Sunday Journal Prompt

 “The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”

– Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Performance 

A World War II prisoner who witnessed much pain and suffering, Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi became curious about happiness and life contentment. Through years of research, he concluded that happiness is an internal state of being, not an external one. 

“Happiness takes a committed effort to be manifested,” he states—and introducing more “flow” into our lives is key. The best moments are not when we're relaxed or passive, but rather when we achieve a state of “optimal experience” by being so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter, he says. Self-consciousness reduces, and our activity becomes effortless—such as when a competent musician plays without thinking. 

 

 

When have you felt a sense of “flow”? How can you introduce more of those moments into your life?

 

Sunday Journal Prompt

 “What makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful.” 

 – Brene Brown

While I typically think of journaling as an independent activity—a chance to connect with oneself on a deep level—this week I came to appreciate how it can connect us to others in a profound way. Thanks to the recommendation of my co-teacher Rachel Kerr, our Yogi-Wine-Journaling Workshop participants shared their prompt responses in small groups. 

It was beautiful to see how vulnerable people were willing to be with strangers. By sharing fears, doubts and secret dreams, participants opened the doors to support and connection from one another. After class, many exchanged contact information, and some stayed and chatted with each other for as long as an hour. As scary as vulnerability can be, it helps connect us with others in a meaningful way. 

With whom would you like to connect on a deeper level? How might you be more vulnerable with that person?