Discovering Optimal Experiences
This week’s Saturday meditation comes from the American philosopher and psychologist William James (1842—1910). In Principles of Psychology, James advised,
Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, 'This is the real me,' and when you have found that attitude, follow it.
How does one make sense of these types of experiences?
The fifteenth-century theologian, St. Ignatius of Loyola, believed that “whatever you are doing, that which makes you feel the most alive...that is where God is.” The psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi dedicated his life to exploring optimal experiences. In his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, Csikszentmihalyi explained that “how we feel about ourselves, and the joy we get from living, ultimately depend directly on how the mind filters and interprets everyday experiences.” Regardless of how we explain these types of experiences — it is essential that we explore them.
Contemplation Questions (Pick one or create your own!):
Where do you feel most alive?
How can you create more optimal experiences in your life?
This Week’s Meditations…
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Thank you for reading this week; I hope you found something useful.
Until next time, be wise and be well,
P.S. Feel free to comment, ask questions, or make suggestions!