2nd June 2011
I wonder, how I missed the book! Went through the first chapter.
As the author says rightly, more or less we know how to achieve happiness but a scholar had to do research on the same! It's an humble statement on the great work done.
Probably he captures the gist when he mentions about a quote in Viktor Frankl's preface to 'Man's Search for Meaning' happiness (and success) must happen,... you have to let it happen by not caring about it'. In a way, 'happiness (and success) must not be pursued; they should ensue.'
The author provides a great insight into 'Flow' in a lucid manner. Awaiting the exciting ride through the remaining chapters!
6th June 2011
Prof. Mihaly does a great job in making the concept accessible to all.
He defines 'Flow' as 'the Optimal Experience', which has the following elements;
- Capability meets the right challenge
- Capability gets enhanced
- Clear Goals are set
- Continuous Feedback
- Awareness merges with the experience
- Self unites with the team
- Time shortens!
Prof. Mihaly talks about Autotelism ("having a purpose in and not apart from itself"). Autotelic people and activities to help readers strive for flow.
He also compares Yoga from India and Tao from China with Optimal experiences to suggest that they all are the same. Some scholars argue that Yoga and Tao are different; as they lead to 'Nirvana' state or 'spiritual liberalization'. Optimal Experiences also pave way for such states.
He comes out with many examples and case studies while explaining the concept and dynamics of achieving happiness.
There is an example of Nobel Laureate Prof. S Chandrasekhar, while talking about Autotelic people. Prof. Chandrasekhar had proposed his theory on Black-holes, etc. way back in 1933, but his theory was not well received. He remained obscure for quite sometime. He was teaching at University of Chicago. In '50s, only 2 students had taken up his course. He could have let go the course, as he was working at the University's Telescope facilities which was more than 80KMs away from the campus. But Prof. Chandrasekhar took those classes and both the students, who eventually got Nobel prizes; while Prof. Chandrasekhar had to wait until 1983 for Nobel Prize! He also offers an example of S Ramanujan, the genius mathematician.
When people experience 'flow' more frequently they lead happier life. So the trick lies in experiencing the flow in various spheres of life through as many senses and mind as possible. Experiencing flow in any one or two spheres may restrict the completeness. (eg: Workaholism, disinterest in other fields,... may lead to problems.) He provides suggestions to experience 'complete happiness' in life.
Prof. Mihaly analyses flow, in terms of senses, thinking, working, family and social life situations. He comes out with ways and means to achieve flow at those situations.
This is a great book to help the reader to achieve happiness! A must for everybody!
I wonder, how I missed the book! Went through the first chapter.
As the author says rightly, more or less we know how to achieve happiness but a scholar had to do research on the same! It's an humble statement on the great work done.
Probably he captures the gist when he mentions about a quote in Viktor Frankl's preface to 'Man's Search for Meaning' happiness (and success) must happen,... you have to let it happen by not caring about it'. In a way, 'happiness (and success) must not be pursued; they should ensue.'
The author provides a great insight into 'Flow' in a lucid manner. Awaiting the exciting ride through the remaining chapters!
6th June 2011
Prof. Mihaly does a great job in making the concept accessible to all.
He defines 'Flow' as 'the Optimal Experience', which has the following elements;
- Capability meets the right challenge
- Capability gets enhanced
- Clear Goals are set
- Continuous Feedback
- Awareness merges with the experience
- Self unites with the team
- Time shortens!
Prof. Mihaly talks about Autotelism ("having a purpose in and not apart from itself"). Autotelic people and activities to help readers strive for flow.
He also compares Yoga from India and Tao from China with Optimal experiences to suggest that they all are the same. Some scholars argue that Yoga and Tao are different; as they lead to 'Nirvana' state or 'spiritual liberalization'. Optimal Experiences also pave way for such states.
He comes out with many examples and case studies while explaining the concept and dynamics of achieving happiness.
There is an example of Nobel Laureate Prof. S Chandrasekhar, while talking about Autotelic people. Prof. Chandrasekhar had proposed his theory on Black-holes, etc. way back in 1933, but his theory was not well received. He remained obscure for quite sometime. He was teaching at University of Chicago. In '50s, only 2 students had taken up his course. He could have let go the course, as he was working at the University's Telescope facilities which was more than 80KMs away from the campus. But Prof. Chandrasekhar took those classes and both the students, who eventually got Nobel prizes; while Prof. Chandrasekhar had to wait until 1983 for Nobel Prize! He also offers an example of S Ramanujan, the genius mathematician.
When people experience 'flow' more frequently they lead happier life. So the trick lies in experiencing the flow in various spheres of life through as many senses and mind as possible. Experiencing flow in any one or two spheres may restrict the completeness. (eg: Workaholism, disinterest in other fields,... may lead to problems.) He provides suggestions to experience 'complete happiness' in life.
Prof. Mihaly analyses flow, in terms of senses, thinking, working, family and social life situations. He comes out with ways and means to achieve flow at those situations.
This is a great book to help the reader to achieve happiness! A must for everybody!
