Slackline: the mind walking on the rope
Although the Slackline Although it emerged in the 80s, it is now, at the present time, when it is in full growth, booming, being a trend all over the world. Although it is still unknown to some, this balancing sport is seducing more and more followers, attracted by the sensation of freedom, balance and concentration that are required for its practice. If you want to know more about its practice, why it is considered to be "trending"Its origin, philosophy and, of course, the role that concentration plays when walking on the flat rope, here we discover it for you.
What is slackline?
The Slackline is a balancing sport that consists of traversing a flat rope attached between two fixed points under tension. It is usually placed between two trees and is about 5 centimetres wide.
The rope material is also of importance for the practice of this discipline, because it is the same one that makes possible the jumps and dynamic movements, usually made of polyester or nylon. Another essential factor is the tension of the belt. This tension will depend on the athlete's tastes or demands, according to the activity he/she is going to perform, as well as his/her level of experience. Depending on the tension, tricks such as jumps and flips will be executed differently. So, we will have to adjust the tension of the belt to the practice we are going to do.
But we are not only talking about the practice of balancing on the treadmill, or jumps and acrobatics, but also about yoga postures. There are varieties such as the trickline (practised with a 50-millimetre tape close to the ground), the waterline (practised on the water), the Longline (which consists of crossing a 40-metre-long ribbon in various balancing positions). Among others such as the highline and the rodeoline. There are many disciplines of slackline. It is not to be confused with funambulism, where you walk on a taut cable, whereas slackline uses a flat belt.
Origin and practice 'trending‘
Although the traces of this sport are diffuse and can be found in various places, as such, this discipline was formally introduced to the world in the early 80's, when Adam Grosowsky and Jeff Ellington, two climbers from Yosemite Valley, California, began to walk on cables and slack chains for simple entertainment. It should be noted that they both admired the circus-like practices of the circus, and from a very young age were fond of high-wire acrobatics. Over time, both climbers began to manufacture their own equipment for the practice, and little by little it became known to the world until it became a trend.
A few years ago 'Flying FrenchiesThey conveyed their philosophy about this sport in the documentary "I Believe I Can Fly". A very inspiring story about this activity and life itself. Flying Frenchies' have been pioneers of high-altitude slackline (highline). That this sport became '.trendingIn recent years, it has a lot to do with social networks and their virality; photos or videos of people practising it, which inspire and make more and more people dare to try this activity for the first time. Another factor that has made it popular and solidified it as a trend is the idea or the dream we once had of being part of a circus -perhaps in our childhood-, which attracts a public willing to satisfy their curiosity and also to keep fit. On the other hand, we should not underestimate the benefits that this exercise offers to the body: increasing the balance of the body in general, and the increase of strength in the lower body such as glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps and abdominals.
Concentration on the flat rope path
The main focus of this balancing sport lies in the individual's concentration, i.e. his or her ability to stay on a flat rope without falling. Because of this, it can be considered that the philosophy behind this practice has a lot to do with the attention paid to the exact moment, to the present. Therefore, it is of great importance the ability of the slackline practitioner to isolate himself from the elements that can distract him. In this way, not only the body is being exercised, but also the mind by putting it to the test, its strength.
The mind is an indispensable factor for complete mastery of this discipline; someone who is unfocused will not be able to reach the end of the rope. More than having a physically fit body, it is about having a unique mental strength for total concentration and reaching the set goals, no matter the difficulty. Positivism, likewise, comes to the fore for the attainment of such goals.
Taking the first steps: the slackline initiation
In order to take the first steps into the world of flat ropeYou have to have a clear idea of what you will get from this sport, and also take into account what is required for its practice. What will you get? A concentration of great power and relaxation away from everyday burdens, it is only the person and his intention to cross the rope. What is needed? It is simple, two trees and a rope. For those who are just starting out in this world, it is recommended to start with the short strap taut and at a low height. Shoes are optional, you can use them or not during the practice. The slackline starter kit in this discipline is very simple.
We should not help each other and lean on someone; we should find balance and concentration from the beginning, even if this makes us fall again and again. Lean your back against the tree - if this is your case - and from this position focus on a fixed point with your gaze. Never take your eyes off the tree. Your feet should be straight, one behind the other as you move forward. In conclusion, Slackline is a discipline of concentration and mental strength, where the important thing is not to reach the goal, let alone not to fall in the attempt, but to find the ability to overcome the body and mind. To practice it, you don't need many material objects, and to enjoy it, you only need to use the power of concentration.
