Storm Beach

In this podcast Steven Kotler provides some really simple approaches to tuning our nervous system. He suggests if you have X minutes a day then try:

5 mins – do a gratitude list

6 mins – read a novel

7-11 mins – breath work

11-15 mins – go for a walk in nature

20-40 mins – get some exercise

This aligns really well with Energy Mapping, committing to deliberate daily activity for yourself and / or others. Working across the five energy sources of soul, body, heart, mind and spirit. Kotler reminds us that flow is not binary, it’s a four-stage cycle: struggle – release – flow – recovery. He likens it to a map of the territory; this is where I am and this is where I have to go next.

Whilst flow is unconscious, you have to onboard it consciously. This is often the struggle phase, which has to be followed by the release phase, a low grade physical activity to take your mind off the problem.

A really good approach is once you finish work go for a walk (or another low grade physical activity of your choice). As this can double for either the release or recovery phase. If after a busy day at work you’ve been in struggle, then walking can help shift you into the release phase. Or if you have been in flow, it’s a great recovery activity.

We aren’t taking shortcuts here, being more conscious we are increasing our odds of improved performance. In summary find 2-3 things you need to stop doing, 2-3 things you need to start doing and importantly 2-3 things that you need to rearrange in your day.