Watch this video with Steven Kotler speaking about flow states

The Flow State

A flow state is a powerful experience, this state of consciousness allows an alignment and grace. As the name suggests - things flow, we feel like we are in the flow - there is an effortlessness. We may be totally absorbed by and deeply focused on something, beyond the point of distraction. Time feels like it has slowed down (or speeds up or disappears!). Our intuition is clear and switched on, things may feel synchronistic. Ideas seem like they just come from nowhere - we can think laterally (outside of the box) and our creativity is off the charts! We are in 'The Zone'. Perhaps we feel as though we are being our 'best selves' or are connected to something greater than ourselves.   

When We Are In Flow...
Flow states occur in many spaces - when we are creating music, while deeply focused on writing an important piece of work, creating art, dancing and other somatic expressions, problem solving a complex issue, sports - especially adventure sports and high energy/risk/focus activities. You might access flow states through psychoactive plants, computer games, spring cleaning your house, driving, a meaningful conversation, making love, cold water immersion, presenting or facilitating, or being immersed nature. So many potential opportunities to experience flow states!

We can be in a flow state as an individual and there is also the idea that we can experience a type of collective flow state - like being part of a team brain storming meeting where ideas come from every direction, or at a concert where we feel collectively connected and inspired through the music.

As a teacher you will have had levels of this flow state experience while teaching - where your words come with ease, the sequencing of the class seemed to roll itself out organically, matching with the needs of the students, your language and timing is spot on and there is a sense of deep presence in the space. It's such a pleasure to facilitate from this place!

It's a Journey
As we will explore in this Section, the term 'flow states' represents a range of states of mind that have some common elements and attributes. As with the concept of embodiment - it is not one distinct state, it's not binary - that is to say, we're not either in flow or not in flow. It is on a spectrum. Sometimes we feel fully in flow and connected, in a medium level or a little bit, and sometimes it feels like the grace of flow is barely there at all, it just teases us!   

It is thought that typically there are four stages that we move through as part of the full cycle (The Flow Cycle). There are also additional different components that are present - before, during and after, and different ways we can consciously activate this state.

Flow States vs Altered States
The word 'flow state' is generally used to indicate a state of optimal performance and has specific precursors and indicators. While there are a wide scope of 'altered states' (also known as 'non-ordinary states') of consciousness, flow states could be classified as part of the family of altered states, but not all altered states could be considered the same as a flow state. For example, having three glasses of wine might put you in an 'altered state', but you may not be at your athletic or problem solving peak!

Over the years, flow state categories have been categorised by different researchers, for the sake of simplicity, we use the term to cover across the spectrum of states that will typically involve a number of different elements and have a distinct journey (The Flow Cycle).

Flow States are Part of Being Human
The research suggests that flow states are 'universal' - that is to say, anyone can experience it and it is part of our human design. It has been suggested that our evolution can be attributed to people experiencing flow states. Great works of art, music, technology, innovative changes, big ideas outside of what is already 'known' occur through flow states.
 

This Section provides you with some solid science around flow states and biohacks to more consistently (and more deeply!) access powerful altered states. 

In your Workbook, list at least three areas in your life where you feel that you regularly move into a flow state (consciously or unconsciously)

List some peak experiences that you have had that involved being in an altered state (which may or may not be considered a flow state)