FAULT — “So is it possible to be altogether faultless? No, that is impractical; but it is possible to strive continuously not to commit faults. For we shall have cause to be satisfied if, by never relaxing our attention, we shall escape at least a few faults. But as it is, when you say, “I will begin to pay attention tomorrow,” you should know that what you are really saying is this: “I will be shameless, inopportune, abject today; it will be in the power of others to cause me distress; I will get angry, I will be envious today.” See how many evils you are permitting yourself. But if it is well for you to pay attention tomorrow, how much better would it be today? If it is to your advantage tomorrow, it is much more so today, so that you may be able to do the same again tomorrow, and not put it off once more, to the day after tomorrow.” ~ Epictetus, 4.12.19-21
How are you going to continue to trigger yourself to do your morning reflection?
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
MODERATION — “Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
The skeleton of this journey is the 57 prompts which appear at the top of each of these posts. I wasn’t born with those. What will be your prompt, or prompts?
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
FIND JOY IN A FEW SIMPLE THINGS — “For me, those include writing, reading/learning, walking and doing other active things, eating simple food, meditating, spending quality time with people I care about. Most of that doesn’t cost anything or require any possessions. To the extent that I remember the simple things I love doing, my life suddenly becomes simpler.” ~ Leo Babauta
My intention for this series is to bootstrap your practice of reflection. For me to have succeeded, you must end up being self-sustaining in your practice.
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
BEFITTING A HUMAN BEING — “What would you wish to be doing, then, when death finds you? For my part, I would wish it to be something that befits a human being, some beneficient, public-spirited, noble action. But if I cannot be found doing such great things as these I should like at least to be doing that which cannot be impeded and is given me to do, namely, correcting myself, improving the faculty that deals with impressions, toiling to achieve tranquillity, and rendering to the several relationships of life their due; and, if I am so fortunate, advancing to the third area of study, that which deals with the attainment of secure judgements.” ~ Epictetus, 4.10.12-3
The sublime experiences of life can be found anywhere. I’m hoping you find it within this small space you’ve created for reflection.
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
WHAT HAVE I BEEN READING? — I’ve performed this experiment countless times. Read little: nothing happens. Read more: ideas, new connections, inspiration, questions, motivation, short-cuts, wonder.
Many arts teach the lesson of simply being. Zen, for example provides koans: “What is the sound of one hand clapping?”
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
SELF-COMPASSION — Beware the stern, vociferous, insistent, internal critic. In my head, it sounds like me, but it is not me. If I said to another, even a fraction of the things I say incessently to myself, I would be arrested, or more likely, assaulted.
My martial arts teacher, Sensei Wirth, turned the phrase: No this. No that. No delay.
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
How does an individual’s experience with movement and community influence their personal growth and perspective on life?
Moving to a different country and starting over is a challenge that Renae Dambly embraced. She shares how parkour and movement fit into her life, and how she takes care of herself, especially after moving to Germany. Renae unpacks her perception of herself vs other’s viewpoints, and publicly representing parkour. She discusses climbing, injury, competition, painting, and hitting the ‘plateau.’
As an athlete trying to make a positive impression on the public, I’m not going to stop training, but I’m also not going to train in a disrespectful manner. I want to make the best choice to, I think, have parkour viewed in a more positive light. So I will keep training, but I will show respect.
~ Renae Dambly (17:46)
Renae Dambly is an athlete and coach, recently moved to Germany from Colorado. She has a diverse movement background, including track, rugby, and rock climbing in addition to parkour. Renae is pursuing a career in fitness alongside her professional parkour career.
The conversation explores how movement influences personal identity and self-discovery. The participant shares their deep connection with movement, viewing it as a guide and a means of navigating life’s challenges. Experiences of balancing education and movement, adapting to new cultures, and maintaining self-care practices provide a rich context. The discussion includes insights into how movement impacts self-perception and how public perception adds complexity to training and expression.
Key topics include competition’s role as a social connector rather than a competitive tool and the importance of respect and adaptability in representing movement practices. The conversation also touches on creativity, with watercolor painting and art as outlets of self-expression, and the nuanced exploration of personal and societal dynamics in movement and community participation.
Takeaways
Movement as a guide — Movement serves as a constant source of direction and grounding in life.
Dual perspectives in movement — The contrast between self-perception and public viewpoints influences personal training.
Role of competition — Competition acts as a platform for connection and personal assessment rather than just winning.
Adapting to challenges — Balancing life transitions and movement highlights resilience and adaptability.
Art and creativity — Creative practices like painting and sketching provide additional avenues for self-expression.
Cultural perspectives — Exploring the differences between European and American parkour cultures enriches understanding of movement communities.
Self-care practices — Movement, outdoor activities, and art emerge as key tools for maintaining mental and physical well-being.
SHARPEN THE SAW — “It’s preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have–you. It’s renewing the four dimensions of your nature: physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional. … “Sharpen the saw” means expressing all four motivations. It means exercising all four dimensions of our nature, regularly and consistently in wise and balanced ways.” ~ Stephen Covey
A human being. Not a human doing.
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
SINCERITY — “Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
One can bring self-judgement into reflection practice, but it is not necessary. Simply practicing being aware will pay dividends. I’m recommending you do the reflection without the judgement.
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
HONESTY — “I am unafraid as I prepare myself for that day when the artifices and disguises will be stripped away and I shall make judgement of myself. Is it just brave talk, or do I mean what I say? Were they for real, those defiant words I spoke against fortune, or were they just theatre—just acting a part?” ~ Seneca
You’ve put a lot of effort so far into practicing reflection. It’s important that we don’t lose the trees for the forest. The focus of daily reflection is the tree; the forest will take care of itself.
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
MY OATH — Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I shall make no excuses and hold no grudges. I care not where I came from, only where I am going. I don’t compare myself to others, only to myself from yesterday. I shall not brag about successes nor complain about my struggles, but share my experiences and help my fellows. I know I impact those around me with my actions, and so I must move forward, every day. I acknowledge fear, doubt, and despair, but I do not let them defeat me.
Now look back through your week of notes. Maybe write a few notes about your observations of your notes? Maybe, you want to look more into journaling? (Today is the last time I’ll mention journaling in our journey, but I highly recommend continuing.)
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
IS THERE AN ELEMENT OF STRUGGLE IN MY HISTORY? — This reminds me to be kind for everyone I meet is working through their own struggle. Through the experience of my own struggle I can better understand and empathize with others on similar journeys. Furthermore, being reminded of my past struggles suggests perspective on my day-to-day general lack of struggle.
And write several thoughts down today…
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
MUCH ABIDES — Tho’ much is taken, much abides; And tho’ we are not now that strength which in old days moved Earth and Heaven, that which we are, we are; one equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson
I’m not even asking that look back at what you’ve written. Simply write a couple thoughts, (or more than a couple, if you wish.)
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
SYNERGIZE — “What is synergy? Simply defined, it means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It means that the relationship which the parts have to each other is a part in and of itself. It is not only a part, but the most catalytic, the most empowering, the most unifying, and the most exciting part.” ~ Stephen Covey
Today, write the first and second thought. It really, truly, does not matter what the thoughts are. Please try writing them down. Put the paper away until tomorrow.
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
What role do discipline, intuition, and personal transformation play in practicing and teaching yoga?
Mark Balfe-Taylor prefers to ‘go with the flow’ rather than plan everything out… it just so happens that his ‘flow’ led to a successful career as a yoga teacher and trainer. He shares his thoughts on teaching yoga, and the journey he embarked on to get there. Mark discusses the lessons he learned through traveling, and his adjustment to fatherhood. He unpacks the idea of discipline, how it’s impacted his life, his practice, and his work to develop it.
It was mentally how my approach to my daily life was changing because this was now a fundamental piece of the puzzle. And I wanted to be less hedonistic. I wanted to commit to doing this thing. I wanted to explore getting better at this thing. And there was all these noticeable changes, and I felt good and I felt energized. […] I was the guy that couldn’t touch my toes. I was the guy that didn’t feel like I can make and complete the class. And if I was then competently finishing the class and feeling so much better, I was like, I have to share this with other people.
~ Mark Balfe-Taylor (12:17)
Mark Balfe-Taylor is a yogi, teacher, and yoga teacher trainer who has been practicing for 15 years. He has experience and training in many different types of yoga, and spent years traveling the world teaching and learning. Mark is the creator of Revitalize, his own hot yoga sequence, and recently founded the Irie Agency, where he is creating yoga podcasts.
The conversation explores the intersections of yoga, personal transformation, and teaching philosophies. Mark and Craig discuss the foundational role of discipline in practicing yoga and how pushing through discomfort can lead to profound growth. Yoga is framed as not merely physical exercise but a tool for mental clarity and resilience.
A significant part of the discussion highlights the contrast between old-school yoga’s structured discipline and modern trends that emphasize comfort and modification. Mark advocates for a balance where individuals challenge themselves while acknowledging their limits. The conversation also touches on personal stories of transformation through travel and intuition, reflecting on how these experiences informed their journey as a yoga teacher and trainer.
Takeaways
Discipline in yoga practice — Discipline is essential to personal growth and achieving long-term benefits.
The transformative power of yoga — Yoga fosters mental clarity and self-discovery, transcending physical fitness.
The contrast in yoga styles — Old-school discipline contrasts with modern trends of ease and accommodation.
The role of intuition — Intuition can guide life decisions, often leading to unexpected opportunities.
Commitment to community — Building connections with others enhances the practice and teaching of yoga.
Navigating transitions — Life changes, like career shifts, often align with finding deeper meaning in practices like yoga.
Parenting and mindfulness — Incorporating nature and routine aids in balancing parenting challenges with mindfulness.
Resources
The Irie Agency — A platform offering yoga podcasts and online classes.
OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL — “If you should ever turn your will to things outside your control in order to impress someone, be sure that you have wrecked your whole purpose in life. Be content, then, to be a philosopher in all that you do, and if you wish also to be seen as one, show yourself first that you are and you will succeed.” ~ Epictetus
Everything about this journey is, of course, optional. But I want you to find paper and pencil/pen. Don’t over-think that, and don’t try to use something digital. Grab any paper and any pen, and have them handy for tomorrow’s reflection.
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
CREATE SPACE BETWEEN THINGS — “Add padding to everything. Do half of what you imagine you can do. What would it be like if we did less? What would it be like if we padded how long things took, so that we have the space to actually do them well, with full attention? What would it be like if we took a few minutes’ pause between tasks, to savor the accomplishment of the last task, to savor the space between things, to savor being alive?” ~ Leo Babauta
How good is your memory? What’s the first food you had after waking eleven days ago? Perhaps, your memory isn’t _that_ good. How about something you are currently interested in: 11 days ago, did you have any insights from your morning reflection?
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)
SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD — “You’ve spent years learning how to read and write, years learning how to speak. But what about listening? What training or education have you had that enables you to listen so that you really, deeply understand another human being from that individual’s own frame of reference?” ~ Stephen Covey
Awareness of our inward experience, and our outward experience, is the same. It’s the same awareness. These past few days, we’ve taken our awareness on a brief field trip outside ourselves. For the rest of our little journey here, we’ll remain looking inward.
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Arrived in the middle? Visit the first post, Where to begin? (The entire series is available to download as a PDF ebook.)