Analysis Of Rebecca Solnit's Essay 'Aerobic Sisyche'

A Space of Mind There are an infinite amount of thoughts and ideas in every human walking the earth, some widely accepted and written, but an innumerable amount never seen or heard. Rebecca Solnit's essay, “Aerobic Sisyphus and the Suburbanized Psyche” is a critical piece of work focused on walking and the decline of such through the age of industry and modern technology. In my personal opinion I agree with Solnit’s arguments of the decline in social activity and purpose for walking. In many cases this can be seen through modern technology use and reliance, and how some areas are designed. There are also arguments to be found against Solnit, where in certain and specific places and environments despite the technology or structure can be seen …show more content…
In this section of her essay Solnit directs her attention to the idea that people are no longer viewing the physical body as strong and important as advances have made it less of a use. I agree with this fact that expectations for our bodies are less than they have been before, but I contend that travellers are not merely weak parcels. Travelling like this is what Solnit invisions are taking up all our time and thought, but in reality it frees up time to better enjoy life and get numerous other things done. The possibilities available to each and every person through travel, and the time saving efficiency leads to more time to use in a positive way. Solnit discredits this efficiency of the modern world, persuading that these actions are “disembodying”. Repercussions of this can be experienced in society, where everyone is glued to phones, waiting in line, in traffic, or in their own world with headphones blocking the world out. This is flawed perspective. In a multitude of examples these behaviors can increase embodiment, as Solnit explains as a way of being down to earth and being aware and active in such surroundings. In my experience my basement can also be used as an example for this, as it for me is a calming and centering place. As all people have their spaces to learn and be thoughtful. I go to my basement to work on homework and to learn things on YouTube or from the internet, books, and other great experiences. The world that we inhabit has a way of creating wonder in the mind and brings the need to learn more, to study, to think critically and crucially. These concepts are those that embodiment comes from, and don’t need to be from walking. We find them in nature, curiosity, and the world of information at the