Yep, the zone is actually a common state of mind - sportsmen get it (particularly in individual and adrenaline sports like motor racing). I get it when I'm taking photos occasionally, but more often I'll get zoned driving or playing computer games. Its a higher state of consciousness where you aren't concentrating on what you are doing - your body goes on autopilot and the mind flies. With racing drivers its essential - I saw a documentary a while back explaining that the very best (Schumacher, Senna, etc.) devote virtually no thought to actually driving the car
Its moving in to other sports - the football team I support has just started yoga classes for the players, with most of the focus on the mental side of yoga (and of course stretching and manipulation...)