In this “wonderful” (John Brandon, Forbes) book, neuroscientist Shane O’Mara invites us to marvel at the benefits walking confers on our bodies and brains, and to appreciate the advantages of this uniquely human skill. From walking’s evolutionary origins, traced back millions of years to life forms on the ocean floor, to new findings from cutting-edge research, he reveals how the brain and nervous system give us the ability to balance, weave through a crowded city, and run our “inner GPS” system. Walking is good for our muscles and posture;?it helps to protect and repair organs and can slow or turn back the aging of our brains. With our minds in motion we think more creatively, our mood improves, and stress levels fall. Walking together to achieve a shared purpose is also a social glue that has contributed to our survival as a species.
As our lives become increasingly sedentary, O’Mara makes the case that we must start walking again—whether it’s up a mountain, down to the park, or simply to school and work. In Praise of Walking illuminates the joys, health benefits, and mechanics of walking, and reminds us to get out of our chairs and discover a happier, healthier, more creative self.
1A: The Joys And Benefits Of Walking With No Destination (Rebroadcast)When the country shut down last April, many didn’t know what to do with themselves. Most Americans had never been homebound with no exit in sight.
But some people found a way to feel less trapped through an activity right under their noses: walking.
Walking has a range of health benefits, from boosting your mood to sharpening your perception of the world.
Freelance journalist Jessica Remo writes:
The pandemic slowed my life down, and the minutia became more interesting. Walks were indulgent — a way to fill up on novelty and nature, away from phones and screens.For this month’s Scientific Method, we’re talking about what walking does for our brains, our emotional health, and even our sense of community.
GUESTS
Shane O’Maraauthor, “In Praise of Walking: The New Science of How We Walk and Why It’s Good for Us.”
Jessica Remofreelance writer; walking enthusiast.
Beth Colliernature-allied psychotherapist
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chrisabraham/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chrisabraham/supportS7E3: Reflections on Faith, Populism, and Personal Anecdotes; Navigating Spirituality, Politics, and Mystical Experiences in Modern Times
S7E2 Existential Threats: Personal and Global Reflections; Drawing Parallels Between Personal Conflict and International Relations
S7E1 Reflections and Musings: A Personal Journey; Exploring the Intricacies of Daily Life and Broader Perspectives
S6E35 Exploring Influence and Authenticity: The Emma Chamberlain Phenomenon; A Deep Dive into the World of Internet Celebrities and Self-Discovery
S6E34 Navigating Global Perspectives: A Deep Dive into Cultural Sovereignty and International Relations; Exploring the Intricacies of Global Politics and Cultural Identity in a Rapidly Changing World
S6E33 Ringing the Art Bell of the Past: Navigating Through Timeless Narratives; A Journey through Radio History, Gun Culture, and the Perpetual Nature of Societal Concerns
S6E32 Divine Warning or Natural Course: Orthodox Christianity and the Climate Crisis; Exploring the Intersection of Faith, Prophecy, and Environmental Change
S6E31 Crossroads of Politics and Technology: Navigating Complex Waters; A Deep Dive into Legal, Political, and Technological Discussions
S6E30 Exploring the Mind's Eye: A Journey Through Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia; Unveiling the Diversity of Human Perception
S6E29 Lenovo ThinkPad X220: Art of Simplification in Tech and Life; Exploring SEO, Lock Picking, and Life's Intricacies
S6E28 6-Year-Olds: The Weight of the World: Youth, Affluence, and Environmental Anxiety; Exploring the Psychological Impact of Eco-Activism on the Next Generation
S6E27 Reflections on Life's Complexity and the Quest for Validation; Navigating Personal Struggles, Global Uncertainties, and the Dynamics of Social Media
S6E26 Commodities, Green Technology, and Personal Reflections; A Deep Dive into Economic Dynamics, Environmental Innovations, and the Essence of Adaptation
S6E25 The Alphasmart Obsession: From Vintage Typewriters to Modern Mechanical Keyboards; Exploring Chris Abraham's Fascination with Alpha Smart Writing Devices
S6E24 Beyond Echo Chambers and Fear; Exploring the Complexities of Global Information in the Digital Age
S6E23 A Diverse Worldview; A Personal and Global Perspective
S6E22 Navigating the Tensions of Self-Defense and Society: Understanding the Fine Line; Exploring the Complexities of Violence, Legal Implications, and Social Dynamics in Today's World
S6E21 Gun Violence: A Comedic Perspective
S6E20 Populism in America Today; a Journey Through Politics, Culture, and Personal Insights; Unraveling the Intricacies of Populism, Trust, and Cultural Perceptions in Today’s World
S6E19 Navigating the Crossroads of Professionalism and Activism; A Thoughtful Examination of Trust, Influence, and Responsibility in Modern Society
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