Go with the Flow

I have just read an interesting article that states we all are capable of reaching a state of effortless concentration and enjoyment called flow.

I have listed some unrelated points from the article below that I found interesting. I recommend that you read the article to place these selected quotations in context.

“The metaphor of flow is one that many people have used to describe the sense of effortless action they feel in moments that stand out as the best in their lives. Athletes refer to it as "being in the zone," religious mystics as being in "ecstasy," artists and musicians as "aesthetic rapture."”

“It is the full involvement of flow, rather than happiness that makes for excellence in life. We can be happy experiencing the passive pleasure of a rested body, warm sunshine, or the contentment of a serene relationship, but this kind of happiness is dependent on favourable external circumstances. The happiness that follows flow is of our own making, and it leads to increasing complexity and growth in consciousness.”

“Unless one learns how to use this time effectively, having leisure at one's disposal does not improve the quality of life.”

“The secret of starting a good conversation is to find out what the other person's goals are: What is he interested in at the moment? What is she involved in? What has he or she accomplished, or is trying to accomplish?”

“It is also important to develop the habit of doing whatever needs to be done with concentrated attention. Even the most routine tasks, like washing dishes, dressing, or mowing the lawn, become more rewarding if we approach them with the care it would take to make a work of art.”

I hope the article gives you something to think about also.

The full text of this article can be found at:

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1997)
www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-19970701-000042.xml&print=1

Catherine