A Conversation with Diane Allen, Thought Leader on Accessing the Flow State

International Speaker and Violinist Diane Allen is a TEDx/TED Speaker, and Thought Leader who speaks on increasing the meaning, joy and fulfillment in one's work and life by accessing the flow state. As the author of Flow: Unlock Your Genius, Love What You Do, Diane shares her insights on how to harness the power of flow. Years before neuroscientists discovered the positive impact of the flow state, Diane had already experienced its transformative power in her own career as a violinist. Diane was the concertmaster of the Central Oregon Symphony for 15 years, a beloved violin teacher for 28 years, and author of the Fingerboard Workbook series for violin, viola, cello, and bass. It was her unique approach to getting into flow, on demand, that earned her a spot on the TEDxNaperville stage and features on TED, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Associated Press, Boston Herald, Authority Magazine and Thrive Global. Today, Diane is known for her experiential Keynotes, Training, and Coaching programs that go Beyond Engagement™, featuring her three-step Flow Strategy™ system, which empowers people to get into their flow state, be in their genius and love what they do. Diane asks: "When it comes to work and life, are you spending your time doing or being? Of course, we all have to do things. But how are you being when you are doing? Do you power through your day, doing the best with what you have, only to find yourself physically drained, emotionally empty, and out of flow? Are you fully in flow, deeply engaged, exceeding your potential, feeling whole, happy, and fulfilled? Or, are you somewhere in between?" "As a violinist, playing a high-precision instrument under high pressure, I've learned that when I'm deeply engaged with the music all the 'doingness' seems to disappear and my 'beingness' takes me on an amazing ride of self-actualization," Diane says. "Getting into the music is a musician's version of getting into the flow state and while the lessons of getting into flow didn't come easily, in the end, not only have I gained flow, I've gained flow mastery. Now, as a global authority on flow, I empower people in all aspects of their lives to get into their flow on purpose, and with purpose." "It's commonly known that stress narrows cognitive focus and ideation," Diane maintains. "It can also drain overall energy, and it negatively impacts mental health. What's not commonly known is that when in flow, focus broadens, thoughts expand, and learning speed increases. Work becomes rewarding to the point where it refuels you, and flow positively impacts mental health." "Flow education is like one-stop shopping to resolve many of today's issues by reconnecting people with the humanity that already exists within them so they can be engaged, unlock their genius, and love what they do," suggests Diane. "Whether you are leading yourself, or leading others, you just have to tap into your flow." Diane can show you how. Diane joined us from Bend, Oregon, where she focuses on her public speaking career and is continuing to work on her book launch. Learn more: https://dianeallen.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianeallenspeaker/ https://www.instagram.com/dianeallenspeaker/ https://www.facebook.com/dianeallenspeaker/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZOk_r1n2X2FmbRcoiUhIHQ Free Gift: Flow Essentials: Tools to Unlock Your Best Self (Guide + Videos) https://tinyurl.com/flowstategift --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/maria-leonard-olsen/support