{"id":1317,"date":"2023-03-31T17:38:43","date_gmt":"2023-03-31T17:38:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/16-4-4-learn-it-flow\/"},"modified":"2024-04-13T21:53:39","modified_gmt":"2024-04-13T21:53:39","slug":"16-4-4-learn-it-flow","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/introductiontopsychology\/chapter\/16-4-4-learn-it-flow\/","title":{"raw":"Happiness and Flow: Learn It 4\u2014Flow","rendered":"Happiness and Flow: Learn It 4\u2014Flow"},"content":{"raw":"
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Flow<\/h2>\r\n

Another factor that seems to be important in fostering a deep sense of well-being is the ability to derive flow from the things we do in life. Many of us instantly recognize the notion of flow. In fact, the term derived from respondents\u2019 spontaneous use of the term when asked to describe how it felt when what they were doing was going well.<\/p>\r\n

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flow<\/h3>\r\n

Flow<\/strong> is described as a particular experience that is so engaging and engrossing that it becomes worth doing for its own sake (Csikszentmihalyi, 1997). It is usually related to creative endeavors and leisure activities, but it can also be experienced by workers who like their jobs or students who love studying (Csikszentmihalyi, 1999).
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When people experience flow, they become involved in an activity to the point where they feel they lose themselves in the activity. They effortlessly maintain their concentration and focus, they feel as though they have complete control of their actions, and time seems to pass more quickly than usual (Csikszentmihalyi, 1997). Flow is considered a pleasurable experience, and it typically occurs when people are engaged in challenging activities that require skills and knowledge they know they possess.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n

For example, people would be more likely report flow experiences in relation to their work or hobbies than in relation to eating. When asked the question, \u201cDo you ever get involved in something so deeply that nothing else seems to matter, and you lose track of time?\u201d about 20% of Americans and Europeans report having these flow-like experiences regularly (Csikszentmihalyi, 1997).<\/p>\r\n

Although wealth and material possessions are nice to have, the notion of flow suggests that neither are prerequisites for a happy and fulfilling life. Finding an activity that you are truly enthusiastic about, something so absorbing that doing it is reward itself (whether it be playing tennis, studying Arabic, writing children\u2019s novels, or cooking lavish meals) is perhaps the real key. According to Csikszentmihalyi (1999), creating conditions that make flow experiences possible should be a top social and political priority. How might this goal be achieved? How might flow be promoted in school systems? In the workplace? What potential benefits might be accrued from such efforts?<\/p>\r\n

In an ideal world, scientific research endeavors should inform us on how to bring about a better world for all people. The field of positive psychology promises to be instrumental in helping us understand what truly builds hope, optimism, happiness, healthy relationships, flow, and genuine personal fulfillment.<\/p>\r\n

[ohm2_question height=\"200\"]4546[\/ohm2_question]<\/section>\r\n
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Think of an activity you participate in that you find engaging and absorbing. For example, this might be something like playing video games, reading, or a hobby. What are your experiences typically like while engaging in this activity? Do your experiences conform to the notion of flow? If so, how? Do you think these experiences have enriched your life? Why or why not?<\/section>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<\/section>\r\n
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\u00a0<\/div>\r\n<\/section>","rendered":"
\n

Flow<\/h2>\n

Another factor that seems to be important in fostering a deep sense of well-being is the ability to derive flow from the things we do in life. Many of us instantly recognize the notion of flow. In fact, the term derived from respondents\u2019 spontaneous use of the term when asked to describe how it felt when what they were doing was going well.<\/p>\n

\n

flow<\/h3>\n

Flow<\/strong> is described as a particular experience that is so engaging and engrossing that it becomes worth doing for its own sake (Csikszentmihalyi, 1997). It is usually related to creative endeavors and leisure activities, but it can also be experienced by workers who like their jobs or students who love studying (Csikszentmihalyi, 1999).<\/p>\n

When people experience flow, they become involved in an activity to the point where they feel they lose themselves in the activity. They effortlessly maintain their concentration and focus, they feel as though they have complete control of their actions, and time seems to pass more quickly than usual (Csikszentmihalyi, 1997). Flow is considered a pleasurable experience, and it typically occurs when people are engaged in challenging activities that require skills and knowledge they know they possess.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

For example, people would be more likely report flow experiences in relation to their work or hobbies than in relation to eating. When asked the question, \u201cDo you ever get involved in something so deeply that nothing else seems to matter, and you lose track of time?\u201d about 20% of Americans and Europeans report having these flow-like experiences regularly (Csikszentmihalyi, 1997).<\/p>\n

Although wealth and material possessions are nice to have, the notion of flow suggests that neither are prerequisites for a happy and fulfilling life. Finding an activity that you are truly enthusiastic about, something so absorbing that doing it is reward itself (whether it be playing tennis, studying Arabic, writing children\u2019s novels, or cooking lavish meals) is perhaps the real key. According to Csikszentmihalyi (1999), creating conditions that make flow experiences possible should be a top social and political priority. How might this goal be achieved? How might flow be promoted in school systems? In the workplace? What potential benefits might be accrued from such efforts?<\/p>\n

In an ideal world, scientific research endeavors should inform us on how to bring about a better world for all people. The field of positive psychology promises to be instrumental in helping us understand what truly builds hope, optimism, happiness, healthy relationships, flow, and genuine personal fulfillment.<\/p>\n