Renowned author and game designer Jane McGonigal, who is well-known for her work on games that tackle real-world problems, frequently discusses how running and other similar activities can be more than just physical exercise. She thinks it offers a special chance to think freely and deeply.

Think of your mind as a vast garden that is teeming with ideas, problems, and thoughts of all kinds that require attention. These factors blend together when you're occupied with other tasks during the day, making it challenging to perceive them clearly or deal with them successfully. Running, however, is like pulling out a rake and meticulously going through this garden. Running's repetitive motion creates a soft rhythm that helps you focus your thoughts and analyze each one in greater detail.

According to McGonigal, the peaceful times spent moving are extremely valuable because they provide unhindered time to consider the intricacies of life without the typical outside distractions or interruptions. She resolves issues that arise in her personal and professional life during these periods. This involves more than just decluttering your mind; it also entails sowing the seeds of fresh concepts that may eventually blossom into important endeavors.

She encourages people to see running as a deliberate practice for creativity and mental clarity as well as a way to get fit. Runners tend to their thoughts while running, nurturing them until they are ready to be shared or acted upon in the outside world, much like a gardener tends to their plants.

Jane McGonigal's larger philosophy of using games and activities thoughtfully to enhance personal growth and tackle societal issues is highlighted by this viewpoint on running as a time for reflection. She encourages others to discover their own special methods of incorporating reflective moments into everyday routines through her work and support of active reflection.