Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream —John Lennon
Before Taking Positive Psychology, my thoughts about the course were that I wondered what on earth positive psychology meant. I thought that the course was going to be very analytical, and based more on learning facts and seeing the underlying meaning. As it turns out, this course was very enjoyable, and I was able to take away a lot of great information. It has also provided me with a lot of tools that have helped me to view the most positive side of my world.
The positive tool of FLOW
One of the most enjoyable parts of the course was learning about FLOW. As we learned about FLOW, I was able to make connections and realize that I have experienced it before. I used the term being in the zone, but it is basically the same thing. FLOW is when you enter a state where everything just flows, time is not a factor, you barely have to think and everything is in sync. Throughout the experience, there is a sense of accomplishment, but you do not feel as though you are working. When the experience is done, there is a feeling of accomplishment and a feeling of being relaxed and revived.
When we learned about FLOW, I kept thinking of all the times which I have experienced FLOW. I thought deeper and thought of how I felt, during and after. I tried to remember what went through my head, but there was nothing significant that I could remember, it was like being on autopilot, but everything was done with intention.
More FLOW in the future
Positive Psychology opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on how to see things. It did not change me completely, but I definitely have multiple moments in the day where I realize that some of what I have learned in this class have altered my way of thinking or way of seeing things. There are so many instances where it can make the world of a difference to find the positive aspects of life, rather than dwell on the negatives.
I have also made a lot of realizations, such as that there are many small moments that can be incorporated into my day that adds just a little happiness, but as it turns out, goes a long way. I feel like, the first step, is realizing that there are positive aspects to things, even when you do not initially see them, and once you do, it just gets the ball rolling, and it is easier to be happier or have a more positive outlook.
About the author: Carianne Wong attends Chaminade University, and is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has spent years working with a range of children between the ages of 18 months and ten years of age. She hopes to eventually get her Master’s Degree in Child Development.