Slacklife philosophy

Slacklining or walking on a webbing tensioned between two points is a fun and social physical activity started by climbers in California’s Yosemite Valley in the sixties as a relaxation activity. Though the art of walking on a piece of rope is old at least 2000 years (read more in detailed history), it became more popular in the last decade and the number of slackliners is constantly growing all around the world. International slackline community that shares sustainable values, connectedness and slacklife philosophy is being established and is growing through unique slackline meetings. Because of its versatile nature, slackline represents, to many, much more than just a physical activity, it is a philosophy for life!

 

Walking is relatively easy, but walking on a piece of webbing exposes all the little details of a wide spectrum of skills. Body awareness and control have to be on a very high level to successfully balance. It might not seem that way at first glance, but slacklining can be a powerful mental exercise. It is a real mindfulness meditation that puts us in the present moment and helps us see into our unconsciousness. To walk a slackline one needs to have his/her body and mind in a good harmony. Therefore there is no surprise that we can learn so many useful skills during a balancing game on a simple tight webbing.

The whole process of finding beautiful lines at the seaside, longlines between solitary trees on green fields or a simple picnic in a park are the added bonuses of slacklining. It is very important to filter information and reconnect with nature in our modern frantic material world where the only criterion of success is still economic growth. This is the only way to feel one with nature and to prevent further alienation from our true self. Some of us have found little pieces of paradise through slacklining, been to amazing places on earth, met wonderful people and returned back home with vast amounts of shiny energy. Even a short slackline visit to the local park can be a step away from a daily routine.

We have to let ourselves to research the unknown, seek our potentials, exceed our imaginary limitations and (as it was always in our nature) live life to the fullest and always develop into more complete and better people.

Everyone can find their own personal favorite in many different slackline styles. Short slacklines low to the ground are perfect for novices and for either simple or complex static tricks or yoga poses. If you like focusing through challenging intense situations while still trying to ramain relaxed, going deeper into your mind and exploring its functioning, longlines can become your first choice. Some people prefer wide, super tight tricklines for dynamic acrobatics. All of the above can be set up across the water as a waterline, where completely new balancing challenges awaits you. For the most deep life experiences you can always count on highline.  All the styles have a common ground: unstable environment and never ending search for balance – as in our normal lives.

We found out that we are the most stable and fulfilled only when we realize that we can never be 100% stable or safe (there will be always something that can surprise us) and so we embrace the unstability.

Slackline can be a lot of different things to different people; a fun physical exercise, outdoor art, creative relaxation, meditation, reason for travelling… Slacklining might not be for everyone as everyone can find their own flow of life but slackline mentality is more important than the activity itself and that is we want to share with you.