Flow results in altered perception of time from "summary" of The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler
When we are in flow, time becomes elastic. It stretches and contracts, bending to our will. Athletes describe it as the feeling of being in a bubble, where nothing exists except the present moment. In this state, hours can feel like minutes, and minutes can feel like hours. Time seems to slip away, and yet, paradoxically, it also seems to slow down. The past and future fade into the background, leaving only the eternal now.
This altered perception of time is a key characteristic of flow. It is what allows athletes to perform seemingly impossible feats with grace and ease. When time slows down, athletes have more time to react and make split-second decisions. They are able to see the world in high definition, noticing details that would normally pass them by. This heightened awareness allows them to push the limits of their physical abilities and achieve peak performance.
In flow, the brain releases a cocktail of neurochemicals that enhance focus, creativity, and motivation. These chemicals also play a role in time perception, altering our sense of how time passes. As a result, athletes in flow may experience time as moving both faster and slower than usual. This creates a sense of timelessness, where the past, present, and future merge into a single moment of pure presence.
This altered perception of time has profound implications for performance. When time feels like it is slowing down, athletes can enter a state of "time dilation," where they are able to process information at an accelerated rate. This allows them to make split-second decisions with precision and accuracy. In this state, athletes can achieve a level of performance that would be impossible under normal circumstances.
Flow is not just about achieving peak performance; it is also about experiencing life to the fullest. When we are in flow, time loses its hold on us, and we are able to live in the moment with complete immersion and intensity. This state of heightened awareness and focus allows us to break free from the constraints of time and experience a sense of liberation and transcendence.
