Laugh much lately? It’s one question I ask a lot and try to make sure I’m doing on a regular basis. But not just laughing at some good ol’ late night comedy, I mean real playfulness. When is the last time you acted like a kid? Can you remember when you were recently care fee? Been to any trance dances lately? When was your last rave?
Life can be pretty serious, especially with all the crazy news happening and overload of information. It’s really up to us to curate what kind of news we want to let in. If you’re an iPhone user, in your News app you can curate the information. You can actually pick comedy if you want, or sports, or any other topic that might help boost your mood. It’s incredibly important to find that level of play or flow.
Regarding the flow state or as athletes call it, being in the zone. Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal created the Flowgenome Project dedicated to creating those states of flow in order to increase performance. After all, when we’re totally in the flow state, we are performing at our highest ability. In their latest book, Stealing Fire, they discuss the state of ecstasis, or the state of being outside of oneself. They talk about many different ways to achieve this going out of your mind, from Navy Seals giving up selfishness and working as one unit, to extreme adventure athletes, to meditation, and psychedelics. All to show how when you go out of your mind, you’re much better when you’re actually present and in your mind.
Their research is quite compelling and I recommend reading the book, even if you’re not going to start microdosing or using smart drugs. I’ve been inspired to be more playful. When you’re carefree you’re lighter and happier. This will make you more engaged in work, in relationships, and in life. Kotler and Wheal have the system to prove it.
Before you get to them, here are a few ways to keep up your childlike curiosity!
Bounce on a trampoline. You did it as a kid and you loved it! Find that same joy bouncing up and down.
Ride a roller coaster. There is nothing like the force of gravity pulling you around a corner.
Get out of your comfort zone. Like Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing everyday that scares you.” I would add, make sure you’ll be safe.
Watch comedy. Seriously. There truly is nothing like a belly laugh.
Take a Breath work workshop. Breath work can truly be transformational. Find a great practitioner or take an online course. You’ll notice incredible transformative states of consciousness.
These are just a few suggestions, but there are a multitude of ways to get out of your own mind and tap back into your true energetic, happy self. I find my flow through yoga, meditation, mountain biking, skiing, breath work, and of course, intimate time with my wife. Minus the intimate time, I’m happy to help you find some flow in your life. Just send a message @teddymcdonald
Originally Published on the author’s website.