Next up in our MT Book Club is Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement in Everyday Life by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

In the early 90s, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi coined the term "flow" to describe peak experiences where time feels suspended, with a sense of freedom and complete absorption. Csikszentmihalyi's original work was based on case studies and controlled academic experiments with individuals as diverse as mountain climbers, chess players, and the homeless. Who feels fulfilled, why, and how did they get that way?

Csikszentmihalyi is a close colleague of Martin Seligman, grandfather of the Positive Psychology movement of the last decade, which aims to bring our understanding of human happiness and well being, both clinically and experimentally, on par with our knowledge of mental illness (and hopefully beyond).  This group believes that happiness and fulfillment are learned "behaviors" with a set of skills - which means that we can all learn or improve these skills. They definitely do not believe, based on empirical research and clinical experience, that happiness or fulfillment is based on our circumstances.

Finding Flow examines the connections between flow and daily, more mundane activities and endeavors.  This work is focused on practical tips, skills, and frames of mind that support flow experiences. Flow experiences are both demanding and rewarding - which also happens to be a good description of motherhood! Is it possible to create more flow even during our more harried days as mothers?

Let's discuss on Monday, April 9. Enjoy!