by whatarewe? | Dec 1, 2021 | Book Club, Flow
Without realizing it, I have read several of Steven Kotler’s books including Stealing Fire and The Rise of Superman. They were unique in both the subject material as well as the orientation from which the information was presented. With his latest release, The Art of Impossible, it was clear that we shared similar interests. Perhaps this is a question of nurture as we grew up in the same part of the world, Cleveland, Ohio, and was part of the same social culture, the punk rock scene.
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by whatarewe? | Sep 25, 2021 | Flow
The Father of Flow Psychology, Mihaly Csikszentmihaly, noted in his early commentary that Flow does not necessarily equate to characteristically good actions. Meaning, it is thought that several of our quintessential “bad guys” were probably acting in a flow state. Steven Kotler, Flow expert, states: “Flow involves tinkering with primal biology: addictive neurochemistry, potent psychology, and hardwired evolutionary behaviors.”1 There is some danger involved in the pursuit of Flow. Therefore, some precautions need to be taken.
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by whatarewe? | Jul 23, 2021 | Flow, Psychology
We are in the midst of a crisis of meaning, inundated with cultural images and pressures signaling status and prestige, dictating what is deemed socially acceptable. The cancel culture, the culture wars, and the fear of being excluded have us expending a tremendous amount of attention to the millions of messages to which we are exposed each day.
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by whatarewe? | Jul 9, 2021 | Flow, Psychology, Self-Improvement & Insight
At this point, we know what Flow is and understand the importance of the stages of the Flow Cycle. (If not, click here.) Now, let’s look at what TRIGGERS flow.
The triggers exist in two categories, internal and external. There are twelve individual flow triggers, six in each category.
Flow triggers work by either increasing neurochemicals that cause flow or by lessening the cognitive load allowing for focus3. Recall that the flow state activation hinges on focus and attention
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by whatarewe? | Jun 28, 2021 | Flow, Psychology, Self-Improvement & Insight
As the second installment in our Flow Series, we look at the Flow Cycle, its function, and potential in our lives.
There are four stages in the Flow Cycle – struggle, release, flow, and recovery. All are equally important in achieving the third stage and the goal of the cycle, Flow. The Flow definition is an optimal state of consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best. The aim here is to create a sense of intense engagement in our lives, enhancing a sense of meaning, purpose, and well-being.
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by whatarewe? | Jun 13, 2021 | Flow, Mindfulness & Self-Awareness, Psychology
Maybe you’ve had the same fantasy, you’re fully engaged, energized, passionate, and living the life of your dreams. You’re rising to your potential and pushing beyond. You’re reaching your highest aims, connected with your “people” and still having more gas left in the tank.
If you’re like me, this sounds too good to be true. But the science of flow intends to help take us to this very destination.
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