I don't know about you but I find reading extremely enjoyable.
When some aspects of my life seem chaotic, I run to my books -- I find escape in the comforts of my books and lost myself in its pages.
Reading feels like getting into the minds of intelligent and passionate individuals, these authors who have lived deep and meaningful lives. This inspires me to stretch my imagination and disrupts my thought patterns most especially when its not in its optimal state so the disruption is welcome and probably needed.
I thought It's just right to share the books I read that helped me understand flow.
Truth be told -- I don't usually read books in its chronological order.
I jump to chapters that excite me the most and make me even curious so that the momentum is always there.
I hope you find this helpful and let me know what your thoughts in the comments.
1. The Rise of Superman
Steven Kotler - Founder of Flow Research Collective
This is the first book I read on flow. I recommend you get started with this because of how it is written - absolutely entertaining!
I first read this book during COVID when what felt like the world stopped. I felt like I was going on adventures in my mind even though the entire time I was just reading the book on my couch. But, oh the places I went and the adventures I did in my imagination!
This book is about flow state at play.
Flow in action instead of theory. This will make you even more curious so I won't spoil it.
If you're into action adventure sports, you'll love this even more.
2. Flow (The Psychology of Optimal Experience)
Mihaly Czikszentmihalyi - the "Godfather of Flow"
A must-read if you want to know how flow started.
This is the book that started it all.
Czikszentmihalyi is considered at "godfather of flow" who was a psychology professor who went around the world to demystify flow and researched about the mystical experience.
He coined the word flow because that's what the experience feels like
But what really started it all was his research on happiness that led him to flow.
3. The Evolving Self
Mihaly Czikszentmihalyi - the "Godfather of Flow"
This book offers invaluable insights into the evolving nature of our identities and provides guidance on embracing change with grace.
Discover how to navigate life's challenges, cultivate resilience, and forge a meaningful path towards self-realization.
It talks about flow from a philosophical and existential perspective that makes you examine your life so you can find aspects that give it depth and meaning.
4. Art of Impossible
Steven Kotler - Founder of Flow Research Collective
After reading all the above books on flow in theory, this book teaches you the practical steps on how to put it altogether in action.
How can you use flow so you can achieve your boldest goals?
How to use flow science so you can learn faster?
How can you use flow psychology so can perform at your best and sustain it over a long period of time.
Like it's title, it a primer on peak performance grounded on science and research.
5. Creativity
Mihaly Czikszentmihalyi - the "Godfather of Flow"
Explore the depths of imagination, discover your unique and creative process, and embrace the joy of expressing yourself.
This thought-provoking read is a roadmap to unleashing your creative potential and finding fulfillment in every aspect of your life.
Get ready for some perspective-shifting concepts and ideas and explore new ways of looking at the world.
I hope you enjoy this list and enjoy the books suggested on here.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
And get ready for the next 5 list I will be sharing.