FAQ

• Who benefits from Mind Flow?

Flow is not limited to high-performing athletes or artists, it’s available to anyone!

• You also can unlock untapped potential and living life in full “Flow”, thriving in every moment.
• You can propel yourself to break through limits and enter new heights of achievement, fulfilment and success.
• You can supercharge your daily life, whether you’re chasing big dreams or enhancing everyday tasks.
• Flow is not age specific. It’s never too late.
• In Flow State you’re not just working or playing – you’re thriving.

Whatever you’re doing, finding flow can help you gain more from every moment and every task.

Join us on a journey to unlock the transformative power of flow, and discover how it can elevate your work, your passion, and your life.

For Everyone, Everywhere

• Athletes
• All types of Performers
• Public speakers and presenters
• Those with memory issues
• Entrepreneurs
• Students and learners – examinees
• Business / Team leaders
• Corporate managers
• Sales, marketing & financial professionals
• Groups / Teams
• Those facing challenges
• Those troubled by anxiety and distress
• Those with mental health conditions
• Creative Artists
• The Neurodiverse
• Educators coaches and consultants
• Medical and health professionals / caregivers
• Scientists and researchers
• Gamers, e.sports athletes
• Software developers
• Military personnel
• Emergency services
• Mindfulness and yoga enthusiasts
• Parents and families
• Retirees

Anyone!

At Mind Flow International we completely understand but everybody is an individual, and that precise needs and requirements already defined and frank conversation.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Mind Flow Peak Performance Coaching

Peak Performance coaching and training is at the very centre of everything we offer.

Mind Flow coaches and consultants provide a unique service for our clients.

We use the latest technology and ‘tried and tested’ methodologies, involving tuning the mind and brain as much if not more than refining physical skills and techniques.

There is now a much greater emphasis on mental performance in everything that we do.

We can all learn how to achieve a sustained state of Flow which we coach using the XL Brain and Mind Flow models.

It is a specialised form of coaching aimed at helping individuals, teams, or organisations reach their highest levels of performance and potential.

It normally involves working with a coach who is trained to facilitate personal and professional development in order to optimize performance.

At Mind Flow we focus on all individuals and all learners, providing them with and understanding of how to achieve an optimal performance state of flow in anything they do. This might be within the corporate sector, the academic sector, the sports industry, within the arts industry – and in anything that we do.

Peak Performance coaching revolves around EEG biofeedback. This is a way of monitoring in real-time brain wave activity and Heart Rate Variability through sensors that provide us with immediate feedback. This is normally achieved by wearing a headband that provides us with real time feedback on an App.

The Benefits

The benefits are considerable, and it applies to everyone:

• We learn to raise our game
• We can shift our mood to a positive state
• We can handle pressure at key moments with a state of focus and calmness
• Creativity and innovation increases
• Learning is easier: memory is enhanced
• Results and success increases and we make less mistakes
• General health improves
• Mental health improves
• We can extend concentration attention and focus
• Decision making and problem solving will be swifter and more diverse
• Relationships improve
• We are in a greater state of happiness
• We can learn both physiological and psychological techniques to reach premium performance
• It will both save and make us money
• We will live longer.

 The key aspects are:

• Understanding how to engage Mind Brain and Body
• Achieving Flow State
• Monitoring Feedback in real-time (EEG Biofeedback)
• The Red, Blue = Purple Model for success
• Goal Setting: developing actionable plans
• Developing Mindset and shifting States of Consciousness through Mental Conditioning. Building mental resilience, managing stress, overcoming limiting beliefs and developing strategies for focus and motivation.
• Skill Development: how to enhance Peak Performance: using techniques such as breathwork, visualisation and guided imagery, positive intention, affirmations and anchoring as well as bilateral stimulation techniques.
• Performance analysis and feedback / feedforward. We use the Metawaves, Flow Time and Muse apps, working with a consultant or coach on specific projects or techniques.

Accountability and Support. Coaches provide accountability and encouragement to help clients stay committed to their goals and follow through on their action plans. They offer support, guidance and motivation through any programme.

An Holistic approach. Our coaches take an holistic approach considering various aspect of their clients lives such as physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, work life balance as well as learning and performance skills in all areas of life. This is because many factors outside immediate performance can impact overall effectiveness and success.

Personally customised coaching interventions. Coaching programmes are tailored to unique needs and preferences and the circumstances of each client we employ diverse methodologies, techniques and tools to support clients in reaching their peak performance potential.

Peak Performance coaching is a part of all our coaching, consultancy and training programmes.

You will find references to Peak Performance in every aspect that we consider on this website

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Self-Managed Development involves the understanding and employment of life management skills by an individual. It is also known as self directed or self driven development.

An individual is proactive and takes ownership of their own learning and personal growth.

SMD involves identifying individual needs, setting goals, pursuing opportunities for learning, skill building, initiative, dedication and motivation and nurturing a desire for continuous improvement. Mind Flow offers a range of skilled programmes that enable an individual to become truly independent. Our programmes are one-to-one coaching experiences. Over many years we have helped hundreds of individuals to empower themselves and to take responsibility for their own success and advancement.

SMD may occur through various channels beyond the traditional training or educational routes.

The key areas involved are:

• Developing a Personal Success Plan
• Self-Assessment – tracking self-reflection and self-evaluation
• Goal setting linked to personal aspirations
• Brain Power, Learning skills and styles
• Mind Power: understanding mindset, motivation and resilience
• Building and managing Relationships
• Dealing with Pressure and Distress
• Career Development and nurturing Talent Management
• Health and Well-being
• Thinking skills
• Interpersonal Communication skills

At Mind Flow we call these:

The Power of 10 Programmes

Individuals are empowered to learn from over 300 different skill sets, and our bespoke programmes are made up of an agreed selection of key areas that match individual needs.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Life Skills Management Coaching involves an understanding and ability to enhance personal success.

This is initially achieved by working with a professional coach or a consultant who has expertise and experience of bringing the best out of individuals.

It is much more than the traditional life coaching approach.

At Mind Flow we call this:

The Power of 10

1. Brainpower
2. Mind power
3. Self-Reflection
4. Managing Relationships
5. Pressure and Relaxation
6. Whole Life Self-Management Skills
7. Interpersonal Communication skills
8. Thinking skills
9. Healthy living
10. Endeavour and Career

Each area of The Power of 10 has a series of detail topics and techniques that are chosen implemented in coaching sessions with our professional experts.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Mind and Brain training involves a general understanding of how the mind, brain and body work, and the effect that this has on performance.

Having an understanding of our own Personal Profile (our learning style, our strengths and weaknesses and our potential) that is matched to how we currently perform and projected to how we might be able to perform, is the most significant factor in being able to manage our own success.

At Mind Flow we assess those we work with and create a joint plan with them to enable their personal peak performance. This is called a Personal Success Development Plan and looks at all areas of an individual’s life and their current processes. It is entirely bespoke to the individual.

We offer comprehensive coaching programmes and an all-in-one Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery programme – an online course that covers everything.

We also offer a range of individual courses, and there are numerous eBooks relating to every area of our programmes. We cover over 300 topics that will help individuals manage their lives, their learning and their health in a far more comprehensive and immediate way.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Brain waves are the electric impulses that travel along brain cells through the axons and dendrites, essentially passing messages to and from each other.

Brain waves are conscious and subconscious frequencies that are active constantly on on 6 main ‘frequencies’

These are: Beta, SMR, Alpha, Theta, Delta, Gamma

Beta Waves (13–30 Hz)

There are essentially three bands: Low-Beta (or SMR), Beta and High-Beta.

Beta – we are wide awake. Conscious learning is happening. These are alert/ active waves. Alert, normal, awake, conscious. Beta is our normal waking state of consciousness. Beta is associated with high-engagement and active brain processing (figuring things out).

High-Beta is associated with both complex thought, high anxiety and/or excitement. It is associated with tension, difficulties in sleeping fight/flight etc.

Low Beta / Sensory Motor Rhythm SMR waves are associated with fast-idle, thoughtful and awareness states. calm, extremely aware, quietly very alert.

Beta is dominant in the left hemisphere, and it has been suggested that too much Right-hemisphere Beta is an indicator of mania.

Alpha Waves (8–13 Hz)

These are subconscious learning waves. Alpha waves are associated with calmness, mental co-ordination, mind/body integration and “super-learning” states. We are relaxed but alert. 

Alpha waves are dominant in “internal” states such as meditation and quiet thought. Alpha is most associated with the right hemisphere and also correlates with negative states such as depression or withdrawal. 

Theta Waves (4–8 Hz)

These waves happen when we are in deep meditation or dreaming. They are very creative. They increase just before we slip into go deep sleep and again just before waking. Excess Theta in the left brain hemisphere has been associated with a difficulty in efficient organisation, while the reverse could indicate impulsivity. Looking after the whole brain is essential. Once we understand how to raise the frequency of these when we want to, we learn faster.

Gamma Waves (30–100 Hz)

Gamma waves are associated with heightened perception, learning, problem-solving, and focus. They are active during high-level cognitive functioning, creativity, and intense mental activity, such as when we are in a deep Flow state.

Delta Waves (0.5–4 Hz)

The slowest of the brain waves, delta waves are associated with deep, restorative sleep. These waves are crucial for healing and regeneration.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Conscious and Non-Conscious Processing

There is a difference between Unconscious processing and Conscious processing within the Brain / Mind.  Unconscious processing is associated with Implicit memory in the right hemisphere in the Limbic system and Mid-brain. It has an impact on our brain waves.

Conscious processing is associated with Explicit memory in the left hemisphere and to Higher Brain Function and sophisticated cognitive processing. This also has an impact on our brain waves 

Non-Conscious Processing and Learning

Most traditional learning or information is directed at the conscious mind. Study is valued, learning is hard, but if we persevere and if we have the right sort of mind, we’ll get there in the end. But significantly, his only happens when we go to school. Until then, we learn from the vast choice of un-simplified input all around us, and some part of us chooses what it is we need to learn – and we learn it!

The human being, made up of mind, body, emotion and spirit, is designed to learn effortlessly. We are presented with information, we try things out, we notice the response we get and either continue doing the same thing or do something different in order to get a different response.

`Mistakes’ are simply feedback – an essential part of the learning process. But that’s when we’re learning `naturally’ – or non-consciously – the information that we `need’ to know.

As we are conscious only of what we are conscious of, we tend to think that ‘conscious awareness’ is all there is. Yet if we really look at our lives, the decisions we have made and how we have learnt most things, we become aware of how much has been influenced by events and experiences beyond our conscious control.

The Mind is sometimes compared to an iceberg. We are taking in information through our senses all the time – the majority of the iceberg below the surface – but at any one moment, only a very small fraction of that information is brought to our conscious awareness – `the tip of the iceberg’.

The conscious and the non-conscious minds work in very different ways. 

At Mind Flow we explain and coach how to maximise and benefit from understanding non-conscious learning.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance.

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Altering states of Consciousness

An altered state of consciousness is a change in one’s normal mental state as a result of change in thinking or concentration or as result of anxiety, stress, trauma, an accident or induced through meditation, drugs and some foods.

To alter from a state of anxiety to calmness, for example, or to increase focus and attention at critical moments, is a very welcome addition to an individual’s skill set. It is not hard to imagine how this can be of benefit on a daily basis, and technology now allows us to be able to read our brain waves in real time to create a state where we are more comfortable and productive.

Understanding and learning how to access Flow State is the key to shifting our state of consciousness – altering our mood to suit a given situation.

Mind Flow International offers this opportunity.

To understand how we can achieve this, and how this may benefit individuals we need to understand more about our own brain wave processes and how we react.

We have known for a long time that it is possible for us to experience altered states of consciousness, such as out of body experiences, lucid dreaming or believing we are in the presence of an invisible sentient being.

Our emotions can be the stuff of imagination, and we can have psychological and physical experiences and feelings without anything tangible to fall back on. Given a prod, the brain can produce any experience on its own without any real stimulus.

Understanding how the brain works, both non-consciously and consciously, and how impressions and memories are formed will enable us to be far more objective and far more accurate in our assessment of situations.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance.

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Learning Styles

How we learn

Traditionally we take a `top down’ approach when we teach to the conscious mind, but the way human beings learn naturally is through a bottom-up approach.

We take in large amounts of information non-consciously and those things that are of importance rise to conscious awareness when we need them.

They are encoded in our Memories, which in turn are made up of “impressions” we have made of semantic, procedural, spatial and episodic events of experiences.

We have individually, unique styles of learning. These are often described through and understanding of Sensory Modalities (Visual, Kinaesthetic, Auditory, Gustatory and Olfactory), Multiple Intelligence Theory, Learning approach personalities, and a range of techniques to action learning.

Enhancing learning success

Mind Flow supports individuals in in exploring and maximising their Learning Styles and we work with all learners to develop:

• Discovering Potential
• Thinking skills
• Motivation and Mind State
• Organisation and Planning
• Accelerated Learning techniques and Advanced individual Learning Styles 
• Performance in Exams
• Building Transferrable Skills

We link this essential foundation learning to Career Exploration and Management and a full range of Continous Professional Development Training.

We also specialise in working with those with Neurodiversity.

Bespoke Coaching and Consultancy programmes are moulded to an individual’s particular needs. We work closely with all stakeholders to achieve maximum success.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard) 

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Developing a Personal Development  Success Plan involves a structured approach to identifying goals, assessing current skills and areas for improvement and the creation of a plan of action for personal growth and development.

Creating your own personal plan is one of the most underestimated and misunderstood but essential steps in building a successful career and a more fulfilling life.

PDSP Steps:

• Connect with the coach or personal consultant – build up a rapport
• Conduct a personal review and self-assessment
• Establish goals
• Prioritise key aspirations to develop and create a Plan
• Research, gain personal understanding and build up resources
• Take action – step-by-step targeting
• Track progress, evaluate and adapt
• Networking
• Seeking feedback
• Seeking continuous improvement

Working with a specialist coach to help build life management skills is one of the most rewarding and beneficial professional relationships we can ever have.

It is an ongoing process and requires dedication and patience trust and self belief: the PSDP is the first step and is off and life changing.

At Mind Flow, building a PDSP is also one of the most sought after services we offer.

Please contact us via the website for further information

Metawaves is an all-encompassing product using the Muse 2 headset and the Metawaves App app

Metawaves combines EEG Biofeedback and Neurofeedback by monitoring and altering brainwave levels and by managing Heart Rate Variability and pulse tracking  to enable the user to balance hormonal and chemical reactions in the brain and body and to alter mood and state of consciousness to produce maximised positive outcomes.

The Metawaves App allows you to track your brain waves in real time, and you associate a particular level of brainwave that applies to a particular, task, situation condition or experience you wish to have. This is sometimes known as Neurofeedback or brain wave management. 

The app allows users to place themselves in an appropriate state of consciousness where they can achieve peak performance and success in a given objective. Objectives may be related to physical and mental Health, Sport, performance in any environment, improved attention and concentration, improved memory, improve the learning, decision-making and problem solving, sleep meditation and relaxation and general focus. In fact, it can be applied to almost any activity, at any place and any time and for any age group.

At the same time, it records Biofeedback in the form of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and pulse – and a simple percentage overview between High Activity and Relaxation.

Brain Tracking is visible on the screen at all times and a thorough review of each session is recorded and filed permanently to allow individuals (and perhaps those who help them) the opportunity of reviewing and building new targets for success.

There are companion Apps and Training Sessions which provide Guided Sessions, and new ones are being produced regularly by the Mind Flow International Ltd.

The following 5 areas are chosen for general brainwave management support:

Focus and Attention

Relaxation

Peak Performance

In the Flow

Managing Stress

Each of these four areas is broken down into more accessible sessions relating to areas, such as Sport Management – with specific exercise and sport-related advice, challenges and training, Health management – perhaps to assist in managing distress, anxiety or sleep for example. There is a specific area of the help people in Business Management, in Learning Management and many more Key Life Skills that we encounter regularly in life.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Memory

The human brain holds many billions of impressions some fleetingly some for a lifetime. These impressions are what we call memories.

Incoming sensory information is broken down and then rebuilt to form perceptions, so perceptions are broken down again and they are passed into memory: Short and Long Term Memory.

Each fragment is sent off to storage in a different part of our vast internal library.

Each run through etches them deeper into the neural structure.

We encode or save Memory through: SPEWS

Semantic, Procedural, Episodic, Working and Spatial techniques

At Mind Flow we explore how each individual utilises their memory and how they manage ‘forgetting’. 

At this point it is significant to convey to you that memory once encoded may be changed every time it is recalled.

If we do this effectively and repeat it on a regular basis the old memory is overwritten by a new memory. 

Then, crucially, as far as we are concerned, the new memory has always been there.

The potential implications are clear. We can indeed retrieve long lost memory.

Unfortunately, we also know that we can overwrite memory simply by rewording it and repeating it often.

We have to keep on our toes!

At Mind Flow we explain Memory and the Brain, and train clients using techniques and practices that will have a very great impact throughout life, and may well have an impact on any form of brain damage and dementia.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Stress and Trauma

Research has demonstrated that there is a profound link between heart, brain, stress and emotions.

Stress is both good and bad. Pressure can assist or undermine our behaviour and actions.

The causes, the symptoms and the ways to manage stress are comprehensively covered in our coaching, training and eBooks.

When stress becomes too much for us we call it Distress.

Substantial scientific research shows that Brain Training delivers dramatic improvements in:

• cognitive function
• emotional well-being
• physiological health
• blood pressure
• cardiovascular function

What happens when the brain is distressed or traumatised?

Fight-Flight-Freeze

There is within all living creatures and nervous system which is made up a network of a brain, spinal cord, nerves cells, fibres, dendrites which transmit messages around the body. It allows us to walk, talk, eat, learn, develop emotions, interact with others – essentially it enables us to live and it has an intrinsically designed system that helps us to survive, thrive and respond to emergency and threatening situations.

If you encounter a threat that you feel confident you can face, you respond with ‘fight’.

If you encounter a threat that you know you cannot defeat, you will likely respond with ‘flight’. Either of these are survival mechanisms enable a person to continue to strive and survive.

“Freeze” is a common response to those in chronic threat situations and who feel unable to protect themselves. When someone freezes, their body is trying to protect them and has decided it is the best tactic to survive the threat.

Mind Flow Coaches and Consultants have extensive experience in dealing with Distress, Stress and Trauma.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance.

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

It is common for people to experience severe stress immediately after a traumatic incident, but most people can resume their life within a few months. Most people are resilient and eventually recover from tragedy over time; however, some experience prolonged stress known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is defined as a particular set of reactions that develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic near-death event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or who have been threatened with death, violence or serious injury.

PTSD is caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. It is defined as a mental health disorder.

The main types of PTSD symptoms are re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoiding reminders of the trauma, and increased anxiety, emotional arousal, and negative cognitions, which occur randomly and automatically.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (2013), DSM5, defines a PTSD trauma as “any situation where one’s life or bodily integrity is threatened.”

PTSD has been known by many names in the past, four example, as “shell shock” during the years of World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II, however PTSD is not exclusive to serving military personal or combat veterans.

PTSD can occur in everyone, of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and at any age.

PTSD affects approximately 3.6 percent of UK population.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Over the last 30 years Mind Flow International has been at the forefront of research and support into Neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises and respects the natural variation and neurological characteristics in all individuals.

It emphasises the idea that differences in brain function and behaviour are normal and should be accepted and valued in society much like other forms of diversity.

Overall neurodiversity represents a shift in societal attitudes towards the neurological differences and we have moved away from pathologizing and medicalizing neurodevelopmental conditions toward the more inclusive, accepting and supportive approach that celebrates human diversity in all its forms.

Neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of neurological conditions and differences.

These are the most common:

• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia – developmental coordination disorder
• Dyscalculia – Maths learning differences
• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
• Asperger’s Syndrome (AS)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Tourette Syndrome
• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
• OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety Disorders (generalised anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder)
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Epilepsy
• Intellectual disabilities
• Non- Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD)
• Giftedness (although this is not strictly a disorder, many gifted individuals may have unique cognitive and social characteristics that may be considered part of neurodiversity)

Please contact us directly for specific advice and we can then offer support or direct you to the very best consultants, experts and professionals to assist you.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance.

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

IEMT is an innovative clinical treatment and trauma therapy that successfully helps people who have experienced psychological distress and trauma which effects all aspects of their daily living.

It is used by over 60,000 therapists worldwide, helping over a million sufferers deal with their particular trauma. IEMT has been especially successful with those who suffer with PTSD and with managing addictions.

Today, IEMT is a validated and empirically supported form of therapy that is used especially to treat post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The therapy employs the technique of bilateral brain stimulation through rapid lateral eye movements. This stimulation has the power to unblock painful memories that are stuck in the limbic system of the mid-brain, where they exist with their high level of emotional content.

There is considerable research into the benefits of treating psychological trauma and PTSD arising from diverse experiences such as war-related experiences, childhood sexual or physical abuse or neglect, natural disaster, assault, surgical trauma, any form of serious accident and similar trauma related events.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Bilaterial stimulation is not new; man has been using it for thousand of years.

Bilateral stimulation, by itself, is simply using something you can see, hear or feel and crossing the body in a rhythmic pattern.

Bilateral stimulation is found to be soothing to the body. As a matter of fact, if you watch around you, you find that it is often built into many activities that people find relaxing or things people do to “clear their head”.

Bilateral stimulation can utilise what you see, hear or feel as long as it moves from side to side, crossing the body in a rhythmic pattern. 

Some common activities are walking, jogging, tapping on a drum with alternating hands or when we are listening to a song and they alternate tapping on their legs or tapping their fingers on the steering wheel.

Some people will use an Eye Motion Light Bar that move from side to side. Following the lights with our eyes produces a calming effect.

Finally, sometimes we may listen to music, chimes or audio tones that alternate from our left to right ears. It isn’t something that is overly bright, or loud or uncomfortable.

Mind Flow International provides expert support in understanding and applying BLS to many situations, using Flow State to enhance Peak Performance in any given situation.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

The Change Curve

(Adapted from Elizabeth Kubler Ross Change curve for Grief, 1960s)

1. Shock / Surprise

The first stage is shock (or denial.

2. Resistance – sometimes irrational Anger 

When the reality sets in, it is often displayed in the form of stubborn resistance or in the form of fear or anger. 

3. Loss of Control

There is understandably some obvious loss of control. This may be exemplified by mood change, a change in values, confusion, emotional reactions and Indecision and irrational conclusions. 

4. Low Morale, Anxiety and Depression

In this most depressive of stages, It is possible that we lose hope entirely. There are signs of extreme sadness, regret, and demotivation. 

5. Bargaining and Exploration 

Once we are able to cross the early stages of the change curve to the upward curve, we attempt to save and strengthen the situation by exploring new paths. 

6. Discovery

A new reality emerges, and we discover that there are potential solutions that will at least ease the trauma or challenges we have experienced. 

7. Acceptance and Adjustment

In the final stage of the curve, we have come to terms with the change. We accept the change and start to implement favourable options and opportunities. We make the decision to make the change permanent in our subconscious to avoid reverting to the first four stages.

Change

There is no such thing as “business as usual” – perpetual change is the norm. Most people are experiencing multiple change cycles, personally and professionally.

As we start to adjust to one change another often occurs. The “goalposts” are constantly shifting.

In order to reach adjustment an exploration must occur: an exploration of new ways of being, behaving, thinking and feeling about things.

Performance and Success depends on the ability to manage through change.

On the downslope, productivity is significantly impaired. We are often tired and fatigued but being expected to meet the new challenges. The First half of the curve people look back.  The Second half of the curve people look forward.

When encountering change people need information – on downslope they need support and on the upslope they need encouragement. As they adjust they need reward & recognition.

This provides a flavour of our methods and thinking when working with clients of Mind Flow International

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

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• Book a call now

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Coaching, Consultancy, and Mentoring are distinct approaches that offer guidance and support to individuals or organisations.

They differ in their focus, purpose, and methods, but also share common approaches.

It’s important that clients are aware of these distinctions when choosing and agreeing the support required.

MFI offers Coaching and Consultancy  predominantly. Mentoring may well be appropriate after a Coaching and Consultancy  programme to extend some support if required. Our main aim, however, is to help our clients become self-managed.

Coaching:

Coaching is a collaborative process, often a partnership. MFI coaches aim to help individuals or groups improve performance, meet specific targets, and reach and extend their mind sills and their potential.

Coaches facilitate self-discovery and personal growth by asking empowering questions, by focused listening, by giving detailed feedback, and offering calculated advice and guidance. They will also recommend specialists in key areas that may be required but that are not in their own skill sets.

A coach assists clients to identify and build upon their strengths, understand, and resolve current weaknesses, clarify their objectives and develop targets, collaborate in creating action plans, and in overcoming challenges.

Coaching typically focuses on the present and future, on personal accountability, on skills training and  development, and on improving mind state.

Consultancy: 

Consultants involves providing expert and specific advice, specialised experience and knowledge, and practical solutions to individuals or organisations facing challenges, projects or exploring methods and skills for improvement.

Consultants possess expertise in a particular field or industry and use their knowledge and experience to analyse problems, identify targets and key objectives and develop opportunities. The intention may also be to deliver tailored recommendations and solutions.

Consultants will also recommend specialists in key areas that may be required but that are not in their own skill sets. They often work closely with clients to understand their individual and specific requirements and to create and develop strategies, systems, or processes to instil them.

Consultancy is more directive and problem-solving-oriented, with consultants providing expertise and implementing solutions.

The term Consultant applies in many fields, for example medicine. At MFI this often applies to our Business Clients, but also those engaged in our specific Extended Programmes.

Mentoring:

Mentoring is a relationship-based approach in which a more experienced and knowledgeable individual (the mentor) guides and supports a less experienced person or new member of a team or group (the mentee) in their personal and professional development.

Mentors share their wisdom, insights, and experiences to help navigate their client develop careers, gain skills, and meet their goals.

Mentoring may extend beyond specific tasks or projects and encompasses broader developmental areas such as career progression, leadership development, and personal growth.

Mentoring involves a long-term, informal relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and guidance.

                                                                                                                                                                     -:-

While all these approaches share some common aspects, such as facilitating growth and development, their primary differences lie in the focus, nature of guidance and the dynamics between the parties involved.

Understanding these distinctions can help individuals and organisations choose the most appropriate approach based on their specific needs and desired outcoAccordion Content

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

The key to staying in Mind Flow

HRV measures the time difference between heartbeats, showing how flexible and adaptable we are.

A high HRV means our body can smoothly switch between stress and chill modes, keeping us in the Mind Flow zone. A higher HRV indicates greater autonomic flexibility and adaptability, allowing the body to transition smoothly between stress (SNS activation) and relaxation (PNS activation). And a balanced HRV supports the brain’s ability to stay in Mind Flow and adapt quickly to changing demands.

There’s a constant variation between heartbeats. It’s different from heart rate count which is measured by the number of times our heart beats per minute and indicates adaptability which supports Mind Flow.

Studies by Lehrer et al. (2020) show that individuals with higher HRV are more likely to experience Mind Flow during both physical and mental tasks. They demonstrate that Biofeedback training to enhance HRV can significantly improve Mind Flow state frequency and intensity.

By tweaking our ANS activity with real-time EEG Biofeedback, we can boost our physical and mental game, whether we’re on the sports field or in a high-stakes meeting. Our HRV gains a supercharge from our breathing and the heart-brain connection. This helps balance adrenaline and boosts DHEA (the good hormone that fights cortisol). Plus, we can now watch our brain waves live at any time though neurotech Apps.

These signals travel from our heart to the Reptilian brain, then to the Mammalian brain, letting our Higher Thinking Brain figure out if we’re feeling fear, anger, joy, or appreciation. But this happens after we’re already experiencing it!

• What is Fight-Flight-Freeze?

There is within all living creatures and nervous system which is made up a network of a brain, spinal cord, nerves cells, fibres, dendrites which transmit messages around the body.

It allows us to walk, talk, eat, learn, develop emotions, interact with others – essentially it enables us to live and it has an intrinsically designed system that helps us to survive, thrive and respond to emergency and threatening situations.

If we encounter a threat that you feel confident you can face, you respond with ‘Fight’.

If you encounter a threat that you know you cannot defeat, you will likely respond with ‘Flight’. Either of these are survival mechanisms enable a person to continue to strive and survive.

‘Freeze’ is a common response to those in chronic threat situations and who feel unable to protect themselves, such as a child abused in the home. When someone freezes, their body is trying to protect them and has decided it is the best tactic to survive the threat.

This is seen in some “fainting” goats who freeze under stress and are seem to fall over.  In fact, fainting goats don’t. They remain conscious the entire time. Myotonic goats are born with a congenital condition called myotonia congenita, which is also known as Thomsen’s disease.

This condition causes their muscles to seize up when they’re startled. As the goat matures it adapts to sources of stress and older goats learn to deal with the startles response better.

During a fight-flight-freeze response, numerous physiological changes occur.

The Amygdala is the part of our brain responsible for detecting threat and perceiving fear. If danger is detected, the amygdala sends signals to the hypothalamus, which then activates the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is composed of two parts, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.  Depending on which response is dominant at the time will determine how you respond to the threat. The sympathetic nervous system instigates the fight or flight response whilst the parasympathetic stimulates the freeze response.

The autonomic nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which are stress hormones. These hormones are largely responsible for the physiological changes which occur. These responses commonly include

Muscles – muscles will tense, ready to fight or run. In freeze response, you may go limp or rigidly immobile but will retain cognitive and situational awareness.

Heart – increases to bring more oxygen to your major muscles and organs.

Lungs – breathing in fight or flight will speed up to deliver more oxygen to the blood; however, in freeze response, breathing may slow down or become restricted.

Eyes & Ears – hearing will often become sharper, and attention to your peripheral vision increases to detect threats better.

Skin – skin, the largest organ of the body, reacts accordingly, either becoming cold, pale or clammy or increasing in temperature or becoming sweaty. Blood is redirected from the extremities to the major organs.

Digestion – our gut may tense and become knotted or may loosen and relax, both of which can cause digestive discomfort.

Pain – fight-or-flight can temporarily reduce your perception of pain.

How a person reacts to a threat is highly subjective and depends on their previous experiences, their ability to process and the interpretation of what they are experiencing at the here and now.

Bear in mind than an individual can shift quickly between these. 

• What Is Peak Performance?

Peak Performance refers to the state of operating at one’s, efficiency, and effectiveness in a given activity or endeavour.

Peak Performance is a state in which an individual or team operates

at their highest potential and maximum capacity, achieving optimal productivity, efficiency, and success in a specific task or field.

It encompasses a state of FLOW [“in the zone”] where an individual or a system achieves optimal outcomes, often characterized by heightened focus, productivity, creativity, and overall excellence.

It is a combination of mental, emotional, and physical alignment,

where focus, skill, and motivation are maximized.

To achieve at anything, we each have a potential to achieve our very best.

There is now a much greater emphasis on mental performance in everything that we do. We can all learn how to achieve a sustained state of Flow – there are tried and tested techniques which we advocate and coach, using the XL Brain and Mind Flow models.

Peak Performance is the foundation of human endeavour and human performance and can be observed across various domains such as sports, academics, business, arts, and personal development.

It applies to all areas of life, and more recently there is a growing interest in understanding how we are able to deal with Peak Pressure moments. Success is very possible when there is no pressure but very often it is very difficult when there is any level of stress.

Peak Performance involves the specific training of skills, knowledge, and resources to produce exceptional results, often exceeding expectations or previous achievements.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)

Accordion Content

Why Isn’t Mind Flow More Widely Recognised?

Despite its profound impact on education, health, careers, and creativity, Mind Flow remains under appreciated and misunderstood.

There are many perceptions and misunderstandings. It is seen as a recent discovery: and although though formalised in the 1970s, Mind Flow has only recently gained mainstream attention.

It is misconstrued as mystical. Many believe it’s exclusive only to a select few, unaware that Mind Flow can be learned and practiced by all.

It has been overshadowed by trends: quick-fix productivity hacks often divert attention from Mind Flow’s lasting and comprehensive benefits.

And it is overlooked in education and work: training environments rarely teach Mind Flow techniques, thus missing opportunities for widespread adoption and increased performance.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

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Accordion Content

What keeps us out of Mind Flow?

Despite its transformative benefits, which we will explore in detail in the next chapter, Mind Flow can be elusive without training. It is not something that happens on its own. Many barriers can block our access to this state:

Fear of Failure

Overthinking

Emotional Overload

Energy Drain

Distractions & Interruptions 

Self-Doubt & Perfectionism 

Lack of Rest

Overcommitment

Lack of Purpose

Procrastination

Attention Disorders

Physical injury and illness

Understanding what it is that blocks our clear mind state really matters because avoiding Flow blockers (through habit formation, identity shifts, and cognitive restructuring) leads to more frequent and deeper Mind Flow experiences.

By identifying and addressing these obstacles, we can create the conditions for Mind Flow to flourish. These barriers often stem from deep-rooted neurological and psychological factors.

One of the most exciting aspects of Mind Flow is that it’s a skill we can cultivate and refine over time. It’s not a fleeting experience but a state we can learn to access more consistently. Through practice, reflection, and mindful attention, we can all become Masters of Mind Flow.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

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Accordion Content

What ignites this incredible state?

There are three key ingredients required to access and maintain Mind Flow.

1. Goals: Knowing our “why?”

Setting and crafting clear targets and defined aspirations helps direct our attention and energy, setting the stage for Mind Flow to emerge. It provides a roadmap for our efforts and minimises distractions. Identify the core area.

2. The Challenge-Skill Balance – The Golden Rule

One of the main weaknesses is an imbalance between our level of task, skill, ability and the challenge. It is essential for Peak Performance.

Mind Flow emerges when the perceived challenge of the task matches our skill level. It’s often called ‘The Golden Rule’.

If a task is too easy, we become board; if it’s too hard, we become irritated depressed and sometimes anxious.

Finding the sweet spot where the task is challenging enough to engage but not so overwhelming that it induces stress. This is the Skill / Challenge Balance.

3. Feedback

Real-time insight to our performance will allow us to adjust and stay on track. Whether it’s  feedback from a coach, a performance metric like EEG Biofeedback, or a visual cue, real-time feedback helps you adjust and stay aligned with our goals.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

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Accordion Content

Mind Flow and our Emotions

The Mind – is now visible to us

Brain Mapping and Imaging techniques have been able to show that a single part of the brain is responsible for a specific experience. We now know that many areas of the brain are activated when we remember a particular event.

There are experimental studies all over the world exploring which areas of the brain are responsible for what – for example areas such as memory, love, appreciation of the arts, beauty, fear, reward, and many more. Various subjective experiences have more than one neural coronation specific to an event. There are experiments which show that experiencing success links with the Prefrontal Cortex and the part of it that deals with Reward.

We feel as we act. We act as we feel

As we have seen the landscape of the mind is generated by the neurotransmitters and chemicals that manipulate the modules of our brain up and down in volume and impact. The Limbic System sends urgent messages of fear and anger, urge and need, and the Cortex responds by flooding our consciousness with emotion and they must work hand in hand.

The Limbic System provides the messages and the Cortex computes them. If, for some reason, the cortex does not compute them (commonly through a brain disorder or damage) then key skills are affected.

It is one thing to receive the message or warning, but it is another thing to interpret it. Emotion therefore plays an integral part in everything that we do from making judgment to problem solving and decision-making. Without our emotions it is impossible to weigh up or evaluate one thing over another and we cannot take decisive action. Without emotion we don’t have the ability to choose between right and wrong and we have no gut feelings or instincts.

As we have considered earlier, the amygdala is an alarm system and the generator of states of mind that have evolved to aid survival under threat. Stimulate one part of the amygdala and you get the typical fear reaction – panic and then flight.

Stimulate the amygdala in another way and you might get a very positive warm calm and relaxed reaction. There is a third area in the amygdala that appears to trigger an outburst of rage.

Emotions are created in the Limbic system and particularly in the Amygdala as discussed earlier. This small piece of tissue is buried in the temporal lobes. Any information entering the brain from any of the senses is sent to the rest of the brain along parallel routes the fastest of which takes it to the Amygdala.

It appears that there are many systems – one for danger, one for procreation, and so forth. Emotional responses are for the most part generated unconsciously.

Scientists differ on this: some say there is no such thing as an emotional facility in the brain and no single system dedicated to this. If we want to understand various phenomena, we then call it an emotion and there is a system within the brain to deal with it. Brain mapping has discovered that there are many systems – one for danger, one for procreation, and so forth. We know is that these systems are deeply rooted in our evolutionary past and the focus is on survival. Emotional responses are for the most part generated unconsciously. This is significant for some reactions are automatic and instant and may be the result of an individual’s profile or wiring without higher level thinking and reasoning. Hence: “I didn’t mean to say that aloud” and so forth.

Any disassociation between knowing and feeling may well be the result of brain damage either in uterus, through traumatic experiences or by physical damage. If there is damage to the neural connections that run between the Prefrontal cortex, where emotions are consciously registered, and the Limbic system, where the brain holds its deeply buried non-consciously, then there is a potential case for concern.

You might well already have associated this with the reactions of a psychopath or a sociopath who often cannot compute feelings and conscience. “I know this is horrible but I just don’t feel the horror.”

Our emotional feedback which is often exhibited by heartache, a pain in the neck, a lump in the throat or the emptiness in the stomach – are directly connected between our heart, our body state and our emotional sensors in the midbrain.

Emotional stimulus stimuli are registered by the Amygdala. Conscious emotion is created by direct signals from the Amygdala to the Prefrontal Cortex and indirect messages via the Hypothalamus which sends hormonal messages to the body to create the physical changes like muscle contraction or heightened blood pressure and especially heart rate. These are then fed back to the Somatosensory Cortex, which feeds the information forward to the Frontal Cortex and where it is then interpreted as emotion.

In our education we are taught language that is often built according to a system of abstract principles that build our moral systems and emotion plays a crucial part in the business of making moral judgments. We tend to think of morality as one of humankind’s highest achievements far removed from the mere basic Instinct of lesser beasts. Yet much of what we think of as moral decision-making turns out, after careful scrutiny and analysis through Brain Mapping, to be based on emotional reflex. The basis of our educational need is to inform and understand how to make value judgements. This itself allows us to educate a proper moral code: values and behaviours that are acceptable to society.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the Shop section on the Navigation bar))

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

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• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

• Book a call now

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Accordion Content

Heart, Breath, and Vagal Tone

The Rhythm Section of our brain and mind orchestra

Mind Flow isn’t just a brain thing; it’s a whole-body experience

There is within all living creatures an Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) which is made up a network of a brain, spinal cord, nerves cells, fibres, dendrites which transmit messages around the body. This system allows us to walk, talk, eat, learn, develop emotions, interact with others. Essentially it enables us to live. It has an intrinsically designed system that helps us to survive, thrive and respond to emergency and threatening situations.

Our Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is like the conductor, managing our heart rate and breathing to keep everything in tune. It’s in two parts:

• Sympathetic Activation (SNS): ‘go mode’ – prepares us for action with the fight-or-flight response.

• Parasympathetic Activation (PNS): chill mode – helps us relax and recover, preventing stress overload.

Mind Flow happens when SNS and PNS dance together in a perfect balance. This is called Autonomic Balance.

Research tells us that when these systems play together, we enter Mind Flow. It has shown that Mind Flow occurs when there is a balanced interplay between the SNS, which primes the body for action, and the PNS, which supports relaxation and recovery (Thayer & Lane, 2000).

Mind Flow occurs when there is a balanced interaction between these two systems. And here’s where Heart Rate Variability (HRV) steps in.

If you are inspired to learn more and experience extraordinary moments of success and peak performance:

• Read or listen to our growing range of Audio and eBooks

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Join the Mind Flow Peak Performance Mastery Course

(see the relevant button the dashboard)

• Attend one of the Mind Flow Courses

(see Contact Us)

• Book a call now

(see Contact Us)