make time to get outdoors at weekends – it brings me great clarity and helps me empty my mind – more headspace means I can be far more productive in less time.

John: Sleep is the main thing for me. If I’m not sleeping, nothing good happens. And visualisation; when I have visual goals, it gives me the most focus and drive and gets me into a flow state much easier.

Adrienne: I think my flow state is when I’m running and I find my stride. I’m not thinking about how far I have to go, I’m feeling light on my toes, energetic and I can think beyond what I’m actually doing. I’m just in that happy place where I feel strong, and I think good things come as a result of that; I go into my creative mindspace.

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The Flowstate yoga mat, €145, available in The Marvel Room in our Dublin store. - with - The Flowstate yoga mat.

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Maser working on a Flowstate design.

STEP ONTO THE MAT

The Flowstate mat allows the presence of movement and art to be present in everyday life, made with a microfibre top layer which has been bonded to a natural tree rubber base. This gives the sweaty grip of a towel and the cushion of a soft mat. Ideal for yoga, Bikram, hot yoga, Pilates, general exercise or as a meditation space and, of course, for art lovers too with its built-in hanging feature, which makes it into a work of art.

YOUR SELF-CARE KIT...