Description

Flow is a nurturing principle of Positive Psychology that can guide us to greater WELL-BEING through the five pillars of PERMA:  Positive Emotion enjoying the present without worry of the future or regret of the past, Engagement blissful immersion in the present moment, Relationships embracing the network of social support and finding a goal that allows enjoyment in life while being responsible to others, Meaning investing time, talents, and strengths for good, and Accomplishment achievement for achievement sake.  It’s important to acknowledge that Flow does not have to result in success or even happiness, and that Flow can be an experience of working through adversity.  By defining our strengths, passions, and mindfully savoring opportunities to experience them, we can find our FLOW...

How does it feel to be in FLOW?

To understand what FLOW is, it is helpful to look at what is happening when FLOW is experienced. The following characteristics do not all need to be present to experience flow, the more that are present, the more likely it is that flow will occur.

1. Completely involved in what we are doing – focused, concentrated.
   
2. A sense of ecstasy – of being outside everyday reality.
   
3. Great inner clarity – Knowing what needs to be done, and how well we are doing.
   
4. Knowing that the activity is doable – that our skills are adequate to the task.
   
5. A sense of serenity – no worries about oneself, and a feeling of growing beyond the boundaries of the ego.
   
6. Timelessness – thoroughly focused on the present, honors seem to pass by in minutes.
   
7. Intrinsic motivation – whatever produces flow becomes its own reward.
   

REFERENCES:

Achor, S. (2010) The Happiness Advantage. New York: Crown Business.

Britton, K. (2008, September 7).  Flowing Together. Positive Psychology News Daily. Retrieved from http://positivepsychologynews.com/news/kathryn-britton/200809071013

Bryant, F. B. (2006, May 1). The Art of Savoring. Natural Solutions. Retrieved from  https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/10_steps_to_savoring_the_good_things_in_life

Compton, W.C., Hoffman, E. (2013) Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness and Flourishing (2nd ed.). 2nd ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengrage Learning.

Kotler, S. (2014). The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance. Seattle, WA: Amazon Publishing.

Rath, T. (2007) StrengthsFinder 2.0. New York, NY: Gallup Press.  Seligman, M.E.P. (2002) Authentic Happiness. New York, NY: Free Press.

Stefan, S. (2011, August 14). What is Mindfulness?. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWaK2mI_rZw