A Lot Like Love

While today’s post is not a part of any anesthesiology 101 syllabus, it certainly appears as if it could be part of an advanced exercise physiology course, say EP 401. All of the hormonal chemicals (listed below) happen, per Steven Kotler’s amazing The Rise of Superman, only when we have entered the sacred and magical state of flow. 

I will add, humbly, a few observations in my personal search for what Mr. Kotler also calls ‘peak flow’ or that place where everything comes together seamlessly. Everything in this usage being, focus, attitude, calm, speed, strength, endurance, meaning, purpose, clarity, challenge and expected, anticipated outcome. This usage also includes all intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, such as internal talk, motivation, fear, sounds, smells, memory, pain and pleasure. It is where the sum of those elements blends into one color, one sound and one experience. It is the song of our soul. 

My experience with peak flow is rudimentary. There have been a handful of times when I am pretty sure I had it. There are fewer times when I was able to realize I had it and then keep it. And maybe once or twice that I was able to know it, keep it and then call upon it again on demand. It doesn’t work like flipping on the light switch - although it can. It is more like love - the harder one tries to find it (and then keep it) the farther it moves away. One must let go. One must love oneself. One must offer it unconditionally and then one must be patient with any anticipated response. 

But when it shows up and says hey there, WOW!!!! We have flow. 

Additionally, and I have been spending many hours and spin sessions working in our semi-secret human performance laboratories testing this profound theory, I am now fully convinced that flow, the finding, keeping and improving, can be practiced and enhanced. 

I will share with you the steps we take to accomplish this quasi-esoteric advanced maneuver, one that transcends sports and is applicable in every situation and circumstance imaginable. 

For the sake of simplicity, and because it is our go-to activity, we will use indoor cycling as the medium. I could just as easily use music, writing, hiking, adventure sports, judo or videography, but today we’ll use spinning. 

1) Show up. (Always that)

2) Commit to progress, however incremental and seemingly small. 

3) Pre-heat your physical oven to 350.

4) Keep your focus relaxed.

5) Assume a managerial position as you measure your response.

6) Gradually increase resistance.

7) Breathe.

8) Note the changing stimuli and keep your 'commitment to experience' effort ahead of your current comfort zone.

9) Stay present, aware, mindful.

10) Find a synergy of body and mind.

11) Eliminate any (and eventually all) distractions.

12) Establish a graceful and powerful rhythm.

13) Add a peaceful and grateful appreciation to this mix.

14) Feel the presence of the mind-body-spirit triad.

15) Welcome the flow. 

Much like quality this state is one of those that is difficult to describe, usually including the admission that although I (us) cannot describe it, I (we) know it when we see (or feel) it. One does not need to Be Superman - or Captain America - to handsomely benefit from the practice of experiencing it. 

Now we can practice it. We can improve it. We can polish it and we can extend the length of its occasional visits. In other words, we can make it last. 

It is a lot like love.