Underground Knowledge — A discussion group discussion

Excerpt from GENIUS INTELLIGENCE: Secret Techniques and Technologies to Increase IQ:


Another genius method that potentially falls into the “too obvious” or “too simple” category, at least on first mention, is walking.

Yes, you read that right. Walking.

Almost everyone has experienced pondering a problem all day long without coming up with a solution, then finally giving up and going outside for a stroll in the fresh air and suddenly receiving the answer unexpectedly and without trying.

Some might explain away this phenomenon as merely being the result of relaxing and defocusing from a problem and thereby allowing the subconscious mind to take over. Or others may simply say that virtually all exercise has been shown to benefit the human brain.

And there are no doubt degrees of truth to those points.

However, there may also be a sound scientific explanation as to why this low-impact physical act often yields the golden solution. Firstly, there’s a rhythmic flow to walking that puts one almost in a trance-like or meditative state. Secondly, the fact that you are moving two legs and two arms means you are employing both hemispheres of the brain – people are probably in the whole brain state while walking.

One study at Stanford University showed that subjects came up with more creative ideas during and immediately after a walk compared to those who simply sat at a desk.

Furthermore, a July 31, 2014 article in Psychology Today mentioned that German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven “kept his creative promises by strategically using his time to incubate ideas. His favorite method of thinking things through? Long, solitary walks through the forested valleys of Vienna ... Beethoven went for a vigorous walk after lunch, and he always carried a pencil and a couple of sheets of paper in his pocket to record chance musical thoughts.”

And it appears Beethoven is not alone among history’s great geniuses.

Albert Einstein was also fond of this technique and used to take long walks around Princeton University while pondering complex equations. Einstein often commented that many of his Eureka moments and creative breakthroughs came to him during these walks.

For those who find walking too boring or just not their cup of tea, other physical exercises could possibly deliver similar results. Exercises such as dancing or cycling, for example.

I am exploring jumping. I just ordered a Bellicon. It seems like a good option for people that may have concerns about joints, weather or just fun.

Edward wrote: "When my Dalmatian, Daisy was still alive we'd walk all morning and sometimes early evening. Despite the time spent, I had so much more energy then."

If this theory is true, I wonder if it could work for animal's brains as well? Did Daisy seem to grow any smarter during those walks? Ha!

James wrote: "Another genius method that potentially falls into the “too obvious” or “too simple” category, at least on first mention, is walking.

Yes, you read that right. Walking.

Almost everyone has experi..."

Yep and not just walking, dancing or cycling...
Athletes, personal fitness trainers and sports medicine professionals are united in their opinion that exercise helps mental function. Runners experience the pleasant – many say euphoric – runner’s high that comes with intense, sustained exercise. Such exercise (not just running) increases serotonin in the brain, leading to improved mental clarity.

Darwin had his favourite walk for thinking things out too, apparently.

James Clerk Maxwell, the physicist who inspired Einstein, also used to go off on short walks to think things through, with regards to his mathematical problems

Yep, movement whether walking running or cycling gets both hemispheres of the brain acting more in unison.
Einstein also used to cycle a lot

It also gets the circulation going and relaxes the body. Apparently it is more recommended for keeping the brain alive than puzzles, if you want to stave off dementia (healthy mind in a healthy body): Also look up the bad effects of sitting all day in front of a computer, like I'm doing now (whoops!).

I'm definitely in favor of exercise. I do some form of cardio 4 days per week. I refuse to let obstacles or excuses get in the way of it. Basically turned my bedroom into a home gymnasium, so no more worry about weather or temperature intervening.

I can now fit in a quick cardio session any time of day or night. Versaclimber is what I chose. Its extraordinary. Simulates mountain climbing. Can be used as a rowing machine, a stepper, can target legs/arms/'waist or all three at once. Even if you are injured in any body part, it can still be used. Also, very low 'footprint'. Fits into a corner.

I have no patience for people who 'let themselves go' or give in to the unhealthy fast-food society around us. Therefore, I have no patience with myself in this same sphere. It's really not a big deal to change one's eating habits and elevate one's heart rate for an hour each night. I despise exercise (the repetition gets under my skin, also I worry about injuries). But I am sure there is an exercise appropriate for everyone; even if its just gentle yoga on a mat.

And yep--it clears your head, and refreshes your mood.

How Walking Helps Intelligence http://www.aboutintelligence.co.uk/ho...

"It isn’t news that exercise has many health benefits for your body and your mind. But a new study suggests that just 40 minutes of walking at a moderate speed for three times a week can enhance intelligence."

I've been using a rebounder (mini trampoline) mainly for body health and posture, but started to notice my brain felt great afterwards and good ideas came. So I looked up to see if there are any claimed health benefits for the brain or research to indicate that, and found this article:

Rebounding Exercise for Better Brain Health http://applestozen.blogspot.com/2014/...

Excerpt:
"The "against gravity” up and down motion circulates oxygen to all the tissues and creates stronger nerve pathways between the left and right brain."

Many Buddhists use walking as meditation-concentrate in each step and on your breath-walk while noticing every thing around you....it’s amazing what we miss! I certainly believe that walking is not only good for the body(see Mark Sisson and primal blueprint who says walking upright is something only humans do which allowed us more freedom), but it also clears the mind. Whenever I’m stressed or agitated, I take a long walk and always feel like a million right after.

Mark Sisson on Walking:

https://www.marksdailyapple.com/walki...