The Pathway to Flow

An illuminating, fun read into the science of creativity, awash with practical tips on how to ‘reverse engineer’ the sort of flow state we all desire to achieve in our lives. * Dr Camilla Nord, scientist and author of The Balanced Brain *Intelligent and accessible with great insights and research … I can already think of several people I’d love to send this to! * Helen Russell, author of ‘How to Be Sad’ *I thoroughly recommend reading this beautiful book * David Robson, author of ‘The Laws of Connection’ *Wow, I love this book! - the integration of neuroscience, creativity and play; the bringing together of how our brains work and why we need play in order to heal and live. * Dr Jeff Rediger, Harvard Medical School, author of ‘Cured’ *Outstanding. Creativity has been waiting for a book to be written by a scientist of Christensen’s calibre. * Professor Vincent Walsh *Fascinating, engaging, fun, astonishing and absolutely delightful! I enjoyed every minute of this fabulous book. I learned a lot, both about the science of flow and its relation to the arts, but also about writing well. * Professor Joe Devlin, former head of Experimental Psychology at UCL *Engaging in an activity that activates the flow state can enhance our sense of growth and purpose in life, which is known to be beneficial for mental health. As Christensen had observed during her dance practice, it can also calm ruminative thinking, helping us to find greater mental peace long after we have finished the activity. * The Observer *

Dr. Julia F. Christensen is a Danish neuroscientist and former dancer currently working as a senior scientist at the Max-Planck-Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Germany. She studied psychology, human evolution and neuroscience in France, Spain and the UK. For her postdoctoral training, she worked in international interdisciplinary research labs at University College London, City, University London and the Warburg Institute, London and was awarded a postdoctoral Newton International Fellowship by the British Academy.