-Paths of Liberation (pp 20-22)
The control of consciousness plays a vital role in determining the quality of life we experience. It is through the liberation of our consciousness that we can break free from the dominance of impulses and social controls. One notable attempt at achieving this liberation was psychoanalysis, which aimed to uncover and understand the deeper layers of the mind.
Across the world, various disciplines have sought to emancipate consciousness, offering different methods and practices. For instance, the example of a yogi illustrates the pursuit of freeing the inner life from the threats of chaos and the rigid conditioning of biological urges. The ultimate goal is to gain independence from social controls that shape our thoughts and actions.
However, even though the path to freedom of consciousness exists, it is not a straightforward journey. The wisdom necessary for emancipating consciousness is not cumulative; it is not something we automatically inherit or acquire. Instead, it must be continuously reformulated and adapted to the ever-changing cultural context.
The systems and approaches that were once effective in emancipating consciousness may no longer serve us in our present society. As societies develop and evolve, new challenges and complexities arise that demand fresh perspectives and approaches. It is important to recognize that the pursuit of freedom of consciousness is an ongoing and dynamic process.
– The Conditions of Flow (pp 71-77)
The author delves into the concept of flow, which is a state of complete immersion and focused engagement in an activity. Being “in the zone” benefits our well-being and productivity. The key conditions to experience this flow are:
- Clear goals and feedback: the activity provides immediate feedback to adjust accordingly.
- Balance between skill & challenge: flow is more likely to occur when the challenges presented by the activity match our skills
- Total concentration and absorption: when fully engaged, we are completely absorbed in the task and lose track of time.
- Loss of self-consciousness: our sense of time, worries, ad self-doubt diminish, allowing us to fully devote ourselves to the task
- Enjoyment and intrinsic motivation: The activity itself becomes enjoyable and the motivation to continue arises from within, rather than external factors.
When discussing the first point, I believe that clear goals and feedback are not entirely necessary to get into a flow. In my opinion, to get into a flow, you must have a rough sketch or idea of how to begin which you can then mold into what becomes through your creativity. By setting a specific endpoint, you increase your self-doubt and worry about the final product without enjoying or focusing on the creative project of the task at hand.