The Autotelic Life

The Crystal Quiet Podcast

The Crystal Quiet Podcast
The Autotelic Life
May 14, 2025 Episode 3
Adriana Montenegro

In this episode, I discuss some points from the book Flow: the psychology of optimal experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihaly. I focus on the traits of the autotelic personality, my own experience with flow, and the transformation that came from reflecting on the question: Is this all there is? I talk about how we come to create meaning in our lives, my screenplay: The Suicidal Penguin Club, my past experiences with suicidal thoughts, friends who have committed suicide, and how there is always hope and the possibility of changing our attitude, thinking patterns, and beliefs. I discuss one my short films, Fotograma, how I became sober, and how much I've evolved since I made that decision. I believe we are all malleable, and can always improve. I bring up symbols, the ways we place value, the Montessori method, and how important it is to maintain a self-driven attitude throughout your life. Perception alters reality.