A creative experience has many layers all at the same time. Deep play doesn't have to do with an activity, like shallow play. It means no analysis, no explanation, no promises, no goals, no worries. You are completely open to the drama of life that may unfold. But certain people are disposed to respond to risk, and their flow will depend on it more than somebody else's.
Danger is the hook.
But their descriptions are not that different from, say, a Thai woman's description of weaving a rug. The quality of concentration, forgetfulness, involvement, control are similar. Complexity becomes refined into flow rather than confusion through being ordered and integrated. This quality of attention may be what is really at the heart of flow experience. Notice the feelings that push you toward the telephone or the doorbell on the first ring.