Walking, Intelligence and a Journey of Self-Reflection

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's often easy to overlook the simple yet profound activities that can positively impact our well-being and intellectual growth. In this upcoming blog post, we delve into a diverse array of topics and experiences that have occupied our thoughts recently. From the therapeutic benefits of walking to pondering the intriguing difference between intelligence and smarts, we'll embark on a journey of self-reflection and personal growth.

What I read today:

Notes:

• Many famous philosophers, writers, and creators, like Aristotle and Charles Dickens, valued long walks for contemplation, reflection, and problem-solving.

• Long walks have been scientifically proven to improve mental health, increase creativity, and help process important information more efficiently.

• Walking regularly can clear the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, inspire productivity, and provide new perspectives on life.

Walking at least 10,000 steps every day has become a habit for me. Over the years, I have somehow managed to integrate longer walks into my daily routine. For me, these walks offer numerous benefits: Exercise, fresh air, a break from screens, a chance to see something new, listen to podcasts, exchange voicemails with friends, make calls, listen to music, or just do nothing. These daily walks are not only a form of physical activity for me, but also a way to sort out my thoughts and find fresh inspiration.

What I saw today:

Living in Germany myself, I am also very critical of the developments and ask myself how this country can go on like this. Current figures concerning the economic and political situation are worrying and encourage me in my approach of securing myself elsewhere.

What I listened to today:

In my moments of reflection, I often find myself contemplating the realm of intellect and where I fit into it. Am I “intelligent” or “smart”, if any? The nagging question of how to measure my intelligence in concrete terms weighs heavily on my mind. My educational journey was far from straightforward, marked by challenges that prevented me from fully realizing my potential. From an early age, I grappled with issues that extended beyond the classroom. Upon completing my formal education, my primary aim was to swiftly enter an apprenticeship, driven by the desire for financial independence and the chance to stand on my own two feet. The idea of pursuing a university degree seemed distant then, and it remains a challenging prospect today. I frequently muse over the alternate life path that might have unfolded had I ventured into higher education, and I often question whether the label of exceptional intelligence still holds true when compared to others of my generation. Current circumstances unfortunately don't permit me to pursue further academic endeavors, as I find myself constrained by both time and financial limitations. Self-reliance has become my paramount focus. It's disheartening at times, as I possess a deep conviction that there is untapped potential within me. I daydream about the possibilities that could manifest if my circumstances were to shift, granting me the opportunity to unlock my full potential and embark on an entirely different journey. Nevertheless, I continue to hold onto the hope that I’m at least smart enough to make the right choices and forge my own unique path in life.

What I liked today:

Random Thoughts:

I have been looking into meditation for the last few days and have wanted to try it out for a long time. I have to say that it's really not easy and I notice how hard it is for me not to want to be productive in some way all the time. There is just so much to read, listen to and discover that I find it inappropriate for me to do "nothing" for a while now.... As if it were a waste of time... but actually it is not at all.

That’s it for today! ☺️