This week I launched my first Flow Cycle Guided Audio. My first product combining my therapeutic understanding of emotions and flow states, with music production. It also contains a bilateral rhythm, and I wanted to share why I added this.
What is bilateral stimulation?
Bilateral music alternates sound between left and right, creating a gentle rhythm that crosses the brain’s hemispheres. If you want to dive deep into the research and neuroscience, I’ve written about that here.
Why use bilateral stimulation for flow states?
Flow requires a very specific internal condition. You need focused attention to access flow, along with a settled nervous system. You need to be alert but not anxious. Engaged but not stressed. Not so calm that you are ready to fall asleep.
This is exactly what bilateral stimulation supports.
The reasoning behind the composition:
When I was creating Flow Cycle Audio, I knew I wanted to support the different phases of creative flow:
- The struggle phase (when you are building up to flow)
- The release phase (when you let go, stop building and adding information)
- The flow phase itself (when everything clicks into place)
- The recovery phase (when you’re consolidating what you’ve created and importantly, resting and recharging – flow takes a lot of energy)
Bilateral stimulation helps with this cycle because the alternating rhythm:
- Supports whole-brain engagement (left and right hemispheres working together)
- Helps the nervous system settle into focused calm
- Creates a gentle structure without being distracting
- Bridges the gap between activation and relaxation
- Facilitates the shift between different flow phases
- Maintains attention
Two versions for different needs:
I created both a guided version (with gentle vocal cues for each flow phase) and an instrumental version (pure bilateral music). Some people want the guidance, others just want the soundscape.
With my background as an accredited therapist (BABCP/NCPS) and training in EMDR and Brainspotting, I understand how bilateral stimulation works therapeutically. Now I’m bringing that understanding into music for flow, creativity, and peak performance.
Experience it yourself:
The Flow Cycle Audio is available in my store.
Try it when you are starting your next flow activity and see if it helps you to keep focused.
