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Why is it that tons of the world's greatest thinkers were all into walking?
Einstein, Socrates, Aristotle, Marie Curie, Beethoven, etc... the list goes on.
I certainly can see why.
I try to walk daily. It feels like whenever I walk, there's a flow state that comes after a few minutes that opens my mind up. I'm more clear-headed, sensitive to my environment, and generally in a better mood. It's meditative, and it feels like paths opening up in the brain that were shut off prior to the walk.
I've definitely thought of quite a few posts that I've posted here on SN while walking!
So, where do you find that creative spark the most? What other habits do you have to get the creative juices flowing?
On walking - could it be because that is the moment of being alone and also helping you breathe fresh air outside?
For me, travelling sparks my creativity the most. For example, when I need to solve some urgent problem in places where I don't have anyone to rely on, it just forces you to be creative πŸ‘€
Habits make sure I have enough alone time dig unpopular books explore the road less travelled
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that third habit is realll...I'm a travel snob in that way i can admit
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That is how you can have a more authentic experience and less crowded πŸ€“
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Highly agree with this comment. It can be lonely and you may feel the urge to "do something" or have to make plans, but alone time is very important for mediation. You can also practice diaphragm breathing while walking.
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I walk long distances almost every day. I get what you are say when you said the brain opens up and there's like a free flow that makes you feel good. I get this all the time I walk. It is a great feeling.
By the way, does anyone know any Satoshi lightning app that pays sats for walking? Please let me know if there's one.
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21 sats \ 1 reply \ @kr 6 Sep 2023
smiles pays 21 sats/day for walking 10,000 steps i believe
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Too low. It can't make me rich.
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I'm training for a half marathon and every time I go out for running some good ideas come up.
I guess, that there is nothing more effective than being outdoors and moving your body...
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I remember a specific problem I was working on and just couldn't get through. Then I took a little walk (in an office building) to a window with a bit of a view, and the path through the problem became clear. It really impressed on my mind the value of a change, and some nature, to change your perspective. Literally and figuratively.
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611 sats \ 3 replies \ @kr 6 Sep 2023
long walks, long runs, long drives, and showers are moments when i most often come up with or connect new ideas.
one common thread between all of them is that i’m not using my phone or computer.
time to think without distractions.
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Long drives, absolutely
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if it's late night too, even better
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The sauna too, as long as the other patrons are minding their manners
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42 sats \ 1 reply \ @ek 6 Sep 2023
When I just sit outside on a bench and observe my surroundings
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always good to do a sense check -- slow down and pay attention to everything you're seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting?, and feeling
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Running outside.
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I grew up next to a huge forest. I spent most of my childhood by walking around and being amazed how perfect is nature. I was not even concerned anything about human life such as making money and family, buy house and this kind of things. Since then I am still doing it. Nature gives a pice of mind and when your mind is calm then creativity can easily access to you. I believe that this is one of the reason why I could be so open to new things like bitcoin. It changed not just my life but many others too around me.
Peace πŸ™
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I am not going to lie, cleaning up, doing chores is where my brain starts to run wild lol I often figure things out and then have to stop and write them down before I forget
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wow i didnt think about this but thats so true i feel the same
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I walk a lot so I probably take it for granted. I often notice my greatest insights when they come from outside of myself these days. So I'd say it strikes when I'm listening to others.
We might find creativity by engaging in novel activities. My wife goes on "artist dates" (per The Artist's Way) which are often pursuant of sensory or emotional variety.
Edison (I think) would try to get on the cusp of falling asleep as if association were freer there.
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Some of my best bitcoin learning sessions are when im simply bouncing ideas off my friends back and forth
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There are a lot of studies that show explicitly that the most creative moments of your days are when you are right between sleeping and waking. I mentioned this in another thread just the other day, it's called Hypnagogia.
Some of those you mention actively understood this. Einstein, when he needed to solve a serious issue, performed his "Deep Thought Experiment", which consisted of him sitting on a chair with a large rock in his hands, thinking about the problem while trying to doze off. When he hit the point just about falling asleep, the rock dropped from his hands, and he awoke, often with a solution clear in his mind.
I have no doubt that taking walks is imperative to the process though! I couldn't live without my forest next door.
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I want to walk more.
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Movement definitely helps. Even when I'm playing guitar the ideas seem to flow more freely if I'm standing and just moving my body, not thinking too much. Remember that you "are a body" as much as you "have a body"
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Walking or watching the sea like being paralyzed
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Walking, or laying in bed trying to fall asleep
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Walking as well
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I can’t be the only parent who gets creative ideas when he is showering his children
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