Review: Flow-- The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

One of my new favorite books was actually a recommendation from my local librarian at the Arlington Public Libraries. (Eron if you are reading this...thank you.) Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (me-hi-cheek-sent-me-hi) provides an insightful look into happiness and how people across the globe experience it. Pulling from indigenous peoples, Eastern and Western societies, and even different historical time periods, he explores a level of happiness.

Happiness can often be difficult to define but a many know it when they experience it. Csikszentimhalyi explores the definition of happiness and puts it in words that allow audiences to connect with his message. Ultimately, happiness is about experiencing something that not only brings joy but also gives on a sense of satisfaction that moves without hinderance (or flow). Even when challenges arise-- the obstacle itself is viewed with excitement instead of despised.

One of the things that I especially love about this book is that it reads easily. I couldn't help but get the sense that each page-- as the book's namesake-- flows with the smoothness of a healthy stream. It was amazing to me how I found myself connecting with Csikszentmihalyi's thoughts and observations. If you ever had the encounter where someone was able to articulate what you yourself have been hoping to say...you know exactly what I mean.

For us to understand the connection between systemic injustice and our every day experiences...we must look at the whole. Happiness is something a lot of people are striving towards...but sometimes there are barriers that prevent one from reaching it. Sometimes it is a matter of the systemic issue at hand and other times it is a state of mind that must be overcome. I love how the author explores these different challenges in a way that is considerate of the experiences of people from many different backgrounds but still maintains a level of critique that is necessary to define happiness.

There were several moments I found enjoyable throughout this book. However, I encourage you to find your own throughout this work. There is a bit of wisdom here for everyone.

One challenge I would bring to Csikszentmihalyi's attention is that he states that the Taino as a culture are extinct. (Taino are those Native Americans whom Christopher Columbus and his crew first encountered when they arrived to what is today often referred to as the island of Hispaniola.) While it is certainly true that Taino culture(s) no longer exists in the original form before contact...Caribbeans of various ethnic identities have implemented some of the culture into their own and thus these elements survived. (For instance, in many Puerto Rican dialects the word "bembe" can trace its origins to Taino language).

There are a number of other great quotes in here and I reckon that I will be using a lot of them in the near future. However, here is my favorite: "And the reality is that the quality of life is not determined by what others think of us or on what we own. The bottom line is, rather, how we feel about ourselves and what happens to us (44)."