How ‘flow state’ can heal trauma | Steven Kotler for Big Think | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Optimal states of consciousness, known as flow, can enhance motivation, learning, creativity, and performance, and have been proven effective in treating PTSD and addiction.

Key Insights

• 💦 Flow involves getting our biology to work for us, optimizing our cognitive and emotional states.
• 💐 Flow triggers the release of neurochemicals that enhance learning, memory, and positive experiences.
• 🛀 Flow has shown potential as a treatment for PTSD by overriding traumatic memories.
• 💐 The therapeutic benefits of flow can also be effective in addiction treatment.
• 🥳 Experiences may one day be prescribed by doctors or psychologists for their neurochemical effects.
• 💐 Engaging in activities that trigger flow can help overcome heartbreak and grief by overriding memories.
• 💨 Skydiving, with its intense flow state, can be an effective way to override heartbreak.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is flow and how does it benefit us?

Flow is an optimal state of consciousness where we experience deep focus and total absorption. It enhances our motivation, learning, creativity, and performance by merging our action and awareness, diminishing self-consciousness and inner critic.

Q: How does flow affect learning and memory?

Flow triggers the release of feel-good neurochemicals in the brain, leading to an enhanced ability to learn and remember things. Positive memories formed during flow states are particularly strong and easily retained.

Q: Can flow be used to treat PTSD?

Yes, flow has shown promising results in treating PTSD. Activities like surfing, which are rich in flow triggers, combined with talk therapy sessions have been effective in reducing or eliminating PTSD symptoms and decreasing the need for medication.

Q: How does flow help in addiction treatment?

Flow has been utilized in addiction treatment, particularly among teenagers. Outdoor high-flow experiences, coupled with therapy, have been found to help overcome addiction by replacing the neurochemical rewards of drugs with the natural high of flow.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Flow is an optimized state of consciousness characterized by deep focus, total absorption, and a merging of action and awareness.

• Engaging in activities that trigger flow can enhance learning and memory due to the release of feel-good neurochemicals.

• Flow has been successfully used to treat PTSD and addiction, with activities like surfing and outdoor experiences providing therapeutic benefits.