Aristotle’s Thinking Hack
Peripatetic has two meanings that are deeply linked.
- Someone who travels a lot, especially for work
- a follower of Aristotle
It is the only word that I know of which has dual meanings for physical activity (walking) and deep thinking (Aristotelian philosophy). According to legend, Aristotle had a deep connection to walking. He would often walk about as he taught.
It seems that many Ancient Greek philosophers had a deep, intuitive practice of walking to help them talk and think. It’s no wonder that the most famous painting of Aristotle shows him walking and talking with Plato.
Why does walking help improve our thinking so much? The answer starts with our heart. As we walk the heart pumps faster and circulates more blood and oxygen to your muscles and all of your organs — your brain included. Exercise improves memory and attention. It also helps to form new connections in the brain.
Our movement habits shape the way we think. And what we think can impact our movement patterns. A hard beat will make us pick up the intensity at the gym.
Walking is effortless. Unlike running or lifting weights, we can walk without devoting too much effort to the act. We can go at our own pace, speeding up or slowing down as our internal dialogue demands. Our mind can wander and think creatively.
When you are out walking this week try not to flood your mind with music or podcasts. Instead allow your own internal thoughts to drive your movement. Be aware of how your thoughts come and go and how your mind wanders.
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