Stealing Fire: How Silicon Valley, the Navy SEALs, and Maverick Scientists Are Revolutionizing the Way We Live and Work by Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal

“The foolish man conceives the idea of ‘self.’ The wise man sees there is no ground on which to build the idea of ‘self;’ thus, he has a right conception of the world and well concludes that all compounds amassed by sorrow will be dissolved again, but the truth will remain.” Buddha

This is a very fascinating read about the art and science behind humans chase for creating higher levels of consciousness, not only to achieve more but to live richer lives.

Ecstasis is what the Greeks defined as the act of stepping beyond oneself. It is the state of consciousness above what is normal in daily life that allows us to move into a state of flow. A state that is characterised by Selflessness, Timelessness, Effortlessness and Information Richness (STER). In this book the authors Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal expose the principles behind Ecstasis and the practices and techniques people are using to reach such states.

They explore the realms of Ecstasis via the methods that people have been using for eons to reach these accelerated states of consciousness and also some of the more modern techniques. It is in their belief and research that with the information available to us we may all now be able to move into flow states more rapidly and with greater ease than ever before.

What is a state of flow? We can all likely relate to a time when we have felt removed from our Self. A consciousness in which Self, time and effort seemed to disappear. It is when you have done something that lights you up so fully that hours may pass without notice and the outcomes often largely greater.

In a state of flow, we are able to achieve greater levels of happiness, satisfaction and productivity. We are able to lead richer lives. The potential for what we can achieve in these states are tenfold. They will not only dramatically impact and improve our lives but the lives of all those around us.

Why? Why is this desire for the state of Ecstasis so passionately pursued? I believe it is the desire to live beyond what is possible. To live in a world whereby what we dream about is not only possible but enjoyable.

The consciousness for most of us that is attachment to this “Self” is often the obstacle most common to our suffering and discontent. Move beyond that and what is possible is limitless potential and happiness.

The authors share so many cool insights that makes this just a very entertaining read. From the practices of the Navy Seals that merges the minds of the collective into a united undefeatable operating unit to the folks that attend The Burning Man festivals in pursuit of states of flow to bring about greater creativity or heightened understanding of how best to live life, the insights are inspiring.

They address the many techniques that can be used to reach these higher states of consciousness while also addressing the limitations and pitfalls. I wasn’t sure what to expect however while I enjoyed many of the principles behind Ecstasis and the interesting insights shared I am cannot say it gave me many practical takeaways that I can begin to incorporate into my life.

What it did give me was inspiration. The kind of inspiration that makes you want to attend a Burning Man event, take some illicit drugs or hack the mind further through practices of mindfulness and meditation.

It has given me clause to believe that the Self that I am so familiar with is worth investigating further. It is my passion to explore my mind in efforts of finding greater happiness in life. As I realise the mind is what holds me back in many aspects and understanding that reaching states of Ecstasis via healthy methods may just allow me to reach potentials that are at this point beyond me.

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If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Stealing Fire here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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