PLAY, WHILE READING AND WALKING

We already commented in Post THE GAME AND THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM. PART II. NO TO COMPETITION, YES TO FUN Some relevant aspects about the game while we walk and read, Huizinga has been very explicit about it, he tells us in his book HOMO LUDENS: “Games serve for recreation from work, like a kind of medicine , because they relax the soul and give it rest. Leisure houses pleasure, happiness and joy in life. This happiness, that is, this no longer tending towards something that one does not have, is telos [telos]: end of life. But not all men seek this enjoyment in the same things. And that enjoyment is the best when the man who enjoys it is the best and his efforts are the noblest. It is clear, therefore, that, to fill free time, you have to learn something and train yourself [Educate and Perfect Yourself], but not with things that are learned due to the necessity of work, but for themselves. For this reason the ancestors have counted [included] music in the paideia [paideia] –education, training, culture- as something that is not necessary or even useful, as are, for example, the reading and writing, but serves only to enjoy during leisure time” (Huizinga, Johan, Homo Ludens, Emecé/Alianza, Madrid, 1984, p. 191).

Leisure time is to be enjoyed, reading and writing in the same way, being also fruitful, useful and beneficial.

Traducido al Español

Let’s see how we can have fun playing, while walking and reading.

To do this, I would like to briefly repeat, as an introduction to this post, what we said in another, that in the games that we will expose we will not seek competition, having fun and entertainment as a fundamental element (Section), and achieving the specific objectives which are achieved through the WALK-RWD system itself.

This fun will be similar to what animal puppies and humans achieve in childhood, at a very early age, since there is no competition or rivalry between them. This is an absolute truth, so we will always seek, in our case, to abstract ourselves from the conditioning of competing that at those early ages has not yet taken place. We also said: “Difficult but possible”, since by becoming aware of it, we can reduce it, and the easiest way is to play alone. In our case, this can be facilitated by walking alone and trying to play with ourselves, and that will ensure, in part, non-competition. How? Choosing new paths, varied books to read. Write different literary genres such as poems, letters, etc. With this suggestion I want to mean that it is always possible to find some different ways to enjoy, that are novel activities, while we walk.

Just so as not to forget that we have ventured into the “Game” in other literary genres, I will quote some passages from my novel “DIALOGUES IN A PLACE OF LA MANCHA”, where Miguel (Cervantes) plays with Eldelfonso, when they were children:

“calculate the leaves of different trees, indicating the branches that should be counted; The sun also played with them, as they calculated the time in which the sun would be hidden by any cloud; Once they had identified the cloud, they began to count the time it took to hide it – to determine the time in which any cloud that was close to covering the sun would take to completely hide it; and another similar game was to calculate the time it would take for the sun to emerge from a cloud that was hiding it: How long did it take for the sun to emerge from a cloud that was hiding it? Another one that they liked to play the most was cloud races, each person chose one of them and the winner was the one whose chosen cloud was furthest forward in the sky.

Eldefonso had an hourglass that he asked his father for from time to time. It served them to measure the passage of time while they had fun with these games that required calculation. But for the rest of them, who were quite a few, they practiced them regularly when they were not wearing it and when they were in the countryside and near some small farms; for example, scare birds from a tree, guessing the number of them that took flight; or define the type of animal that would pass by where they were standing, sitting or walking.

When the day was very sunny, discover the shapes of animals that the clouds projected on the land that they could see in the distance; when there were many of them in the sky and those figures that they formed with their own vaporous bodies could be seen on the barren terrain.

Another game also consisted of discovering animal shapes that some large rocks projected with their shadows on those sunny days.”

Warning; These Miguel and Eldefonso games are difficult to play when we are reading while walking.

Before presenting some concrete suggestions to complete the objective of this Post, to have fun while we walk and read, I would like to convey some aspects about the word “game” and highlight some ideas from Munne and Huizinga, about what they have commented about games.

For this post and some others where we discuss some topics that are related to the game: I would like to express that this word for game or the verb to play has been used in all cultures, and likewise in the different times and in the present, as metaphor, allegory, comparison, figure, simile, translation, within a figurative language; It has also been used through all its usual and constituted (established) synonyms in ordinary use: fun, recreation, trick, mischief, sport, entertainment, joke, pastime, recreational exercise, match, sporting event, risk , bet; synonyms that are used to replace: functioning, movement, mechanism, disposition, possibilities, exposing oneself, intervention, taking part, managing, and dozens of other semantic translations; which gives it a great capacity to be used as a metaphor for almost everything, with the implicit understanding that it does not imply that anything that is related in itself is certainly “at stake”, but quite the opposite, since it implies (expresses) formality in its entirety and not just a part; total seriousness and nothing joking; reality and nothing imaginary; I am sure without a doubt. I think we should be more precise and cautious in the use of the word “game.”

Regardless of the different fields or categories that we find ourselves playing a game, we must consider that every game involves two aspects of search and encounters, that is, through games, the human being can transcend into two stages:

In these two stages, by definition, they seek pleasure and fun in varying degrees of consciousness and unconsciousness.

FIRST STAGE

The human being, in a largely unconscious way, seeks to re-balance and compensate for the physical, emotional and mental wear and tear carried out in periods preceding the game, which guide him to this stage.

This search for playing is triggered (with greater unconsciousness) to compensate for the conditioning, manipulations, influences and limitations of the society that surrounds and oppresses him (school, work, family, etc.). As he realizes that he can feel free through play, he searches for it in a more conscious way, and voluntarily tries to enter into a greater number of these vital escapes.

His recreational search and demand is instinctive, as he seeks a balance that he has lost in the “serious” social environment in which he operates daily. It is a natural impulse to feel free.

The means and elements available to achieve this are the conscious behavior of conditioning oneself but towards partial recreational activities, with the aim of mediating the castrating influence of the society that suffocates him and partially achieving a balance and physical and mental compensation for voluntarily allow yourself the acceptable expression of your disturbed personality (in the best of cases postponed in its conformation), strengthening it in a conscious but also unconscious way.

SECOND STAGE

In this other stage of search for results, through play in a primarily unconscious way, a construction or reformulation of one’s own personality is required. He seeks the expression of his personality as well as the development of his character and temperament, in a freer way. Results that the individual pursues in a more conscious way as he evaluates his behavior and attitudes towards the social environment that surrounds him.

As in the first stage, their behavior is instinctive (less conscious) towards the search for recreational satisfaction (conscious), that same natural impulse of wanting to feel free from social, work and family influences, which becomes a need instinctive play just like in the other stage.

Regarding the means and elements available to achieve this, they are identical to the previous stage, with the conscious behavior of conditioning oneself towards recreational activities being the most relevant, in order to subtract from the ways that society has influenced and manipulated it, to be able to achieve physical and mental balance and compensation and allow themselves the expression of their original personality that has been unbalanced (or hindered), strengthening it through play.

As a core part to better understand the topic, Munné, in his book Psychosociology of Free Time, reviews 7 theoretical groups that try to explain THE OBJECT, THE NATURE AND THE ORIGIN of the game, a review that I allowed myself to present in the following table:

And as something very important, Munné presents the different behaviors (impulses or interests, forms of participation or attitudes) that are stimulated within the different categories of the game:

NOTE ON GAMES OF CHANCE.-We analyze games of chance associated with walking in future Post THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM AND GAMES OF CHANCE. Something very special is the game of chance. In this type of games we can observe players with a morbid problem who are driven towards this type of games, due to an emotional or psychological imbalance, who do not only seek them for the purpose of having fun. They respond for lacks of affection – or were mistreated – that they had in childhood, or the “player felt” that he had those lacks, due to his own sensitivity in his temperament.

Now let’s define some games that can be incorporated into the WALK-RWD System.

GAME #1

Name of the game: Walk, read and Discover

Objective: Combine careful reading with physical activity to promote concentration and enjoyment of the environment.

Materials needed: A printed page, a text with a story. An interesting book or document for each player and an outdoor space or space with enough space to walk.

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Each player chooses a book or document they would like to read while walking. It is important that the material is appropriate for the age and interests of each player.

2. Start of the game: Players begin walking through the designated space, maintaining a comfortable speed and rhythm so they can read carefully.

3. Reading challenges: Throughout the course, markers or stopping points can be placed where players must stop and answer questions related to the content of their books or documents. These questions can be about understanding, opinion or curiosities about the topic discussed in the material.

4. End of the game: The game can end when the players reach the end of the course or when they decide to stop. It is important to remember that the most important thing is to enjoy exercise and reading, so it is not necessary to compete rigorously.

This game, as we can see, encourages concentration, physical activity and the enjoyment of reading, and can be easily adapted for different ages and skill levels.

There are no winners or losers, since the main objective is to enjoy reading and physical activity consciously and without competitive pressure.

GAME #2

Game Name: Walk, Read and Explore

Objective: Combine physical activity with reading to promote mindfulness and connection with the environment.

Materials needed: A printed page, a text with a story. An interesting book or document for each player and an outdoor space or with enough space to walk.

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Each player chooses a book or document they would like to read while walking. It is important that the material is appropriate for the age and interests of each player.

2. Start of the game: Players begin walking through the designated space, maintaining a comfortable speed and rhythm so they can read carefully.

3. Mindful Exploration: Throughout the course, players occasionally stop to observe their surroundings and reflect on what they are reading. They can make mental or physical notes about how the reading relates to what they see, hear, or feel at that moment.

4. Share experiences: At the end of the tour, players can meet to share their experiences and reflections. You can discuss how the reading influenced your perception of your surroundings and your overall experience of the hike.

5. End of the game: The game can end when the players reach the end of the course or when they decide to stop. There are no winners or losers, since the main objective is to enjoy reading and physical activity consciously and without competitive pressure.

Advantages:

• Promotes mindfulness and connection with the environment.

• Encourages reflection and critical thinking.

• It does not generate rivalry or stress about winning or losing.

Disadvantages:

• May be less motivating for some people who enjoy competition.

• Lack of competition can cause some players to lose interest or become distracted more easily.

In short, a game without competition like “Walk and Explore” may be a more relaxed experience focused on the personal connection with the reading and the environment, but it could lack the motivating factor

GAME #3

Name of the game: Walk, read and Imagine

Objective: Stimulate creativity and imagination while enjoying reading and physical activity.

Materials needed: A printed page, a text with a story. An interesting book or document for each player and an outdoor space or with enough space to walk.

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Each player chooses a book or document they would like to read while walking. It is important that the material is appropriate for the age and interests of each player.

2. Start of the game: Players begin walking through the designated space, maintaining a comfortable speed and rhythm so they can read carefully.

3. Active imagination: Throughout the course, players stop occasionally to close their eyes and let their imagination fly. They can imagine what it would be like to be in the story they are reading, interact with the characters, or explore the places described in the book.

4. Interaction with the environment: Players can use their physical environment to enrich their imaginative experience. For example, if they are reading about an enchanted forest, they can look at the trees around them and feel the wind on their skin to become more immersed in the story.

5. Sharing experiences: At the end of the walk, players can come together to share their experiences and the mental images they created during the walk. You can discuss how the reading influenced your imagination and your overall experience of the walk.

6. End of the game: The game can end when the players reach the end of the course or when they decide to stop. There are no winners or losers, since the main objective is to enjoy reading and physical activity while stimulating the imagination in a creative way and without competitive pressure.

Advantages:

• Stimulates creativity and imagination.

• Allows for a more immersive and personal reading experience.

• Promotes the connection between reading and the physical environment.

Disadvantages:

• May require more concentration and mental effort than other games.

• Some people may find it difficult to concentrate on reading while walking and imagining things at the same time.

In short, a game like “Walk and Imagine” can be a unique and enriching experience that combines reading, physical activity and creativity in a non-competitive way. It is ideal for those looking for a more introspective and personal experience while enjoying nature and reading.

GAME #4

Name of the game: Walk, read and Reflect

Objective: Promote personal reflection and introspection while enjoying reading and physical activity.

Materials needed: A printed page, a text with a story. An interesting book or document for each player and an outdoor space or with enough space to walk.

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Each player chooses a book or document they would like to read while walking. It is important that the material is appropriate for the age and interests of each player.

2. Start of the game: Players begin walking through the designated space, maintaining a comfortable speed and rhythm so they can read carefully.

3. Reflective questions: Throughout the course, players occasionally stop to reflect on what they are reading. Questions can be asked such as “How can I apply this to my life?”, “What do other characters think about this topic?” or “How does this part of the book make me feel?”

4. Share experiences: At the end of the tour, players can meet to share their reflections and thoughts. You can discuss how reading influenced your way of seeing the world and your overall experience of the walk.

5. End of the game: The game can end when the players reach the end of the course or when they decide to stop. There are no winners or losers, as the main goal is to enjoy reading and physical activity while reflecting creatively and without competitive pressure.

Advantages:

• Encourages personal reflection and introspection.

• Allows a deeper connection with reading and its application in daily life.

• Promotes creative writing and personal expression.

Disadvantages:

• May require greater mental and emotional effort than other games.

• Some people may find it difficult to concentrate on reading while walking and reflecting at the same time.

In short, a game like “Walk, Read and Reflect” can be an enriching experience that combines reading, physical activity, and personal reflection in a non-competitive way. It is ideal for those looking for a more introspective and meaningful experience while enjoying nature and reading.

As can be seen in the 4 proposed games, they can be played in groups or individually (alone).

To conclude, I would like to say that the WALK-RWD System, by itself, allows the achievement, to a large extent, of what is stipulated in part B) of the “Human Impulses and Behaviors that participate in games” scheme and that we can accentuate it, through games like those we have previously described, thereby supporting our search for fun, joy, satisfaction and entertainment.

I invite you to develop the WALK-RWD System and incorporate any of the games described or one that you prefer.

Traducido al Español

THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM

This post has the purpose of endorsing the 5 fundamental principles of the WALK-RWD system, which we have described over 170 posts, 6 years of uninterrupted effort.

Traducido al Español

I would like to dedicate a few paragraphs to what the essential principles for the functioning of any system represent.

The Fundamental Principles are an essential tool for creating and operating coherent and effective systems. The definition, adoption and practice of Principles guarantees that the system is consistent, efficient, adaptable and capable of achieving its objectives in an efficient and sustainable manner.

The Functional Principles of a system, of any type, is a set of basic rules or guidelines that guide its fundamental functioning and behavior (essential, main, basic, radical). They are established to provide a solid and coherent foundation to support the design, development and operation of the system in question.

In a generic way, the practical and methodological applications of the functional principles are the following:

• Conceptual coherence: Fundamental principles help establish a logical and consistent structure for the system, ensuring that its components and actions relate harmoniously and without contradictions.

• Decision making: The fundamental principles serve as a guide for making decisions in the development and evolution of the system. When dilemmas or conflicts arise, these principles can provide a basis for resolving them efficiently and consistently.

• System design: Fundamental principles influence system architecture and design. They can determine aspects such as modularity, scalability, security and efficiency.

• Quality standards: Establishing fundamental principles helps define the quality standards that the system must meet. This may include reliability, usability, performance, and other aspects relevant to the particular system.

• Requirements Identification: Fundamental principles can also help identify key requirements that the system must meet, allowing for a more focused approach to development.

• Problem solving: When problems arise in the functioning of the system, the fundamental principles act as a guide to identify the root cause and find appropriate solutions.

• Communication and shared understanding: The fundamental principles provide a common framework of reference for all parties involved in the system, facilitating communication, collaboration and understanding in their own relationships and with other systems.

• Continuous evaluation and improvement: The fundamental principles are also useful in evaluating the performance of the system and facilitating its continuous improvement. It allows identifying gaps between the current state of the system and the desired objectives.

We have carried out the creation and definition of the 5 principles of the WALK-RWD system through their synthetic formulation, which in turn has forced us to highlight (highlight, weight) the most important elements that make them up, for which -of each of them- we present below, a diagram of their functions and dynamic aspects, from a mechanical and physiological perspective.

Expressing specifically and clearly the elements that make it up and also those that give it essence and support, allows us to achieve its presentation and declaration in a clearer way, and also better explain its structural functioning, by integrating its 4 essential activities, as well as better support the benefits achieved and their respective measurements.

His statement has allowed us, in this post, to elaborate on its functional plots, as well as allowing a better understanding of the operation of the WALK-RWD system as a harmonious whole.

It allows us to point out aspects that are implicit within its functional practice, such as the requirement for support, motivations, and some experiences that we have mentioned previously, and its effectiveness and efficiency in the results (functional demonstrations) obtained.

We defined (constructed) each of these principles as we incorporated some activities and experiences that have allowed us to acquire knowledge and greater attention towards what we should truly be aware of doing.

It was necessary to incorporate and organize all that information in order to transmit it as best as possible and allow us to condense it into these 5 principles.

Over 6 years we have been able to express them in basic functional units during the transmission of how this system of 4 basic activities operates: walking, reading, writing and drawing.

Of course, implicitly, the 5 principles can be seen in each of the posts that make up the Blog, but specifically (particularly, concretely) I have defined them in the posts indicated below, in case you wish to reread them and compare them in those that gave it shape and sustenance, both in mechanical and physiological aspects.

Thus, below are the 5 fundamental principles that support the WALK-RWD system, and the different Posts in which they were defined.

1st Principle or Principle of Symmetry:

“All the exercises performed must be carried out with respect to the anatomical vertical axis of symmetry of the human body, either simultaneously or alternating the two respective symmetrical limbs, always in a harmonious manner, in both options.”

Post THE SYMMETRY OF THE BODY, ITS BALANCE AND WALKING

2nd Principle or Principle of Dynamic Balance:

“Keeping the body in physical movement through walking generates a vibration of the brain, which causes it to enter into an imbalance and normal functions are carried out and dynamic effects are generated on the different systems, organs and glands of the body.

Post THE SYMMETRY OF THE BODY, ITS BALANCE AND WALKING

3rd Principle or Energetic Principle of Disturbance (Instability, Active, Energetic, Efficient, Effective, Alive, Energetic, Vigorous):

“The functional efficiency of the brain and other systems, organs and glands of the human being is maximized and optimized through walking and special structural instability exercises performed while walking.

Post CEREBRAL GYMNASTICS WHILE WALKING-EXERCISES

4th Principle or Principle of Verticality

“Every human being must permanently seek a position of verticality to optimally perform the tasks and functions as homo faber and homo sapiens sapiens, to favor them, reinforce them, expand them and increase them (intensify them)”

Post EMPIRICISM OR THINKING WITH ONE’S FEET

5th Principle or Principle of Rhythm, Compass and Cadence.

Every individual has their own rhythm, beat and cadence, they just have to discover them, apply them and maintain them while walking.

Post RHYTHM, COMPASS AND CADENCE IN OUR WALKING

ESSENTIAL COMMENTS ON THE 5 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

1st PRINCIPLE

A functional differentiation (variety, modification, differentiation, inference, alternation, deduction, consequence, connection, derivation) of the 1st principle is that the exercises we perform on the members of the human body, mainly the upper and lower extremities, the arms and the legs, must be practiced simultaneously, that is, moving both arms (or legs) at the same time. In this way, the impact that is made on them is manifested in a better way and the re-stimulation towards other organs, systems and glands of the body is more efficient and healthy, in terms of the preventive and curative aspects of the WALK-RWD system. (Post THE SYMMETRY OF THE BODY, ITS BALANCE AND WALKING)

The exercise of the upper limbs, arms, forearms, hands, elbows, wrists and fingers, can be done simultaneously, while walking; However, for the lower extremities it is practically impossible to do it this way, so we have to do it alternately, which is its natural way.

In Post CEREBRAL GYMNASTICS WHILE WALKING-EXERCISES, we present a couple of exercises where you can simultaneously exercise your legs and another where you exercise your arms at the same time.

2nd PRINCIPLE

The practice of walking is a dynamic balance that rests on the 2nd principle, this being essential for the achievement of what are unbalanced movements and “unbalancing” states in movement, which, as we know, walking generates very important effects on our brain and in the body (stable unbalancing movement).”

In this regard, I must comment that when we walk naturally, the movement we make of the leg-arm extremities is done in a crossed way, that is, when we advance the left leg we move the right arm, and when we advance the right leg we move the left arm. This way of moving our upper and lower extremities in a crossed way is only done while we walk, and this is one of the great benefits that cannot be obtained with any other type of exercise naturally (Post THE SYMMETRY OF THE BODY, ITS BALANCE AND WALKING).

3rd PRINCIPLE

A typical example of this 3rd Principle is the practice of writing, drawing or painting while walking. In some of the Brain Gym exercises that we offer in Post CEREBRAL GYMNASTICS WHILE WALKING-EXERCISES, efforts are made where that harmony is broken in order to cause unbalanced states in the brain, which in turn cause imbalances. which causes it to send signals to the rest of the body and especially to the senses, both internal and external, and to itself, causing the use of brain areas that have been dormant or little used. These Brain Gym exercises during the walk – in general – replace the 3 activities of reading, writing and drawing, structured within the WALK-RWD system, generating very strong impulses towards the brain system, which seeks to re-balance itself by making others work. areas of the same brain, which without these efforts, would remain asleep, almost inactive.

A more effective (radical) way to put this 3rd Principle into practice is to write, draw or paint with the left hand (when you are right or right-handed) to “wake up” the right side of the brain. The positive results obtained are truly impressive: imagination and creativity are immediately present.

4th PRINCIPLE

When the human being stood up on his lower limbs, he generated a vertical flow of force and energy, from his feet to his head, following a line perpendicular to the ground on which he walked.

According to expert anthropologists, before this position the hominid ancestors of “Homo Sapiens” moved on their four limbs and this flow ran through their body, avoiding (evading) perpendicularity, as they avoided or denied it (vetoed, limited, inhibited, restricted). , hindered, evaded, avoided, impeded) with their transverse, almost horizontal position. At the present moment, this can be verified and validated as an absolute truth.

The vertical position achieved is what allowed Homo Sapiens greater brain capacity, in all mental and functional orders (Post EMPIRICISM OR THINKING WITH ONE’S FEET)

5th PRINCIPLE

The determination of these 3 parameters in each individual – the rhythm, the beat and the cadence – can be achieved through the practice of walking itself. Only by walking can each person identify which ones are ideal for the body, both physically and mentally. There are two very important stages in which we can enter to understand its identification: the first is related to ideas and the second is identified with health.

DYNAMIC FUNCTIONS OF THE 5 PRINCIPLES

The following table shows the different dynamic aspects and organic and mental faculties that are addressed when putting the WALK-RWD System into practice, guided by the 5 functional principles stated.

It is worth mentioning that only what is most relevant is indicated where the principles participate, and in cases where their participation is not indicated, it does not mean that they have no interference, but rather it was decided to only indicate where they participated in a more outstanding way.

The ¤ symbol indicates the most relevant dynamic aspect of the WALK-RWD system principle indicated.

Surely having these dynamic indications of each of the fundamental principles of the WALK-RWD System will allow us to better appreciate the importance of practicing it and, above all, getting ready to walk every day.

Traducido al Español

SARUTAHIKO, GOD OF TRAVELERS IN ANCIENT JAPAN

This is the second Post of the series that I have entitled Gods and Goddesses Protectors of the Roads and Travelers. I commented in the initial Post, WALKING WITH HERMES, the following: The frequency in the number of divinities (male and/or female) that a mythology has, is related almost generally, to the importance given to the human condition, natural phenomenon or essential category of behavior (conduct) that they represent. The greater the number of such representation, the greater the importance it has in the collective imaginary of each people.

Traducido al Español

Without a doubt, all mythologies have at least one goddess or god who protects travelers and walkers; and likewise, we can assure that walking (and its derivations) is one of the representations that few gods have in their mythologies, since there are other spiritual conditions that are more complex and that are attributed greater importance, which is why it is required a greater number of divinities for representation.

The sacred character that has been given to roads and their road crossings, in practically all mythologies, responds to various causes and customs. The religious factor in the activity of divine protection of the paths initially arises with certain magical relationships and circumstances. Indeed, magic discovers elements that show us that sublime custom of roads and walkers, which moves people to search for divine actions in it. We have already mentioned some outstanding issues that are related to magic, in Post TOTEM AND WALKING-PART I, ANTHROPOLOGICAL ASPECTS; We said that: “Totemism, without becoming a religion, laid the foundations for the formation of all the religions of the world; It was their spiritual preamble. Totemism was one of the institutions, in addition to magic, witchcraft, spiritualism, and others, in which animism (the belief in the soul) was projected, in which it took shape and structure to lead to religion. , this being the animistic form in which humanity currently finds itself. The belief in the soul and the devil is current, and its main characteristics still remain, which have prevailed to the present. Now, each of these 2 characteristics, and others, represent attempts by the human capacity for spirituality – the human spirit – to replace acts, activities, actions, practices, manifestations and functions of the being that have diminished over time, or have been disrupted by factors external to it (physical and social environment) or by repetitive acts of human consciousness itself, which have suppressed them in lifeless forms and which need to be recovered through other representations (forms, practices, arts). , ceremonies) substitutes, which are usually not analogous, however, others are imitations that have similarity or equivalence, or are supported by homologous expressive manifestations in parallel.”

The roads and some of their points – mainly their forks – had a charge and a magical sense.

I commented in the same Post: “Of all the paths we have taken to analyze, investigate and obtain knowledge of the things around us, the one we have left forgotten is the human activity of walking. The analysis of its performance – of walking – in Totemism leads us to reveal certain (some) religious behaviors in today’s society. The renunciation of nomadism (or turning away from it) is the germ of the human need to “communicate” – spiritually – with the spirits and later with divinities.” And finally he asserted: “Walking was preserved analogically as a spiritual practice within the Totemist system. That imperative need to wander, whose beginnings are 2 million years old, we manage to satisfy spiritually by imitating animals in their walking and dancing; a rhythmic and lilting dance, which communicates with a percussive beat your body with the external natural environment, in a spiritual and somatic way: the Spiritual Walk. The more sedentary lifestyle becomes accentuated, the greater the need to ask for help from the spirits, from our inner spirituality. The primitive man of those times is inclined to invoke the spirits – his spirituality – due to his new sedentary state that reduces his ability to have contact with his unconscious and other mental functions. […]From here a new way of invoking human spirituality is born, but above all it flourishes, and perhaps also, it is the genesis of the conscious repression of certain stimuli from the external environment, which begins to replace the belief in the natural environment – to trust in that objective reality – by the spirits and very later, with the gods (religion).”

Indeed, the reasons why we were directed to define diverse and numerous divinities in this natural activity of human walking are quite profound.

All these manifestations and evolutions over time, provoked in the different peoples of all of humanity, that spiritual-religious need to venerate their respective deities who watch over the paths and protect the walkers.

Now, in Japanese mythology, within its pantheon, there are (have) several divinities who are considered patrons of walkers, travelers, explorers and walkers. In this post we will focus on commenting on the god SARUTAHIKO, because from what I have been able to investigate, this god was dedicated to monitoring the intersection points of roads, crossroads or road crossings, forks, an aspect that we have detected. in several gods from various mythologies that is truly important, just as he represented him in the pantheon of this town, in addition to taking care of the roads and the walkers.

This aspect of bifurcation must be taken with great interest, for its analysis, (disjunctions, crossings, intersections, branches, ramifications, divisions, separations, divergences, detours, branching, crossings, branch, deviation, branches) both in the physical aspect of the constitutive structure of roads as from the perspective of human behavior; and of course, the metaphysical one that gives us the opportunity to bring together the previous two. To do this I will have to associate it with the dilemma (options) of the future, with the opportunity of several futures, or more specific and defining: more than one future! (Post WALKING AND VITAL OPPORTUNITIES).

However, in what follows we will try to focus more specifically on human behavior, taking into account the metaphysical aspects outlined.

Regarding why it is important to analyze this practice of walking with respect to spiritual attention, through its representation with gods and goddesses, it is doubly relevant because our spirituality is directed to this natural activity of a human being, because both the individual unconscious and the collective are oriented to attend only to those issues that are essential for their existence, and this directs us to address all those issues that are thus defined as important in that spiritual sphere. And on the other hand, a better understanding of the divine pantheon of a people will always show us relevant aspects of their existential behavior, which in the case of the Japanese god SARUTAHIKO, leads us to the fact that this people has been oriented towards the confrontation of their way of living, with the different options that life can show you to choose the best one, regarding the future of your existence.

In the other aspect, we must understand, from the epistemological and human behavior approach, that simply finding a fork that gives us 2 paths in which a different future can be found, would be enough to search for that fork. In Post WALKING, AN EXISTENTIAL METAPHOR. PART 3 OF 4, I indicate how important the concept of BIFURCATION is for our experience – I point out the probability of observing a fork that we find in the path, it would put us metaphorically before life -, and precisely in this part III of the Post , I make an analogy with life when we are faced with a fork in the road, what it can mean (that crucial importance) for our lives to discover ourselves faced with different options and difficult decision-making, to find ourselves face to face with our meaning in life , with our destiny, with our future.

Continuing with the metaphor: What is it to encounter a fork in the path?

First of all, the answer is that we may have chosen the wrong path or the direction in which we chose to travel it. Maybe we should have walked in the opposite direction, and then we would not have reached that fork.

If we were on the right path, that fork would not have appeared. But perhaps we must acquire this experience and we will have to choose one of the 2 road options (or more) that we have. That’s the great experience. It is truly great that we objectively have that choice making. The vast majority of the time, “life” does not give us that opportunity, or we do not see it very clearly. In general, a high percentage of our actions must be carried out without any reflection when making decisions. Everything is conditioned by the physical, social, family, friendly, work environment, etc., in which we move and perform.

A “bifurcation” of any kind is one of the most relevant vital opportunities that a human being can have in their existential wandering (Post WALKING AND VITAL OPPORTUNITIES), unfortunately, it is not always presented to us.

The Japanese people have represented their respect for the roads through their devotion to various gods, among them, their god SARUTAHIKO, who has prevented the entry of evil spirits and essentially protects walkers at forks, at crossroads. vials. (There are several gods who are venerated for these divine attributes and powers).

Japanese tradition includes specific practices and rituals to ensure safe travel, such as the “ema.” tablets” or “ema boards”), small wooden plaques where the faithful write their prayers and wishes, which are hung in the sanctuaries.

Let’s see the most outstanding characteristics of this Japanese god:

Role and Attributes: Sarutahiko is known as the kami of the crossroads, and his main role is to act as a guide and protector at crossroads (forks). It is associated with orientation and decision-making in life, since crossroads (fork) in roads often symbolize critical moments where a path must be chosen (Post WALKING, AN EXISTENTIAL METAPHOR. PART 3 OF 4, and Post WALKING AND VITAL OPPORTUNITIES).

Legends and myths: Sarutahiko is mentioned in several Japanese myths. In one of them, he is the guide of Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, when she descends to Earth. In this role, Sarutahiko guides and advises him on his journey across Earth.

Appearance and Depiction: Sarutahiko is often depicted as an older man with a long beard and a prominent nose. It is also common to see him with a staff or rod that symbolizes his role as a guide. Your image may vary depending on artistic representations and regions.

Relationship with other gods: Sarutahiko is connected to the earth goddess, Ame-no-Uzume, and together they are considered the parents of the rice goddess, Inada-hime. This connection highlights Sarutahiko’s importance in fertility and agricultural prosperity.

Worship and Adoration (Cult and Adoration / Worship and Cult): Throughout history, shrines in honor of Sarutahiko have been erected in places that are considered critical or sacred, such as at crossroads (forks). Pilgrims and travelers often pray to Sarutahiko seeking guidance and safety on their journeys.

Below I present certain mythological passages that highlight the figure of Sarutahiko as a protector and guide of travelers on different paths and challenges.

1. The meeting at the crossroads: According to legend, Sarutahiko usually appears at crossroads to assist lost or confused travelers. It is said that those who are undecided about which path to take can call upon his name and he will show them the right direction.

2. Protection during storms: In another story, Sarutahiko is summoned by a group of travelers who are caught in the middle of a raging storm in the mountains. The god appears before them as a tall man with a lantern in his hand, guiding them safely until they find shelter.

3. Help in the enchanted forest: It is said that a group of pilgrims gets lost in a forest known to be the home of evil spirits. Sarutahiko appears to them as a wise old man and offers them his guidance and protection, allowing them to find their way out of the forest and continue their journey.

4. Salvation in crossing rivers: On one occasion, a merchant is prevented from crossing a river swollen by recent rains. Sarutahiko manifests himself as a fisherman and offers him his raft to cross the turbulent waters safely, ensuring that the merchant reaches the other side safely.

5. Help in the snowy mountain: During a winter journey through the mountains, a group of travelers encounters an avalanche that blocks their path. Sarutahiko appears to them as an experienced mountaineer and guides them through safe passage, helping them avoid dangers and reach their destination safely.

In summary, Sarutahiko plays a crucial role in Japanese mythology as the guide at crossroads (forks), offering guidance and protection at decisive moments in life and travel.

And to finish, I would like to insist on recommending that we should start walking because we can use each walk as an analogy that physically communicates with our unconscious, since when walking along any path, we can use each fork as an existential metaphor that illuminates us in our own circumstantial decisions. This will help us better understand and make decisions in our lives and also motivate us to take daily walks.

Traducido al Español

WALKING BACKWARD

The title of this Post, “Walking backward”, I do not use it as a metaphor by which we would try to point out -among other things- that we are acting wrongly, but a recommendation we make to invite you to walk physically, moving the body from one point to another, contrary to the normal way we are used to. It is a very important exercise and that is why I have included it as the first exercise recommended in the practices of Brain Gymnastics during the Walks (Post CEREBRAL GYMNASTICS WHILE WALKING). Of course, placing it in the first place does not try to define its generative value in health, creativity, etc., but in my personal experience it does have an important hierarchy in all locomotor aspects (physical, physiological and anatomical) and also mental.

Traducido al Español

By developing the backward walk, eventually and for a few seconds, we get our senses to direct their attention to other conditions and behaviors, generating a different focus of both our conscious and unconscious (Post THE SENSE OF SIGHT AND THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM, Future Post WALKING WITH EYES CLOSED).

In Post THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM AND HOMEOSTASIS we explained that: “…the human body generates a homeostatic balance in several areas of its functioning, in order to level, stabilize and harmonize both the physical and mental body”; we also mentioned that “…the WALK-RWD System is a mechanism that by its functional structure, forces the organism, to be permanently in imbalance or instability, when reading, writing and drawing, while constantly walking. And this permanent process is precisely the one that forces the organism to use homeostasis to regulate and stabilize the physiological and mental indexes of the body, within certain healthy limits”. Hence, it is imperative and healthy that we walk backward from time to time to self-generate functional Homeostasis which in turn will generate us to use new functional and physical areas of the brain and likewise, put to work all our organs, systems and glands, which will generate physical and mental health, and emotional stability.

The special case of walking backwards is that of Michel Jackson, by means of his great showy way of dancing. It is done with rhythm and in a very personal and natural way (Post WALKING AND DANCING). Another outstanding fact is the one we have pointed out in Ali’s trot when he is boxing (Post THE TROT OF ALI). In Jackson’s case it is an artistic expression, but in Ali’s case it is a mechanism he used to repair his boxing capabilities and potential; in this post we expressed: “It is a very special trot that he performs backward and to his left side. Ali performs this style always jumping on his two lower limbs, to his left side and with slight steps (small and short) backwards. He performs it by circling around his opponent, always rotating around him, and at a constant distance. As we can see, this practice is not natural in the human being’s walk; it is a way to force our body and mind to reach other energetic forms to better develop our functions and also to generate that the mind has other brain areas that have remained dormant”.

This case of Ali is determinant to demonstrate that walking backward generates all that revitalizing process -in a stable imbalance- that we have mentioned in several Posts and that the WALK-RWD System motivates that revitalizing imbalance, by means of its 3 structural activities of reading, writing and drawing, while walking (Posts THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM ENCOURAGES CREATIVE THINKING. PART I; THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE, among others)

The sense most impacted and disturbed by walking backward is the sense of sight, which affects it in such a way that it is also the most interested in exercising and paying more attention to what is happening around it. However, all the senses, both external and internal, are affected and stimulated by this dynamic way of walking (Future Post WALKING AND THE EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL SENSES).

So much has been experimented that walking promotes the harmonious functioning of the cerebral hemispheres, that there is no doubt about it. Walking is an exercise that causes effects on the 2 symmetrical parts of the human body, so any exercise that does so, will have similar effects. However, walking backward is not at all common, and therefore there are no scientific experiences to give us feedback.

Therefore, I invite you to try this special way of walking backward and observe the effects it produces. You will have to do it very carefully and for a few seconds, while you go for a walk. We also recommend that, as the case may be, they be assisted by a person holding their hand.

This experience can be very informative according to what we observe in each of these occasions, walking backward.

You will surely gain several specific benefits, both physical and mental, from becoming a RETRITERANT (a backward walker) by inducing your body to walk backward,

RETRITERANT: Backward walker. From the Latin RETRO: backward, ITER: ROAD, ROUTE, PATH. backward path. Therefore: Backward walker or Walking backward.

RETRITERATION: The activity of walking backward.

RETRITERACT: The action or act of walking backward.

Traducido al Español

THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM AND HOMEOSTASIS

The purpose of the present Post is to transmit that the WALK-RWD system is an efficient homeostatic method, that is to say, its practice generates a Psychological Homeostasis and an Organic or Corporal Homeostasis; in both spheres an efficient and authentic equilibrium.

Traducido al Español

In Post WALKING AND SONAMBULISM, we mentioned the importance of this phenomenon of Homeostasis, in its two aspects, the psychological and the corporal, pointing out that : “… the unconscious, as part of its work, is permanently sending messages to the consciousness to rebalance it (psychological homeostasis) and to the body so that it can develop fully (organic or bodily homeostasis) and it sends them in various forms [symbolic languages], one of them being somnambulism: communicating to the being that it must walk. And therein lies the key to everything: WALKING”.

The quotation expresses the direct relationship that exists between the unconscious and Homeostasis, the latter being a functional manifestation, as its expression is commonly considered to be of the involuntary type.

The first thing to know is that the human body generates a homeostatic balance throughout its being, in order to level, stabilize and harmonize both its physical and mental parts. The functional areas, in which we can observe the impact of this operation relevant to the human being, are:

1. Organic: homeostasis of organs and systems in the body, so it may include several of the areas mentioned.

2.    Cerebral: Cerebral homeostasis refers to maintaining a constant internal environment for the proper functioning of the brain, which is related to temperature, blood flow and other factors.

3.    Psychological: Regulation of emotional and mental aspects, such as emotional balance and stress regulation, which is also linked to physiological processes.

4.    Cellular metabolism: Homeostasis at the cellular level is essential for the proper functioning of all cells in the body.

5.    Oxygenation: Homeostasis in oxygenation is essential to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen to tissues and organs.

6.    Blood glucose: Blood glucose homeostasis refers to the maintenance of blood glucose levels within normal ranges.

7.    Hydration: The balance of fluid and electrolyte levels in the body.

8.    Body temperature: The body’s ability to maintain a constant internal temperature.

9.    Acid-base balance: Regulation of pH levels in body fluids to maintain proper acidity.

10.  Kidney function: The kidney plays a crucial role in regulating the chemical composition of the blood and the elimination of wastes.

11.          Hormonal homeostasis: regulation of hormones in the body to maintain balance in various functions, such as growth and metabolism.

We could consider a larger classification, extending and specifying it for each of the organism’s systems, however, these are included in Organic Homeostasis.

The principle was first discussed by the French physiologist Claude Bernard in 1859, when he stated that living beings had a vital mechanism that allowed them to maintain certain conditions of stability in their internal environment in order to survive.

It is worth taking into consideration the later opinions expressed by some researchers on how demarcated (limited) the term “Homeostasis” was, such as Walter Bradford Cannon, in 1929-1932, Bruce McEwen, in 1998, Peter Sterling J. Eyer, in 1988, the latter two proposed a new term: Alostasis (Allostasis), mentioning that the healthy balance responses that living beings provide do not seek to “maintain a constant internal environment”, but seek to “vary the functioning of organic systems” in an efficient and healthy way.

There is no doubt in my mind that Claude Bernard considered that human beings organically seek to balance their internal environment by adjusting the functioning of their systems. However, whatever Bernard may have thought, this principle – either by calling it Homeostasis or Alostasis – is apotheosic as it keeps the whole being in a perfect state of balanced functioning.

Artwork # 1177.-TZ-VIOLÍN-2-CEJUELA en DO-DECAFONÍA

The WALK-RWD system is a mechanism that, due to its functional structure, forces the organism to transit from a harmonious state to an unbalanced one (stable unbalance), when reading, writing and drawing, while constantly walking. And it is precisely this permanent process that forces the organism to use homeostasis to regulate and stabilize the physiological and mental indices of the body within certain healthy limits.

We have mentioned in several previous posts, that the WALK-RWD System causes the body to self-generate organic substances (Post THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM AND THE SELF-PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC SUBSTANCES) and also causes the brain to make use of areas that it keeps dormant (Post THE WALK-RWD SYSTEM ENCOURAGES CREATIVE THINKING ). When we keep walking in a recurrent way, by the only fact of doing this activity -without incorporating any other-, we promote that our body, generates by itself, certain substances in our organism that are fundamental for its optimal functioning. Physical exercise (WALKING) and mental exercise (READING, WRITING AND DRAWING) stimulate the brain in an intense way which in turn produces positive impulses towards other parts of the brain and other physiological systems of the body. We have already mentioned that the core issue is not only the harmonious development of the brain, but the creation of new pathways in its functioning, involving the use of brain areas that have been left unused.

The coordinated movement generated by walking causes the brain to generate substances through the endocrine system, which in turn stimulate the development and full functioning of neurons, considerably increasing the number of connections between them and the functional areas of the brain itself. There are several fields in which we can appreciate the effect of provoking the gestation of substances and neuronal processes, and where we can obtain positive and effective results in human behavior. In the field of creativity (ideas, memory, inspiration, imagination, etc.) it is one of them and in the field of emotions it is another. Let’s keep in mind that ideas and emotions are vectors with their own energy and that they are in movement and therefore provoke stimuli to all areas of the organism and fundamentally to the brain. So much has been experimented on the fact that walking promotes the harmonious functioning of the cerebral hemispheres, that there is no doubt about it. Walking is an exercise that has effects on both symmetrical parts of the human body, so any exercise that does so will have similar effects.

I would like to pick up on what McEwen and. Eyer, when they defined the new term Allostasis as similar to Homeostasis. They pointed out that the responses that the human being generates, seek to harmonize the imbalance in which the body (physical and mental) falls due to the performance of its own activities and functions, being constantly subjected to stimuli from the external environment, through the variation in the functioning of the organic systems.

These external stimuli, forces and alterations (excitations) that disharmonize the human body, are nothing more than the organized systematization of the 4 activities that give functional structure to the WALK-RWD system, and which the organism itself responds to (Homeostasis) by seeking and achieving a healthy balance.

The WALK-RWD system is not something static, it is the opposite, a dynamic method that generates a functional variation in all the systems, organs and glands of the being, to maintain it in a healthy stability, within certain adequate and healthy limits.

Let’s go for a walk, and by the mere fact of doing so, our organism will be attentive to maintain itself in an efficient homeostatic state.

Traducido al Español