How to Be Superhuman

Because You Already Are and May Not Know It

You are already superhuman, and you may not know it. Once upon a time, when we were children, we knew the flow state.

Then, we grew up, and most of us got the snot pounded out of our creative, playful, daydreaming ways of being childlike.

"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3

Image credit: Canva Pro

The Bigger Picture

Let’s look at another view through the eyes of David Bohm. David Bohm (1917-1992) was an influential American theoretical physicist and philosopher. Known for his groundbreaking work in quantum theory, he developed the causal interpretation, or

Bohmian mechanics, as an alternative to the conventional Copenhagen interpretation. Bohm also profoundly explored the nature of consciousness and reality, particularly in dialogues with Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti.

I believe we are all brothers and sisters sharing the same mystery. My research and opinion are that we are headed towards a massive convergence between science and the world religions, particularly at the level of the mystics of the great faiths who all pointed us in the same direction; we are part of the infinite, and given this, we are part of a much bigger picture that we can tap into once we become more aware.

"The field of the finite is all that we can see, hear, touch, remember, and describe. This field is basically that which is manifest, or tangible. The essential quality of the infinite, by contrast, is its subtlety, its intangibility. This quality is conveyed in the word spirit, whose root meaning is 'wind, or breath.' This suggests an invisible but pervasive energy, to which the manifest world of the finite responds. This energy, or spirit, infuses all living beings, and without it any organism must fall apart into its constituent elements."

Holy cow. This stuff blows my mind.

The Placebo Effect

In case you’re still with me and thinking, “Me, superhuman? No freaking way.” let me assure you that you are superhuman if you believe in that part of yourself.

Believe in yourself, and stop talking all that nasty $@#% to yourself!

You are superhuman.

Accept it.

Superhumans Among Us

Let’s look at several real-world examples if you’re still not convinced.

Every once in a while, story of seemingly ordinary individuals performing extraordinary, almost superhuman feats emerge, capturing our collective imagination and defying our understanding of human limitations.

These instances challenge the boundaries of human potential, and their underlying science reveals fascinating insights about our physiology and the powers of the human mind.

• Take, for example, the widely reported instance of Angela Cavallo, a mother from Lawrenceville, Georgia, who lifted a 1964 Chevrolet Impala off her son in 1982.

• Or, marathon runners such as Eliud Kipchoge, who broke the two-hour marathon barrier, were previously considered unachievable.

• Then there are the mountaineers like Reinhold Messner, who climbed Mount Everest solo without supplemental oxygen in 1980. What allows such incredible feats of strength, endurance, and mental fortitude?

Steven Kotler and the Rise of Superhuman

Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and the Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective.

Born on May 25, 1967, he is best known for his research on ultimate human performance. His work bridges the gap between science and culture, focusing on neuroscience and peak-performance states such as "flow."

Kotler has written several books exploring these themes, including "The Rise of Superman,” which Kotler published in 2014. This book is his seminal work as he breaks down the science behind these extraordinary performances.

Here are the key takeaways from the book that you can apply to life. Remember, this little thing called the Placebo Effect proves beyond a reasonable doubt that what we believe matters.

The Power of Adrenaline

The story of Angela Cavallo lifting a car to save her son is an example of 'hysterical strength,' a display of extreme strength by humans during life-threatening situations.

It's thought to be triggered by a surge of adrenaline (epinephrine) in the body. Adrenaline, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, initiates a 'fight or flight' response, increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and providing an extra energy boost to muscles.

In "The Rise of Superhuman," Kotler explains that adrenaline can override the usual safety limits placed on muscles, allowing greater force to be generated than under normal circumstances.

This mechanism is believed to have evolved to enable humans to survive life-threatening situations. Chances are you’ve felt the adrenaline, and you know the power of it.

Your mind knows when you need everything. You need to understand how your mind works and work with it.

The next key is knowing how to push the limits without blowing up.

Pushing the Limits of Physical Endurance

I’m a regular guy, nothing special, except I’m the only one of me in the entire universe.

Same with you. So there is that.

Here’s why that matters.

I have experienced flow state in all sports I have competed as an amateur or professional, including tennis, ski racing, archery, pickleball, motorcycling, hiking, and sitting in a chair.

When I practice anything, I LOVE doing and being, I feel the flow state. When I meditate, I feel a flow state of unity and oneness. My body melts into the ether, or so it seems.

On a daily basis, I experience flow states when I practice my arts, writing, sketching, and painting in all mediums.

I’m not bragging.

I’m telling you this because you have the same God-given ability built into you. That power within you, me, and all of us is infinite, of the One, and when you tap into it, you are superhuman.

The feat of Eliud Kipchoge breaking the two-hour marathon barrier is a testament to the human body's potential for endurance. Kotler explains this achievement isn't just about physical training and psychological conditioning. This is where the concept of 'flow' or being 'in the zone' becomes crucial.

Flow is a state of heightened focus and immersion in activities such as art, play, and work. According to Kotler, it's characterized by the complete absorption in what one does and a resulting transformation in one's sense of time.

The flow state also involves a shift in brain function, moving from the prefrontal cortex (associated with conscious, analytical thinking) to the motor cortex (associated with movement and instinct).

For athletes, being in a flow state can help push past physical and mental fatigue, enabling performances beyond usual limits. Kotler posits that Kipchoge's ability to enter this state was crucial in his record-breaking marathon run.

Overcoming Hypoxia through Mental Fortitude

Reinhold Messner's solo ascent of Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen demonstrates the power of mental fortitude in overcoming physical limitations.

At such high altitudes, the lack of oxygen (hypoxia) can lead to altitude sickness, including symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and death in severe cases.

However, as Kotler elucidates, the human body can adapt to hypoxia over time by increasing red blood cell production. Moreover, Messner's success also highlights the role of mental resilience.

Kotler explains that cultivating a robust 'challenge response'—a positive stress response that views the stressor as a challenge rather than a threat—can help individuals overcome extreme conditions and perform at peak levels.

Harnessing the Power of Neuroplasticity

One common thread that binds these superhuman feats is the individuals' ability to rewire their brains – a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. This ability of the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life is a crucial aspect of achieving extraordinary performances.

Kotler discusses how our brain plasticity allows us to adapt to new situations and learn new skills. For instance, continuous endurance training, as in the case of marathon runners, stimulates the brain to improve coordination, pacing, and energy utilization.

It's a form of rewiring that enables the athlete to become more efficient and resilient. The parallel in the arts happened when I faced the fear of not knowing how to paint, and I became curious during the lockdown and went within myself to play, learn, and challenge my mind more than my body.

When I learned to develop my mind more than my body, my quality of life took a quantum leap. Finding flow in your daily life is possible when you believe in “it” and train yourself to experience a flow state and superhuman performance.

Similarly, exposure to high-altitude conditions forces the brain to adapt to low-oxygen environments, helping mountaineers survive where oxygen is scarce. This adaptation can take weeks or even months, highlighting the importance of acclimatization before undertaking such extreme activities.

Building Mental Resilience

While adrenaline, physical endurance, and neuroplasticity play significant roles, the mental aspect of superhuman performance cannot be underestimated. Kotler emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and the power of the mind in overcoming physical and psychological barriers.

He discusses practices such as mindfulness and meditation, which have been shown to enhance mental resilience. These practices can help individuals manage stress, reduce negative thought patterns, and increase focus - all vital in situations demanding superhuman performance.

Mental resilience also involves cultivating a strong self-belief and a positive mindset. Individuals who perform superhuman feats often have an unshakeable belief in their ability to succeed, even in the face of daunting challenges.

Finding Your Flow

The science behind superhuman performance is a remarkable demonstration of human potential.

Steven Kotler's "The Rise of Superhuman" poses that the interplay of physiological responses, mental resilience, and neuroplasticity allows us to surpass perceived limitations and achieve extraordinary feats.

While most of us may not find ourselves lifting cars, running sub-two-hour marathons, or climbing Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, understanding these principles can empower us to push our boundaries.

Whether running a little bit further, lifting a bit heavier, or simply persevering through challenging circumstances, we all have the potential to tap into our superhuman abilities.

The path to becoming 'superhuman' is not about becoming an entirely different species; it's about understanding and harnessing our innate capabilities to their fullest.

It's about recognizing that our limits are often self-imposed and that we are capable of more than we might believe.

The journey to superhuman performance starts with the understanding that we all possess an incredible reservoir of untapped potential waiting to be discovered and harnessed.

As we progress, the research presented by Kotler and other scientists may serve as a guide to understanding and unlocking our true potential. The potential to be superhuman lies within us; we must learn how to unlock it.