Author: troygerstling

In our attempts to understand, deconstruct, and reverse engineer flow states, it’s important that we understand what is going on in the brain while we are in - or about to enter into - flow states. For the purposes of this article I’m going to dive into what happens in the brain while you are … Continue reading The Neurochemistry of Flow States

If we want to have flow as a consistent part of our lives, it’s important that we understand how it works. What are the conditions that lead to and create flow? Can we consistently create it for ourselves? If so, how?! Luckily, Steven Kotler and his team at the Flow Research Collective have already done the … Continue reading Internal Flow Triggers – Master your mind to master flow states

If we want to perform at our best, it’s important that we pay attention to the environment in which we work. Do you work better in an office or outside? Do you have your best creative insights in the shower or while hiking in nature? How frequently do you move throughout the day (or do … Continue reading External Flow Triggers – How your environment influences flow

One of the most common misconceptions around flow is that it’s either on or off. You’re either in the zone or you’re not.  The reality is that flow lies on a spectrum. There are varying degrees of how tapped in you can be.  The good news is that we can train ourselves to turn up … Continue reading The Flow Cycle – 4 Stages to Reliable and Sustainable Flow States

The earliest researcher and scientist in the world of Flow research was undoubtedly Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. He is the man who coined the word “flow” and built our earliest models of understanding this elusive state.  Out of all of his contributions, the most widely known and discussed is what many refer to as the Challenge:Skills Equation, … Continue reading The Challenge to Skills Equation and how to use it as a framework for life

Have you ever felt like you’re “in the zone”? A state where you’re so focused and concentrated that you have tunnel vision, where everything is effortless and you perform at your best? If you have, you’ve been lucky enough to experience what is called a “Flow State”. Coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a flow state is … Continue reading What is a “Flow State” and how do I know if I am in one?

I’ve been practicing traditional seated meditation for about 5 years now. The kind where you sit still for 20+ minutes paying attention to your breath in complete silence.  It’s a practice that has been invaluable to me and has had more positive benefits than I could ever anticipate….but it’s also a practice that has made … Continue reading How “Flow States” changed my understanding of meditation