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Focus is everything, it determines what we see, do, and what we achieve. Add flow into the mix, allowing your focus to flow like a river, and you've got something called "flocus." Not sure what it's all about? Well, you can find out at a special event this Saturday, hosted by expat magician and consultant Koah Ing.
The Canadian expat and physics, neuropsychology, and business teacher has been a magician for over two decades, and is no stranger to the stage, having given talks on the subject of magic and focus on numerous occasions. Dec 14 will be his last performance before he departs Beijing, though, so this is one event you won't want to miss.
We caught up with Ing before the show to find out more, and to pick his brain on the topic of "flocus."
Q
It's a shame to hear you'll be leaving Beijing soon, but looking back, was there any impactful moment here that set you on, or helped you along, your current path?
A
I propose that every moment you experience is impactful in a state of focus. When you're brushing your teeth, you're simply brushing your teeth. When you're working on your dream, there's nothing else around to distract you. When you’re with a friend, your phone is down and you are paying attention through profoundly connected listening. So yes, there are absolutely moments I can tell you about with specific friends in specific locations, but truly every moment is complete when we are 100 percent with it.
Ing has given many talks and performances during his tenure in Beijing
To build on my answer, I am enormously grateful for the moments I've shared with the fantastic teachers, colleagues, students, and other inspiring people who have enabled me to start my company, fund the inventions, and facilitate this performance, alongside my journey teaching physics, neuroscience, and business.
Q
So during your upcoming performance you'll be talking about flow and focus, or "flocus" as you term it. Can you tell us a little more about this concept?
A
Imagine there's a river, and there's a stone in the river. When you're in a state of flow, you see an obstacle and you flow around it. This is a state of mind artists, designers, programmers, teachers, and even chefs, get inside, and no obstacle becomes too big. But sometimes you have to deal with something you don't want to, and this is what I call focus. It’s like you’re drilling a way through the rock with all your willpower to break it in half and get through it.
The performative aspect of his talks and shows keeps audiences engaged
Remaining in a state of focus at all times takes a lot of mental energy and is really hard to do. Alternatively, staying in a state of flow all the time means it's very difficult to develop the resilience needed to get unenjoyable things done. I propose you can always be in a state of "flocus", where you're consistently ebbing between states of flow and focus. This is what the show is about, how to perpetually maintain states of flow and focus.
Q
How does magic tie into all this?
A
A lot of people ask me if magic is real, and the best way I can describe magic is: you know that feeling you got when you were a kid and everything was new and wonderful? That's magic. Magic to me is wonder. It's putting in so much detail and so much thought behind every action that people look at what you're doing and say, "how the heck did you do that!?"
Even bringing his signature style to the TEDxBeixinqiao event in April
A teacher standing in front of a classroom giving a lecture, all while never changing their vocal pitch, never using demonstrations, and never involving their students, has no chance at capturing their hearts or their memories. Magic and wonder are one of my absolute favorite methods to allow people to learn via witnessing and participating in events that seem almost impossible, and then tying those in with important lessons.
Q
We understand a few other performers will also be taking part. Who are they and what will they be bringing to the audience?
A
We currently have two hosts who are facilitating the show, as well as a few other staff members in organizational and background support. I am most excited to introduce Javi, a university student and magician, who will be performing affection at the beginning of the third act. We're really excited to have him on the team and have such a wonderful group of people working together to make this happen.
Q
Lastly, for those interested in taking part, how would you recommend they prepare themselves for the big day?
A
For those who want to take part, I recommend paying attention to the dress code, which is blue, white, and black formal; a positive lifelong learning mindset; and a pen should they like to take notes. This is a combination of magic, science, and teaching to learn how to make our time as efficient and fun as possible.
Flocus Pocus: The 2nd Most Efficient Use of Your Time in 2024 is taking place on Saturday, Dec 14 from 2pm at China World Mall (scan QR code in poster for more details). Tickets are RMB 150 for early bird, with a 50 percent discount for students from high school to postgrad. Scan the QR code in the poster to book your seat.
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Images: courtesy for Koah Ing
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