What do you think?
Rate this book
Living in Flow: The Science of Synchronicity and How Your Choices Shape Your World
Harness the principles of synchronicity and flow to live better, work smarter, and find purpose in your life
When we align with circumstance, circumstance aligns with us. Using a cutting-edge scientific theory of synchronicity, Sky Nelson-Isaacs presents a model for living "in the flow"--a state of optimal functioning, creative thinking, and seemingly effortless productivity.
Nelson-Isaacs explains how our choices create meaning, translating current and original ideas from theoretical physics and quantum mechanics into accessible, actionable steps that we can all take to live lives in better alignment with who we are and who we want to be.
By turns encouraging and empowering, Living in Flow helps us develop an informed relationship to meaning-making and purposefulness in our lives. From this we can align ourselves more effectively within our personal, professional, and community relationships to live more in flow.
When we align with circumstance, circumstance aligns with us. Using a cutting-edge scientific theory of synchronicity, Sky Nelson-Isaacs presents a model for living "in the flow"--a state of optimal functioning, creative thinking, and seemingly effortless productivity.
Nelson-Isaacs explains how our choices create meaning, translating current and original ideas from theoretical physics and quantum mechanics into accessible, actionable steps that we can all take to live lives in better alignment with who we are and who we want to be.
By turns encouraging and empowering, Living in Flow helps us develop an informed relationship to meaning-making and purposefulness in our lives. From this we can align ourselves more effectively within our personal, professional, and community relationships to live more in flow.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2019
About the author
Sky Nelson-Isaacs
2 books46 followersSKY NELSON-ISAACS is a theoretical physicist, speaker, musician, and author of "Leap to Wholeness: How the World is Programmed to Help Us Grow, Heal, and Adapt".
He has a masters degree in physics from San Francisco State University, with a thesis in String Theory, and a BS in physics from UC Berkeley. Nelson-Isaacs has dedicated his life to finding his own sense of purpose, beginning as a student of the Yogic master Sri Swami Satchidananda when he was less than five years old. Discovering an early fascination with holograms and some of the most fundamental questions in physics, he has sought for over two decades to establish a connection between synchronicity, physics, and real life using research and original ideas. His most recent research has been published in the scientific journal Quantum Reports. An educator with nine years of classroom experience, Nelson-Isaacs is also a multi-instrumentalist and professional performer of award-winning original musical compositions.
He has a masters degree in physics from San Francisco State University, with a thesis in String Theory, and a BS in physics from UC Berkeley. Nelson-Isaacs has dedicated his life to finding his own sense of purpose, beginning as a student of the Yogic master Sri Swami Satchidananda when he was less than five years old. Discovering an early fascination with holograms and some of the most fundamental questions in physics, he has sought for over two decades to establish a connection between synchronicity, physics, and real life using research and original ideas. His most recent research has been published in the scientific journal Quantum Reports. An educator with nine years of classroom experience, Nelson-Isaacs is also a multi-instrumentalist and professional performer of award-winning original musical compositions.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 19, 2019
I thought I knew everything about FLOW - from Steven Kotler to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi or the Flow Genome Project. But this book is written with such ability to help the leaders find deeper and deeper layers of flow. "What makes a life worth living?" Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has asked us. Noting that money cannot make us happy, he looks to those who find pleasure and lasting satisfaction in activities that bring about a state of "flow." LIVING IN FLOW shows you how to do exactly that.
June 18, 2021
I might be tempting the Fates (or the Furies on social media) by giving this well-meaning book such a low review, but as I started out with great enthusiasm, each chapter demonstrates its own type of entropy. Describing both synchronicity and flow helps distinguish meaningful coincidences from conscious decisions, but by the middle of the book the two terms are used interchangeably, backed up with the promise of science that never really delivers. Instead, I got the strong sense Nelson-Isaacs channeling Peter Venkman’s swaggering “Back off man. I’m a scientist,” while also diluting his thesis by including random text boxes with trippy moments of synchronicity that bear no further investigation. The prolonged apple tree metaphor is strangely deterministic for one who also reads (and writes about) Bohm’s implicate order, but ultimately that is the difference between self-help and philosophy: the former is a mercenary utilization of the latter, like the sophists of which Socrates complains. I’d be interested in reading more about retroactive event determination and optimistic synchronization but suspect these articles will be more about mismatched leg warmers and middle-class aspirations than authentic, meaningful advice on a better understanding of self.
February 16, 2019
Ordered from Amazon. A really great read so far! Sky Nelson-Isaacs connects the dots of a complicated universe in an emotionally intelligent way. His ideas are both thought-provoking and empowering. A really good atlas to navigate the course of our lives with intention. #inspired
February 23, 2019
Sky presents compelling ideas on how to live a more empowered, easeful, and purpose-filled life. He does a great job putting complex ideas into simple terms and illustrations that you’ll enjoy whether you’re familiar with Flow and live it as a way of life, or you’re new to the ideas and just learning about how to apply them to your life.
March 11, 2020
A book divided into two parts: Part I the author, a physicist, talks about his studied theory of synchronicity and flow, and Part II sees the author attempt to explain his theory using the principles of quantum mechanics.
One thing I did notice as he explains synchronicity (aka meaningful coincidences) and ties it together with a concept of ‘external’ flow, was that there were several themes that have been explored before by other authors popping up although perhaps not expressly mentioned - Mihayl Czikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow undoubtedly, Steven Pressfield’s concept of resistance (“It is only by coming up against obstacles that we can get into flow...”), Malcolm Gladwell’s tipping point (called “symbolic momentum” in this book), etc.
I had to be very open-minded to get through Part I of this book as I felt that it was rather ambiguous and obscure especially when the author emphasises that the Universe/Cosmos are responding to us being one with our choices and/or intent. He talks of “meaningful history selection” to build up “symbolic momentum” that I interpreted as being aware of our own intent, performing actions that align with said intent, and to which the Universe responds by increasing the possibility of more opportunities in alignment with said intent, which then builds momentum to us achieving a wanted result of a sort. I mean.... To me, it just felt like if we simply make choices that align with what we want (e.g. Me contacting the head of a research programme in a university that I want to get into) increases the statistical probability of it happening (eg that I WILL get into that programme compared to if I did nothing at all.).
It felt like the entire premise of Part I could be summarised in this sentence written by the author towards the ending of Part I, “What we can count on is that we will tend to experience outcomes that, over time, reflect the nature of the choices we make.”
There were a lot of “Law of Attraction” feels, like an attempt to scientifically rationalise it, but I kept reading since it did seem to me that certain meaningful coincidences really couldn’t be discounted as just flukes/frequency illusions/selective attention/luck. So I was really looking forward to Part II to see how he would explain scientifically on what he was theorising for the entirety of Part I.
Perhaps it was my lack of understanding towards deeper concepts in physics, or maybe just a general bias against theories that seem too abstract, but it did seem a little far-fetched as he tries to explain the abstract theoretical foundations of what MAY be happening in synchronicity. I was expecting a little more meat steak and got a meat stew of some sort instead. As a whole I felt as though it wasn’t convincing enough for me to fully agree with what the author was trying to prove in this book, but that’s not to say that there wasn’t anything useful written. His LORRAX principle of looking at situations to see the possible different outcomes is very good and something that I’ve tried and seen good results with personally.
In regards to the other side of the coin where he attempts to ‘debunk’ his own theory, it’s a short appendix where he brings up the concept of apophenia (our brain creating patterns/meaningful connections between events) and the author does stand staunch in his belief that “as our brains are wired to notice patterns, we also live in a responsive Cosmos wired to produce patterns”.
I guess this book wasn’t as fulfilling as I expected it to be but it was definitely interesting to see things from the point of view of a physicist that believes in a responsive Universe.
One thing I did notice as he explains synchronicity (aka meaningful coincidences) and ties it together with a concept of ‘external’ flow, was that there were several themes that have been explored before by other authors popping up although perhaps not expressly mentioned - Mihayl Czikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow undoubtedly, Steven Pressfield’s concept of resistance (“It is only by coming up against obstacles that we can get into flow...”), Malcolm Gladwell’s tipping point (called “symbolic momentum” in this book), etc.
I had to be very open-minded to get through Part I of this book as I felt that it was rather ambiguous and obscure especially when the author emphasises that the Universe/Cosmos are responding to us being one with our choices and/or intent. He talks of “meaningful history selection” to build up “symbolic momentum” that I interpreted as being aware of our own intent, performing actions that align with said intent, and to which the Universe responds by increasing the possibility of more opportunities in alignment with said intent, which then builds momentum to us achieving a wanted result of a sort. I mean.... To me, it just felt like if we simply make choices that align with what we want (e.g. Me contacting the head of a research programme in a university that I want to get into) increases the statistical probability of it happening (eg that I WILL get into that programme compared to if I did nothing at all.).
It felt like the entire premise of Part I could be summarised in this sentence written by the author towards the ending of Part I, “What we can count on is that we will tend to experience outcomes that, over time, reflect the nature of the choices we make.”
There were a lot of “Law of Attraction” feels, like an attempt to scientifically rationalise it, but I kept reading since it did seem to me that certain meaningful coincidences really couldn’t be discounted as just flukes/frequency illusions/selective attention/luck. So I was really looking forward to Part II to see how he would explain scientifically on what he was theorising for the entirety of Part I.
Perhaps it was my lack of understanding towards deeper concepts in physics, or maybe just a general bias against theories that seem too abstract, but it did seem a little far-fetched as he tries to explain the abstract theoretical foundations of what MAY be happening in synchronicity. I was expecting a little more meat steak and got a meat stew of some sort instead. As a whole I felt as though it wasn’t convincing enough for me to fully agree with what the author was trying to prove in this book, but that’s not to say that there wasn’t anything useful written. His LORRAX principle of looking at situations to see the possible different outcomes is very good and something that I’ve tried and seen good results with personally.
In regards to the other side of the coin where he attempts to ‘debunk’ his own theory, it’s a short appendix where he brings up the concept of apophenia (our brain creating patterns/meaningful connections between events) and the author does stand staunch in his belief that “as our brains are wired to notice patterns, we also live in a responsive Cosmos wired to produce patterns”.
I guess this book wasn’t as fulfilling as I expected it to be but it was definitely interesting to see things from the point of view of a physicist that believes in a responsive Universe.
February 17, 2019
The cosmic dance of synchronicity as it relates to events in the world. The more open and trusting I'm, the more flow of energy and information there is and I see this exhibiting as sustenance, synchronicity or things aligning up miraculously out of nowhere. Whichever language or metaphor we use, this is how it ultimately works for me. About Sky's language; I'm grateful.
~ Marthy Leermans
ps: I received a free advance copy from Sky Nelson-Isaacs.
~ Marthy Leermans
ps: I received a free advance copy from Sky Nelson-Isaacs.
December 13, 2022
What do you get when you combine one part musician, one part IT—information technologist, and another part quantum physicist? Welcome to the world of Sky Nelson-Isaacs and how synchronicity shapes your world.
Whether it be for business, in personal relationships, or finding a particular shell on a beach, or gazing at light from distant galaxies, Nelson-Isaacs introduces us to a quantum universe where what we think of as reality exists as quanta, as bundles of characteristics within a range of potentialities, that join with an observer to become “real” for the rest of us. Science Fiction” Well, yes. However, as Nelson-Isaacs often says, it is also science.
Lynn and I interviewed him early in 2022, and are looking forward to speaking with him again early in 2023. So, I began my preparation with “Living in Flow,” and what he offers to me as a media executive and news editor has been transformative. As a specialist in both political science and comparative spirituality, I found his scientific explanation of all too familiar disciplines evocative of lessons I am not always as attentive to as I should be.
He gave me pause to consider the nature of our universe as relational, always interacting with the intentions and actions of a conscious world, and perhaps with life forms not nearly so aware? Whether within the study and practice of consciousness, at work, or at play, Living in Flow offers perspectives for life that challenge what we often think of as the “cold-hard facts” of reality. However, for quantum physicists, reality may be more expansive and flexible than either that of the generally accepted “common wisdom” of popular opinion or of many objective scientists. The relational worldview challenges assumptions of a universe separate and apart from our lives.
Sky Nelson-Isaacs also includes appendices where he presents counter-arguments to his views in “Living in Flow.” As with good science, he gathers not only what supports his conclusions, but investigates countering views and findings. He considers where they have merit, where they are inconsistent with findings of many scientists, and where evidence invites more research. He leaves us with an appreciation for doing the hard work of life. First, we are reminded to accept responsibility not only for our actions, but for the underlying intentions we depend on to shape our inner worlds. Nelson-Isaacs suggests we take these to heart as interactive elements that shape both our inner and outer worlds. Does it work? A study of Living in Flow provides the tools for your own investigations.
Five Stars for Living in Flow for revealing how synchronicity may very well shape our lives and worlds, as well as for reminding us to consider countering arguments to cherished opinions, beliefs and practices.
Whether it be for business, in personal relationships, or finding a particular shell on a beach, or gazing at light from distant galaxies, Nelson-Isaacs introduces us to a quantum universe where what we think of as reality exists as quanta, as bundles of characteristics within a range of potentialities, that join with an observer to become “real” for the rest of us. Science Fiction” Well, yes. However, as Nelson-Isaacs often says, it is also science.
Lynn and I interviewed him early in 2022, and are looking forward to speaking with him again early in 2023. So, I began my preparation with “Living in Flow,” and what he offers to me as a media executive and news editor has been transformative. As a specialist in both political science and comparative spirituality, I found his scientific explanation of all too familiar disciplines evocative of lessons I am not always as attentive to as I should be.
He gave me pause to consider the nature of our universe as relational, always interacting with the intentions and actions of a conscious world, and perhaps with life forms not nearly so aware? Whether within the study and practice of consciousness, at work, or at play, Living in Flow offers perspectives for life that challenge what we often think of as the “cold-hard facts” of reality. However, for quantum physicists, reality may be more expansive and flexible than either that of the generally accepted “common wisdom” of popular opinion or of many objective scientists. The relational worldview challenges assumptions of a universe separate and apart from our lives.
Sky Nelson-Isaacs also includes appendices where he presents counter-arguments to his views in “Living in Flow.” As with good science, he gathers not only what supports his conclusions, but investigates countering views and findings. He considers where they have merit, where they are inconsistent with findings of many scientists, and where evidence invites more research. He leaves us with an appreciation for doing the hard work of life. First, we are reminded to accept responsibility not only for our actions, but for the underlying intentions we depend on to shape our inner worlds. Nelson-Isaacs suggests we take these to heart as interactive elements that shape both our inner and outer worlds. Does it work? A study of Living in Flow provides the tools for your own investigations.
Five Stars for Living in Flow for revealing how synchronicity may very well shape our lives and worlds, as well as for reminding us to consider countering arguments to cherished opinions, beliefs and practices.
November 9, 2022
This book was not what I wanted and didn’t help me remotely?? It just sounds like a ton of coincidences // just going after what you actually want to do. I wanted a book on flow as in flow state when you are into what you are doing where you loose track of time and feel productive.
I dont really have much else to say. Again, it is probably one of those books that I wouldn't have finished if it wasn't an audiobook.
It's a swing and a miss for me.
I dont really have much else to say. Again, it is probably one of those books that I wouldn't have finished if it wasn't an audiobook.
It's a swing and a miss for me.
November 29, 2021
I didn't understand ALL the information about quantum physics, but I got the main points and the "so what" of the information. It provided me with a lot to think about. I intend to read his next book,
Leap to Wholeness. I need regularly ways to reimagine the Path of Life.
Leap to Wholeness. I need regularly ways to reimagine the Path of Life.
February 17, 2019
Quantum mechanics is now about 100 years old. It’s radically changed the world we live in. And yet…we still have no idea what it MEANS.
Sky Nelson-Isaacs takes a leap toward unraveling the mystery with Living in Flow: The Science of Synchronicity and How Your Choices Shape Your World. A scientist by trade who studies the quantum world, the author sees evidence that the quantum never truly disappears, and instead carries on at our “macroscopic” scale, bringing its weird laws with it. Specifically, Nelson-Isaacs sees evidence for the existence of synchronicity, which he believes is the natural result of the Relational quantum mechanics (RQM) interpretation playing a big part in physics that influence how life events unfold. RQM, in great summary, is observer-based, meaning “quantum states” describe the state between an observer and a system. It takes two to tango, and, essentially, to exist…at all, in this view.
The first part of the book is philosophical, delving into what someone can do to “tap” into this natural, invisible “flow.” Then in part two he dives into the science he believes supports synchronicity. I’m a “hard news,” science guy, so I was most interested in hearing how he believed reality itself could operate as a feedback mechanism, tilting the odds for or against us, based on our actions (or lack thereof). I’ve noticed when I concentrate hard on issues, putting undue energy toward them, helpful events or tips tend to “magically” fall at my feet. Coincidence? Am I just paying more attention? Or is it something much more tangible? Is the universe truly interactive, even at its most fundamental level?
Perhaps the answers we seek about the mysteries of our own lives (such as the pursuit of happiness), and, for the science nerds like me preoccupied with reality, the answers we seek about what is really going on under the universe’s hood, can’t be answered unless we’re brave enough to ask whether the weird findings of the past 100 years really apply to our everyday lives (the weird science includes Einstein’s relativity).
Sky Nelson-Isaacs investigates that possibility from a scientific footing, giving us food for thought and firm ground to ponder the possible next steps toward understanding this reality we share…and we suspect is hiding secrets within its folds.
Sky Nelson-Isaacs takes a leap toward unraveling the mystery with Living in Flow: The Science of Synchronicity and How Your Choices Shape Your World. A scientist by trade who studies the quantum world, the author sees evidence that the quantum never truly disappears, and instead carries on at our “macroscopic” scale, bringing its weird laws with it. Specifically, Nelson-Isaacs sees evidence for the existence of synchronicity, which he believes is the natural result of the Relational quantum mechanics (RQM) interpretation playing a big part in physics that influence how life events unfold. RQM, in great summary, is observer-based, meaning “quantum states” describe the state between an observer and a system. It takes two to tango, and, essentially, to exist…at all, in this view.
The first part of the book is philosophical, delving into what someone can do to “tap” into this natural, invisible “flow.” Then in part two he dives into the science he believes supports synchronicity. I’m a “hard news,” science guy, so I was most interested in hearing how he believed reality itself could operate as a feedback mechanism, tilting the odds for or against us, based on our actions (or lack thereof). I’ve noticed when I concentrate hard on issues, putting undue energy toward them, helpful events or tips tend to “magically” fall at my feet. Coincidence? Am I just paying more attention? Or is it something much more tangible? Is the universe truly interactive, even at its most fundamental level?
Perhaps the answers we seek about the mysteries of our own lives (such as the pursuit of happiness), and, for the science nerds like me preoccupied with reality, the answers we seek about what is really going on under the universe’s hood, can’t be answered unless we’re brave enough to ask whether the weird findings of the past 100 years really apply to our everyday lives (the weird science includes Einstein’s relativity).
Sky Nelson-Isaacs investigates that possibility from a scientific footing, giving us food for thought and firm ground to ponder the possible next steps toward understanding this reality we share…and we suspect is hiding secrets within its folds.
February 19, 2019
Really enjoyed Sky's ability to explain the "patterns and commonalities between things that seem completely distinct." His stories are engaging and this is overall a really interesting blend of science and spirituality.
March 3, 2019
Shrives to turn ideas into reality in a very insightful way.
February 5, 2020
absurd
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2021
This is essentially a self-help book based on a more scientific version of the Law of Attraction. The basic idea is that the universe responds to our actions by giving us more of the same but in this model, the very act of making choices, anticipating future experiences and building symbolic momentum in the direction of our goals can shifts the probabilities of future results in the direction of our goal. However, it can also work in reverse since the universe responds to our dominant emotional state and if this is subconscious fear we may achieve a result which bring us more fear. The answer to this predicament, according to the author is to "proactively unearth our hidden feelings" so we will be free to shape the events we want. He suggests that the results we get, often mirror our internal state so we can become conscious about what we need to change.
The central premise of the book reflects the author's (Nelson-Isaacs Sky) optimism that we can we can align with life, producing a state of flow which brings us meaningful coincidences drawing us towards our goals. Flow is an optimal state where our abilities are met by appropriate challenges. While flow may be familiar to athletes, jazz musicians and those in creative jobs but I suggest that for the rest of humanity doing dull monotonous jobs it is a rare experience Sky recommends gratitude as an effective way of getting into flow. Another way is a playful attitude which utilizes our enthusiasms and the author heartily recommends the Lorrax process (Listen for unexpected opportunities, Open our minds to new facts and Release our attachments to what we want to do). He says that we can do can do this in our spare time without any need for persistent meditation to achieve flow or understand our karma (cause and effect).
The author states that when we are guided by flow, synchronicities help improve our relationships, our worklife and the balance of interests in our communities for the greater good.
Sky calls the mechanism for our belief systems to become a blueprint for the experiences we have, "meaningful history selection". He believes that "meaningful history selection" is a completely rational yet unseen process that spans the gap between religious faith and scientific faith."
I really wanted to like this book because of its unbridled optimism. There are plenty of tips to make your life better but unfortunately they will likely prove insufficient for most readers unless they invest a great deal of time and other work on achieving self-awareness, such as meditation, psychological advice, NLP or coaching. Sky cites the psychologist Wiseman who found that self-described 'lucky people" were very good at seeing unforeseen opportunities , which the self—described "unlucky people" completely missed. Sky believes that we can change our belief systems by letting go of entrenched beliefs and becoming bolder but pessimists can't change into optimists overnight. A great deal of work is needed to change our belief systems. Moreover boldness may stem from anger and lead us in the wrong direction. He makes a statement I found ridiculous " If your choices shape your world, then it is pretty difficult to feel insecure about your importance in the world. After all, if the cosmos is responding to you, then you are important!". There are so many people in this world who feel insecure and are caught in a self-reinforcing loop of despair.
Sky admits that we can't just look at our experiences and assume we are sabotaging them because we are not the cause of all of life's challenging circumstances. But the understanding of cause and effect is much more complex than this because there can be an unknown time delay of weeks, months or even years between our anticipated future experiences and their manifestation. We won't be able to do this in our commute or at the kid's sports practice as Sky suggests. Moreover, in order to live in flow, he says we need to rediscover our authentic self "who we should be if there were no other factors persuading us to be different". I think that this also requires a great deal of work to attain. Even then we will need to distinguish our cravings from what our authentic self wants, and I think for most of us this is a day-to-day battle. Otherwise, we will keep making the wrong choices and we will attract the wrong circumstances.
This book is interesting reading but ultimately disappoints because there are so many ifs and buts on the road to useful synchronicity. It fails to give us a consistent self-help system to enable our choices to shape the world .
The central premise of the book reflects the author's (Nelson-Isaacs Sky) optimism that we can we can align with life, producing a state of flow which brings us meaningful coincidences drawing us towards our goals. Flow is an optimal state where our abilities are met by appropriate challenges. While flow may be familiar to athletes, jazz musicians and those in creative jobs but I suggest that for the rest of humanity doing dull monotonous jobs it is a rare experience Sky recommends gratitude as an effective way of getting into flow. Another way is a playful attitude which utilizes our enthusiasms and the author heartily recommends the Lorrax process (Listen for unexpected opportunities, Open our minds to new facts and Release our attachments to what we want to do). He says that we can do can do this in our spare time without any need for persistent meditation to achieve flow or understand our karma (cause and effect).
The author states that when we are guided by flow, synchronicities help improve our relationships, our worklife and the balance of interests in our communities for the greater good.
Sky calls the mechanism for our belief systems to become a blueprint for the experiences we have, "meaningful history selection". He believes that "meaningful history selection" is a completely rational yet unseen process that spans the gap between religious faith and scientific faith."
I really wanted to like this book because of its unbridled optimism. There are plenty of tips to make your life better but unfortunately they will likely prove insufficient for most readers unless they invest a great deal of time and other work on achieving self-awareness, such as meditation, psychological advice, NLP or coaching. Sky cites the psychologist Wiseman who found that self-described 'lucky people" were very good at seeing unforeseen opportunities , which the self—described "unlucky people" completely missed. Sky believes that we can change our belief systems by letting go of entrenched beliefs and becoming bolder but pessimists can't change into optimists overnight. A great deal of work is needed to change our belief systems. Moreover boldness may stem from anger and lead us in the wrong direction. He makes a statement I found ridiculous " If your choices shape your world, then it is pretty difficult to feel insecure about your importance in the world. After all, if the cosmos is responding to you, then you are important!". There are so many people in this world who feel insecure and are caught in a self-reinforcing loop of despair.
Sky admits that we can't just look at our experiences and assume we are sabotaging them because we are not the cause of all of life's challenging circumstances. But the understanding of cause and effect is much more complex than this because there can be an unknown time delay of weeks, months or even years between our anticipated future experiences and their manifestation. We won't be able to do this in our commute or at the kid's sports practice as Sky suggests. Moreover, in order to live in flow, he says we need to rediscover our authentic self "who we should be if there were no other factors persuading us to be different". I think that this also requires a great deal of work to attain. Even then we will need to distinguish our cravings from what our authentic self wants, and I think for most of us this is a day-to-day battle. Otherwise, we will keep making the wrong choices and we will attract the wrong circumstances.
This book is interesting reading but ultimately disappoints because there are so many ifs and buts on the road to useful synchronicity. It fails to give us a consistent self-help system to enable our choices to shape the world .
May 1, 2024
This book took me over a year to get through, but for some reason I persisted. I recently listened to "Gnar Country" by Steven Koetler, and so this book felt like a good pairing to read alongside it. I was immediately enchanted by Nelson-Isaacs' connection between "flow" states and synchronicities. I had never heard someone trying to connect the two phenomena, so I was intrigued. However, the book branches off into probability theory and quantum mechanics, using really inane anecdotes and metaphors to loosely relate it to the phenomenon of synchronicity, and the thread of the overarching narrative was completely lost for me. There are a lot of nuggets of wisdom in there, but I feel these nuggets could be condensed into a brief essay on the more salient topic here - the connection I mentioned earlier. Instead that wisdom is mostly lost in all the fluff and pseudoscience of synchronicites and their underlying scientific mechanisms. I will admit that there are some interesting theories here, but our understanding of quantum mechanics is way too rudimentary to try to use it to explain actual material events in our world. We can't even use it to explain simple chemical processes, so the idea that we can somehow bridge that gap and use it to explain things like catching a train - an actual anecdote that Nelson-Isaacs repeatedly discusses in the book - is pseuodscientific and I am left feeling perplexed as to what he was hoping to achieve. The book ends with the line: "More academic work on this question would be beneficial to the field." And that is probably my biggest takeaway - that our understanding of these topics is too limited for anything but conjecture. I would however recommend the first few chapters...if it is already lying around the house.
October 20, 2019
Living in Flow by Sky Nelson-Isaacs is a book I have been longing for! A book that shows what is commonly regarded as magic or mere 'wishful thinking' is indeed science we can strive to replicate. This was all something I've tried to articulate to others before, but lacked the wherewithal to explain properly. Nelson-Isaacs does a magnificent job of explaining his theory of flow and synchronicity, and is equally clear on what it patently is not. He gives layman's explanations of the quantum mechanics underlying his theory, along with practical applications and all the tools you need to initiate probability shuffles of your own to draw you closer to what you seek. He also warns that one needs to be introspective, as subconscious feelings affect the shuffle, and may indeed be stronger than your conscience aims. This is how synchronicity works both ways. To play off of Hamlet- Synchronicity is neither good nor bad, but that thinking makes it so. We live in a responsive, living yet indifferent universe. Subjective experience is key too. Synchronicities must be meaningful to the person in question. The techniques offered here can teach you to find your courage, and broaden your horizons. Take a chance. I think you'll find it's well worth it!
*****Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for the Seattle Book Review.
*****Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for the Seattle Book Review.
April 24, 2019
I won a copy of Living in Flow: The Science of Synchronicity and How Your Choices Shape Your World by Sky Nelson-Isaacs from Goodreads.
Readers who struggle with scientific concepts, have no fear! Sky Nelson-Isaacs presents both scientific concepts and his own theories in an easy to read and understand manner in his book Living in Flow: The Science of Synchronicity and How Your Choices Shape Your World. Consistently using the same though changing diagram throughout the book, branches in a tree, the author helps readers to visualize themselves using the methods and embracing the concepts. First person accounts of the author's experience, as well as the brief stories others share, also assist the reader in identifying with the message. Non-scientifically minded readers may have to re-read some sections of Part II to fully understand quantum foundations, but, again, the writer presents the concepts in a way that truly works for everyone.
Readers, at the very least, come away from reading Living in Flow by Sky Nelson-Isaacs, examining their motives and desires and then, perhaps, choosing to love in "Flow."
Readers who struggle with scientific concepts, have no fear! Sky Nelson-Isaacs presents both scientific concepts and his own theories in an easy to read and understand manner in his book Living in Flow: The Science of Synchronicity and How Your Choices Shape Your World. Consistently using the same though changing diagram throughout the book, branches in a tree, the author helps readers to visualize themselves using the methods and embracing the concepts. First person accounts of the author's experience, as well as the brief stories others share, also assist the reader in identifying with the message. Non-scientifically minded readers may have to re-read some sections of Part II to fully understand quantum foundations, but, again, the writer presents the concepts in a way that truly works for everyone.
Readers, at the very least, come away from reading Living in Flow by Sky Nelson-Isaacs, examining their motives and desires and then, perhaps, choosing to love in "Flow."
February 18, 2019
The first thing that struck me reading this book, Living in Flow, is that it made me think. The book gave me a dozen aha moments and then challenged the way I define and see synchronicity and flow in my life and the world around me. I found myself wondering about linear perceptions of this topic and was intrigued by Sky Nelson-Isaacs process of defining flow and synchronicity, his subsequent scientific research and personal observations . This book is a fascinating read for it's ideas and an entertaining read for the author's honest stories from his own life. Just dwelling on this idea while reading the book, has actually brought up several amazing instances of synchronicity in my life. Thanks for the spotlight on this important aspect of life in the mind-body and spirit.
Melody Cooper
Musician and Inspirational Speaker
Melody Cooper
Musician and Inspirational Speaker
April 23, 2020
Among the best aspects of Living in Flow, is that it takes you 'there' fast. I initially thought that a book by a theoretical physicist would be or could be too academic to keep me engaged. It's not. It is thoughtful and human. And the book gets you to understand quickly what and how our synchronicities are...and knowing the difference between finding our purpose and finding our 'sense' of purpose. Finding the presence of our Flow(s) gives us power, added consciousness and a deepened connectedness to this human journey. Living in Flow can help you relax your mind, and be open to receive more from our inner-connected connections. Living in Flow and synchronicity is like a type of conjecture that people like Drucker and Reimann discuss; those curious things and patterns that hold true even though science cannot prove OR refute...but still exist. I am glad I read this book.
March 25, 2019
Learning more about synchronicity and our responsive universe (which is such a comforting concept to me), while also feeling uplifted, hopeful and encouraged… you can’t get any better than that. A reflection of his message, Nelson-Isaacs seems to flow easily between his head and his heart, talking about physics and real life in a completely attainable way for a non-scientist like me. I started the book and was immediately energized to say “yes” to things I normally wouldn’t have…and they resulted in pretty wonderful outcomes. By the time I finished the book I found that I was appreciating my place in the world more, feeling more creative and in charge of my own destiny. Man do I love this book…
April 7, 2019
I just finished reading Living in Flow by Sky Nelson-Isaacs. This well-written book suggests an explanation for the meaningful coincidences that occur in our lives and provides tools for using these synchronicities to improve our quality of life. I really appreciated the way Nelson-Isaacs, who is a physicist, explained the foundations of his theory in layman’s terms with practical, real world examples. My favorite chapter of the book focused on living authentically. I found useful information there that I can apply to my life right away! I know I will return to many chapters in this book as I learn to harness the power of synchronicity and live my life in flow.
October 24, 2021
A good book explaining synchronicity. He lost me for a few chapters when he talked about quantum mechanics and the infinity of light (I can't really see the connection to synchronicity).
His branches theory is well described and a rational explanation to how coincidences in our life happen. He also gives a model to be more open to these coincidences. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to know more about synchronicity and how it works.
His branches theory is well described and a rational explanation to how coincidences in our life happen. He also gives a model to be more open to these coincidences. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to know more about synchronicity and how it works.
January 24, 2023
To be fair, I did not spend a lot of time trying to read this book. I did not find it interesting and the terminology left me confused at certain points. I had read Flow : the psychology of optimal experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, which was a much simpler and easy book to comprehend. I had expected that this book would expand upon the topics in Flow.
This book was too hard for me to understand, as I am challenged with scientific terms, concepts, and ideas.
This book was too hard for me to understand, as I am challenged with scientific terms, concepts, and ideas.
February 17, 2019
Sky Nelson-Isaac has done the impossible. He has taken incredibly esoteric self-help concepts and backed them with scientific evidence in an easy to read and easy to comprehend format. It was hard to put this book down due to the constant “Yes!” moments I kept encountering. Well written, well proved, well done.
Jennifer Ferren
Keynote Speaker &
Independent Inspirational Recording Artist
Jennifer Ferren
Keynote Speaker &
Independent Inspirational Recording Artist
February 21, 2019
Living in Flow is a great read. The perspective that Sky writes on synchronicity is intriguing and inspiring. I actually read the book twice getting nuggets each time. Our choices in life gives the universe, through meaningful coincidences, a chance to show what it has to offer. Take a chance, get the book.
September 8, 2023
Possibly one of the only books that discusses synchronicity in a relatable way that resonates with how I have experienced its spooky underpinnings. It has been helpful in understanding how to navigate my own synchronicities and feel like I'm not going crazy or that I'm over-analysing some sort of a primal 'pattern recognition' software in my brain.
In short, if you know, you know.
In short, if you know, you know.
February 19, 2019
Living in Flow is a unique inspiration. It really clicked with me and I could relate to it. This book offers a terrific explanation of how we can listen to inner wisdom over anxiety, even when anxiety often seems louder. The book clearly explains how choosing to follow the 'flow' of what truly calls to us can help us feel more open and alive and less stuck or hopeless. A must read!
May 8, 2019
Having read books by Jung, Csiksentmihayli and others I was concerned about redundancy, but Sky offers an approachable and well integrated look at autjenticity, flow and synchronicity, as well as an informative look at quantum theory. Worthy read!
February 9, 2020
Great book, while I agree with most of his points there are some things I did not. The science behind it was quite interesting but for someone not very well versed in science at times was hard to follow. I’d definitely recommend reading this!
December 23, 2020
A refreshing view on the subject of synchronicity from a physicist no less. A bonus is the references to other groundbreaking authors in the field which if followed will have you going further and further down the proverbial rabbit hole. Fascination guaranteed if you're warm to the subject.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews