The term “flow” was coined by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, the Hungarian psychology professor, who is known as the leading researcher on positive psychology. The word “flow” was chosen because it was believed to reflect the metaphor of a water current carrying someone along. As described by Csíkszentmihályi, “In such an activity, concentration is fully engaged in the moment, self-awareness disappears, and sense of time is distorted.”
[B]eing receptive to the simple sensations of daily life and being open to the opportunities is essential for all of us: Finding flow, like the whiff of a scent on the wind, can be found in some very funny places.