Think Actively

League of Wildness,

My best ideas have come to me while I'm moving.

This could be hiking, Rucking, running, cycling, or simply a casual walk around my neighborhood.

Another one of my favorite ways to think is on a long adventure with a trusted friend. I’m talking 5-8 hours+ of moving time where you get to really explore a topic.

When I’m solo - I’ve noticed it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to achieve a mental state where my thoughts start to flow.

And the flow doesn’t necessarily last all day so I try to have the most important ‘problem’ stay at the front of my mind.

When I’m with a friend it’s not so much that I’m looking for external answers from them. The benefit of their proximity makes me much more aware of my own thoughts and ideas. Specifically - often times before I even finish what I’m saying I know if it’s a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ idea.

And sometimes there just isn’t a clear answer. And that’s OK too.

One rule I do follow quite religiously is to not wear headphones when I’m out in the wild. ‘Wild’ can be a loose definition, but generally if I’m out somewhere you’d consider ‘nature’, I don’t wear headphones and I’m also disciplined about not checking my phone…that much…

The imagination is powerful (and generally wise) if you’re willing to have an honest conversation with yourself.

There have been times I’ve gone out with the intention of thinking myself into a decision I was ‘certain of’ only to return thankful that I had not made what was now obviously an erroneous choice.

For me these ‘think sessions’ allow me to zoom out and see the fundamentals of what it is I’m trying to solve for. In addition, the absence of emails, texts, wifi, and other toxic distractions has a direct impact on the quality of my thoughts.

The real magic is when ideas appear out of nowhere.

My experience is that they come ‘from within’, but essentially I had to get out of my own way and remove the resistance to their manifestation.

I encourage you to try to think more actively. Especially if you have a job that does not require much physical activity it may be extremely effective to take your thoughts on the move.

You never know what might reveal to yourself.

Here’s to stronger thought!

Much love!
-Dan, wild gym founder

Think Actively

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