How ‘flow state’ can heal trauma | Steven Kotler for Big Think

Summary

Steven Kotler discusses the concept of 'peak performance,' highlighting the state of 'flow' as a key to optimizing human consciousness for better performance and learning. He explains how flow, characterized by deep focus and absorption, can be used to treat conditions like PTSD and addiction by creating powerful, positive memories that override negative ones. This suggests a future where experiences may be prescribed as therapy.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The concept of 'peak performance' involves aligning our biology to work for us rather than against us.
• 🌟 'Flow' is described as an optimized state of consciousness where individuals feel and perform their best.
• 🔍 Flow is characterized by moments of intense focus and absorption, where everything else seems to disappear.
• 🧘‍♂️ In a state of flow, the sense of self and self-consciousness, including the inner critic, lessens.
• ⏳ Time perception in flow states is altered, with time seeming to pass strangely or slowly.
• 💡 Flow states are linked to increased learning due to the release of several important feel-good neurochemicals.
• 🔑 Positive memories are often associated with flow experiences, as they tend to be strongly remembered.
• 🩺 Flow has been researched for its potential in overriding and treating PTSD, with therapies combining talk therapy and activities like surfing.
• 🎢 The Army's use of surfing, an activity rich in flow triggers, has shown promise in reducing PTSD symptoms.
• 🍃 The treatment of addiction also sees the potential of flow, with rehab centers providing high-flow outdoor experiences for teenagers.
• ❤️ Flow experiences like skydiving could potentially help override negative memories associated with heartbreak or grief.

Q & A

What does Steven Kotler mean by 'peak performance'?

Steven Kotler defines 'peak performance' as the state where our biology works for us rather than against us, encompassing systems related to motivation, learning, creativity, and flow.

How does Kotler describe the state of 'flow'?

Kotler describes 'flow' as an optimized state of consciousness where individuals feel and perform their best, characterized by rapt attention, total absorption, and a diminished sense of self and self-consciousness.

What happens to one's sense of time in a state of flow?

In a state of flow, time appears to dilate or pass strangely, indicating a distortion in the perception of time due to the intense focus and immersion in the task at hand.

How does being in a flow state enhance learning?

Being in a flow state enhances learning because it is a powerful cocktail of several important feel-good neurochemicals produced by the brain, leading to stronger memories of events that occur during this state.

How has the concept of flow been applied to treat PTSD?

Flow has been used to override and rewrite PTSD by combining talk therapy with activities rich in flow triggers, such as surfing. This combination has been shown to significantly reduce or completely remove PTSD symptoms and decrease the need for medication.

What role does flow play in the treatment of addiction?

Flow plays a significant role in treating addiction by providing high-flow experiences, such as outdoor activities, which help to replace the neurochemical triggers associated with addiction and thus aid in the recovery process.

How might experiences be prescribed by doctors in the future?

In the future, doctors or psychologists might prescribe specific experiences, like skydiving, to help individuals overcome negative memories and emotional states, such as heartbreak, by creating more powerful, positive memories in a flow state.

Why are powerful positive experiences like skydiving suggested to override negative memories?

Powerful positive experiences like skydiving can create a strong, immediate deep-flow state that tends to override negative memories by producing a more potent neurochemical response, thus helping individuals to move past their previous emotional pain.

What is the significance of the neurochemical cocktail produced during flow?

The neurochemical cocktail produced during flow is significant because it consists of several important feel-good neurochemicals that contribute to enhanced well-being, memory formation, and the potential for therapeutic effects on various mental health conditions.

How does the concept of flow relate to Kotler's discussion on the treatment of emotional pain?

The concept of flow relates to the treatment of emotional pain by providing an alternative state of consciousness where negative memories and emotions can be overridden by the intense focus and positive neurochemicals associated with flow, thus aiding in recovery from heartbreak or grief.

What is the potential long-term impact of using flow experiences for therapeutic purposes?

The potential long-term impact of using flow experiences for therapeutic purposes could be a shift in how mental health treatments are approached, with a greater emphasis on activities and experiences that naturally induce flow states to address conditions like PTSD, addiction, and emotional trauma.