Decades of research stemming from Csikszentmihalyi's original ESM (experience sampling method) experiments validate that the act of going deep orders the consciousness in a way that makes life worthwhile. — Cal Newport, "Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World" Some of you may recognize the name Csikszentmihalyi from my posts on the flow state. [...]
Have you found yourself dreading a work event? Or at a happy hour leaning against the wall, checking your phone, and waiting for a chance to leave? Almost every introvert has a story like this, a time where meeting new people felt uncomfortable and conversation was difficult. I’m a strong introvert, and I know meeting new [...]
Emotions and anxiety seem to go hand in hand with sensitivity. Minds and senses that are easily over-stimulated seem to generate big feelings and deep worry. The good news is we also develop beautiful thoughts and inspiring ideas. I read 4 Rituals That Will Make You Happy, According to Neuroscience in Time's online ideas/psychology section months [...]
When my relationship ended in April, I felt at loose ends. The routines, love and companionship I'd enjoyed over the previous year and a half, went away. I spent a dark night or two or six wondering what to do with myself, how much I could lean on my friends and if I could get away to visit family. [...]
In the past month, I've done a flurry of maintenance. From home and auto repairs to dental work and updating my will. Although I enjoy the final results, the constancy and expense of nagging little jobs, stress me out and scare me. The unexpected repairs give me the most panic. They interrupt my perfectly designed schedule of interactive [...]
In my week of self-nurturing and post-mortem relationship analysis, I figured out I'd strayed from my genuine self in the last year. One observation that surfaced right away was that I hadn't bought or been lost in music for over a year. Like a drowning woman seeking air above the waves, over the last week, I sought music, musicians, stories [...]
