To paraphrase the eight major component of enjoyment defined by Mihaly Csikszentmihaly (p.49 of his book Flow). 1) We have a chance of completing those tasks. 2) We must be able to concentrate on what we are doing. 3) The task has clear goals. 4) The task provides immediate feedback 5) We act with a […]
Author Archives: Raymond Yung
Flow — Part 4 (Pleasure vs. Enjoyment)
“Pleasure is a feeling of contentment that one achieves whenever information in consciousness says that expectations set by biological programs or by social conditioning have been met.” “Enjoyment is characterized by this forward movement: by a sense of novelty, of accomplishment” (p.45-46, Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihaly)
Flow – Part 3
Continuing on the book Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihaly, the author provided some interesting aspects of happiness (p.2-3) “Happiness, in fact, is a condition that must be prepared for, cultivated, and defended privately by each person. People who learn to control inner experience will be able to determine the quality of their lives, which is as […]
Happy Chinese New Year!
Happy Chinese New Year to All! Wish the year of the Sheep/Goat/Ram will bring you joy, peace, love, good health and happiness :>
Chinese New Year’s Eve Dinner
Traditionally, the Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner is the MOST important dinner in the entire year. It is the time that a family got together for dinner to say goodbye to one year and welcome a new one collectively. Living abroad for a long time I was not planning to do anything special tonight. It […]
Flow — Part 2
In the introduction of the book (p.12 of Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi), I found a funny analogy that made me laugh on the subject of ageing. “Like waiters in a restaurant starting to place breakfast settings on the surrounding tables while one is still having dinner, these intimations of mortality plainly communicate the message: Your […]
Flow – Part 1
On the subject of motivation and drive, I am reading a book called Flow written by the renowned psychology professor Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the United States. First, let us define what Flow is and then I will offer my thoughts based on the content of the book which is considered as a classic on the […]
Grumpy or Mellow?
In this weekend’s edition of Financial Times, columnist Harry Eyres reflected on his once-in-25-year school reunion. In his Slow Lane column, he wrote “The reunion was characterized by warmth and a sort of heartiness. With age, people generally get kinder and a touch less painfully shy. No one seemed to have returned to settle scores.” […]
Love is in the air
Today is Valentine’s day. Though I am against being a victim of commercialization, it is good to have another occasion to appreciate our loved ones. We can make every day of our lives a Valentile’s day, but for today, we can “go with the flow” and enjoy the “love in the air” atmosphere without being […]
Half Term Next Week
Next week is half term is the UK. Students will have a week off. I did not appreciate it that much before. But now that I am taking 3 courses outside of work. I felt that I can definitely benefit from having a week off from my lessons. Breathe Breathe Breathe.