Author: Craig Constantine

Balance with Sam Sweet and Ben Klein

May 16, 2022

Balance – with Sam Sweet and Ben Klein

What unique insights and experiences do practitioners of partner acrobatics and group acrobatics share about their journey, techniques, and community-building?

Partner acrobatics is a very deep discipline where you can get into very, very advanced poses that take a long time. […] I’d say it’s got a very friendly start to the learning curve. And then it gets harder from there.

~ Ben Klein (2:11)

Partner acrobatics offers a unique blend of trust, technique, and teamwork rarely found in solo practices.

The mental game of acrobatics, partner acrobatics specifically, is something that I struggle with because I had a stronger… solo practice when I was younger.

~ Sam Sweet (6:17)

The conversation explores the unique aspects of partner and group acrobatics. The discussion highlights the discipline’s friendly learning curve, allowing beginners to perform seemingly advanced maneuvers quickly. Sam and Ben emphasize the mental challenges, such as overcoming fear and adapting to being upside down or off-balance. The dynamics of partnership require trust, communication, and synchronization between participants.

Another major theme is the difference between solo and group movement practices. Group acrobatics introduces challenges of collaboration and safety, especially when multiple participants form complex structures. Ben and Sam also describe the cultural and community aspects of acrobatics, showcasing the blend of creativity, interpersonal skills, and physical strength required in these practices.

Takeaways

Trust and communication — essential for both partner and group acrobatics.
Learning curve — beginners can quickly progress to advanced-looking movements.

Mental challenges — balancing requires overcoming fear and adapting to new orientations.

Dynamic relationships — each participant’s role in acrobatics shifts based on the trick.

Collaboration in groups — adds complexity to movements and communication.

Acrobatic diversity — encompasses elements of dance, yoga, and solo hand balancing.

Cultural aspects — fosters a close-knit, supportive community.
Interpersonal skills — crucial for successful partnerships in movement.

Resources

Cosmic Fit Club — a hub for movement practice and aerial training.

Move NYC Event — a movement-focused event with sessions in acrobatics and parkour, organized by The Movement Creative.

Cosmic Fit Club @cosmicfitclub — updates and insights into acrobatics and classes.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Chesterton’s Fence

May 16, 2022

As simple as Chesterton’s Fence is as a principle, it teaches us an important lesson. Many of the problems we face in life occur when we intervene with systems without an awareness of what the consequences could be. We can easily forget that this applies to subtraction as much as to addition.

~ Shane Parrish from, Chesterton’s Fence: A Lesson in Thinking

I’m going to ‘fess up and say that I don’t recall ever hearing of “Chesterton’s Fence.” If you too just went, “who’s what?” then do check out that article.

That said, I’m nervously thinking everything about it—his fence, that article—seems obvious to me. Not simple, but obvious. Any time I find myself with such thinking, rather than stand on my megalomaniac soap box and yell at “those kids”, I instead begin searching for a clear reason for why I know, what I am claiming seems obvious.

In this case, the knowledge comes from learning systems thinking. Somewhere along my way I learned to think about everything as systems of things. I’m always trying to see how this thing is related to, dependent on, and causative of, some other things. Somewhere along my way I found Chesterton’s fence, (but the fence system didn’t include long-term planning for owner identification and so the fence I apparently found wasn’t labeled.)

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Discipline

May 14, 2022

The end for self-discipline is personal improvement; the end for discipline lies beyond the self. This distinction helps explain why individuals can be incredibly self-disciplined and yet see very little external achievement as a result. Sure, they never miss a day writing in their journal and never lose their temper, but those displays of self-mastery don’t automatically lead to outward success.

~ Brett McKay from, Are You Disciplined or Just Self-Disciplined?

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There are lots of ways to talk about this distinction; the particular way described by McKay comes from an author he’s interviewed. I’d never thought about is as “discipline” versus “self-discipline.” I’d always thought of discipline as a thing, and then the “self-” prefix in “self-discipline” means that thing done to myself. And I’m not going to change how I use the words, “discipline,” and “self-discipline.” I see why they’re using “discipline” and “self-discipline.” I think I’d prefer to use, “inward-directed,” and, “outward-directed,” discipline. Everything I do to myself is self-discipline, but when my goal is to change myself, then it’s “inward-directed,” and when my goal is to change the world, then it’s “outward-directed.”

But the point of the distinction is very interesting. Do I actually have goals which are the, “why?” behind my self-discipline? Are those goals an appropriate mixture of inward- and outward-directed?

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Collaboration with Ben Franke

May 13, 2022

Collaboration with Ben Franke

What insights can a photographer share about the collaborative process of capturing movement, particularly when working with athletes?

Discover the intersection of art and athleticism through the lens of a movement-focused photographer.

Having been around so many different athletes, I think what’s really fascinating to me is the process, where you get a front-row seat to the process of them breaking a jump. And working through the challenges. And I can’t get enough of that. That is— I find that so amazing, where someone just gets in a zone. And then they can do this thing.

~ Ben Franke (16:11)

The conversation highlights the intricate collaboration involved in capturing dynamic movement in photography. Ben shares his approach to working closely with athletes, emphasizing the importance of understanding the movement art they practice. This partnership allows him to create compelling images while respecting the athletes’ physical limits. The interaction between artist and subject enriches the process, enabling both to come away with something meaningful.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the creative process, from compositional choices made in the moment to post-processing decisions. Ben also reflects on the evolution of their practice, highlighting a preference for collaborative and thoughtful work over impersonal or candid photography. Practical advice is offered to aspiring photographers, encouraging experimentation and active exploration as a path to discovering personal style.

Takeaways

Collaborative creation — Photography benefits from working closely with subjects, especially in dynamic fields like movement.

Understanding athletes — Gaining insights into athletes’ perspectives enhances the authenticity of the images.

Evolving practice — Creative approaches change over time, shaped by personal experiences and preferences.

In-the-moment composition — Many creative decisions happen in real-time, particularly in high-stakes environments.

Beginner advice — Aspiring photographers should focus on experimenting and actively shooting to develop their craft.

Human interaction — Personal connection between photographer and subject often leads to richer, more meaningful work.

Dynamic environments — Capturing movement in urban or complex settings requires an adaptive, observant approach.

Breaking barriers — Observing athletes as they mentally prepare and achieve feats provides unique storytelling opportunities.

Resources

The Movement Creative — A community organization hosting the Move NYC event.

Move NYC Event — A photography and movement event where the guest teaches photography techniques.

Photoville — An annual photography festival featuring workshops, including photowalks with athletes.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Challenge with Ken Kaus

May 13, 2022

What motivates and challenges individuals when starting and developing a podcast?

Posting a daily question for years transforms a personal habit into a creative legacy.

I am a creator, like— I have this creative— …how did I do this? I just— …just made a decision one day.

~ Ken Kaus (28:35)

The conversation explores the challenges and motivations behind starting a podcast. It begins with reflections on technical aspects such as editing, which surprisingly becomes manageable for Ken due to previous experience with audio software. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt are discussed as significant obstacles to creativity, alongside strategies for pushing through discomfort, like publishing imperfect episodes and focusing on growth rather than perfection.

Another theme revolves around self-expression and communication. Ken reveals how podcasting helps clarify their thoughts and improve everyday communication. He share his practice of posting daily questions as a way to cultivate creativity and build a consistent habit, which now informs his identity as a creator. Both Craig and Ken agree that small steps and persistence are crucial in creative pursuits, offering listeners insights into overcoming personal and professional barriers.

Takeaways

Imposter syndrome — Recognizing and overcoming self-doubt is essential to creative success.

Editing skills — Familiarity with audio tools can ease initial technical challenges in podcasting.

Consistency in creativity — Daily practices like posting questions can evolve into a defining creative habit.

Self-expression — Podcasting provides a platform to refine thoughts and improve communication.

Comfort zones — Pushing beyond comfort zones leads to growth in both personal and professional contexts.

Community and sharing — Sharing content publicly helps foster confidence and a sense of identity as a creator.

Resources

The Low Two podcast — The guest’s podcast, focusing on personal storytelling and self-expression.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Screens and screen time

May 13, 2022

I read and hear a lot about how excessive “screen time” is bad. But there’s a distinction that has to be made: Is the “screen time” tool-use to accomplish something meaningful? …because tool-use is not bad for you. We don’t begrudge the time a mechanic spends wielding his tools; we call that “working.”

Today I spent nearly every waking minute in front of one of four different computer screens. For reasons of sanity and physical health, sometimes I was sitting, sometimes standing, sometimes indoors and outdoors for long stretches too. I also take intentional “vision breaks” to allow my eye muscles to relax—literally relax to infinite focusing distance, which they would otherwise never do facing a screen, or anywhere indoors.

What did I do? I did an enormous number of things. Here are a few examples from today: I submitted a presenter application for an in-person event in September. I worked on my presentation notes for a different, in-person event in 2 weeks. I researched and experimented with exporting the contents of a WordPress site, and then read and interpreted the massive data which was output, to verify that I could later write a program to parse it. I then planned out the work needed to disassemble the project, of which that WordPress site is but one piece. I estimate I spent three hours reading text articles I’d previously queued up to read later. I helped a member of a community sort out a problem they were having.

I, truly, don’t know about you. I however, am an excellent mechanic, with the finest tools, and there remain far more things worth doing than I can ever get done. My problem is not, “screen time.”

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Dani Almeyda and Tim Anderson: Original Strength, Mission, and Synergy

May 12, 2022

Dani Almeyda and Tim Anderson: Original Strength, mission, and synergy

How can movement professionals inspire hope, encourage personal growth, and create spaces that foster inclusivity and collaboration?

‘Peanut butter and chocolate’ perfectly describes Dani Almeyda and Tim Anderson’s working relationship, and why they’ve successfully built a business together. They discuss Original Strength, what it takes to work with someone for 10 years, and why they remain passionate about their work. Dani unpacks her work with the Women’s Movement Collaborative, and Tim shares his process and influences. They explain their beginnings as OS, how they’ve grown, and what motivates each of them personally.

If you walk into our studio on the wall, it says: ‘I am awesomely and wonderfully made.’ That’s the message we want people to get when they come in to learn about themselves.

~ Tim Anderson (22:23)

Tim Anderson is an experienced fitness professional, writer, speaker, and former fire fighter. He has over 20 years of experience as a personal trainer, and is the co-creator of the Original Strength System and Original Strength Institute. In addition to fitness, he has authored and co-authored over 5 books. Tim’s methodology is centered on one key principle; we are meant to feel good and be strong throughout our lives.

Our whole goal has always just been to get people to move— to move and to get back to the very basics and the foundations. And the heart of that has always been that we wanted people to feel the hope that movement can bring into life, and to understand that moving heals the body.

~ Dani Almeyda (23:18)

Danielle Almeyda is a fitness professional with over a decade of experience in the industry. She is a the co-creator of the Original Strength System as well as the Original Strength Institute, and the founder of the Women’s Movement Collaborative. Dani’s passion lies in helping people reclaim their movement and their hope.

The conversation explores the transformative power of movement, highlighting its potential to heal the body and inspire hope. It delves into the foundational principles of the Original Strength system, emphasizing simplicity and accessibility in helping individuals reclaim their innate ability to move well. The speakers discuss their mission to create safe, inclusive spaces where movement becomes a tool for empowerment and personal growth, transcending the traditional fitness lens. They describe their unique partnership, which blends complementary strengths to innovate within the movement education field.

A significant part of the discussion focuses on building connections and fostering collaboration. The speakers share insights from their experiences with the Women’s Movement Collaborative, an initiative designed to create a supportive environment for women to explore movement and build confidence. They reflect on the challenges of maintaining authenticity while scaling their efforts and the importance of being relatable to foster meaningful connections with clients and collaborators. Their shared belief in the power of movement to positively impact lives resonates throughout the dialogue.

Takeaways

Creating safe spaces — The importance of designing environments where individuals feel valued and supported in their movement journey.

Movement as a way of life — Movement is presented not just as an exercise regimen but as an integral part of living with vitality.

Collaboration and synergy — The dynamic partnership described showcases the value of blending strengths to create impactful programs.

Empathy in coaching — Coaches must cultivate compassion and relatability to connect deeply with their clients.

Simplifying movement — Returning to foundational, simple movements can be transformative for physical and emotional well-being.

Women’s Movement Collaborative — The impact of creating women-only spaces to foster confidence, vulnerability, and exploration in movement.

Balancing personal growth and business — Insights into navigating personal and professional development within the movement industry.

Resources

Original Strength System — Dani’s and Tim’s movement system designed to help individuals reclaim their innate ability to move well and feel strong.

Tim’s books — Becoming Bulletproof, Original Strength, Press Reset, and more.

Online Coaching Institute

Women’s Movement Collaborative — An initiative fostering confidence and exploration in movement for women.

Caitlin Pontrella’s

Dan John’s Books and Work — A fitness expert whose kindness and mentorship influenced the speakers.

John Brookfield — Creator of battling ropes.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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The specific outcome

May 11, 2022

The specific outcome is not the primary driver of our practice. […] We can begin with this: If we failed, would it be worth the journey? Do you trust yourself enough to commit to engaging with a project regardless of the chances of success? The first step is to separate the process from the outcome. Not because we don’t care about the outcome. But because we do.

~ Seth Godin

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Reaching the end isn’t the point

May 11, 2022

Much better is to rebuild the skill entirely with a different approach, one that directly addresses your perennial snags. Instead of slowly getting better at your familiar, limited way, you embrace the awkwardness of learning an unfamiliar but stronger method, as though you’ve never done the thing before at all.

~ David Cain from, How to Level Up

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In the article Cain mentions spending as much as 10 minutes in reading one page as part of his larger anecdote from which he’s drawing this lesson. Sometimes it takes me a long time to find enough tranquility in my mind just to feel ready to read. I always have so many thing on the to-do and should-do lists. By the time I get enough of the urgent items beat back into the shadows, often, another days has passed with too little reading. I should do something about that…

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Authentic with Viktor Andersson

May 10, 2022

Authentic with Viktor Andersson

How does photography, particularly portraiture and movement photography, influence people’s self-perception and their ability to express authenticity?

Movement photography captures authenticity in ways still photography often cannot.

The idea of a portrait is to crack this mask and get into the persona, so I actually have a genuine persona, rather than their predefined version of how they think they should look.

~ Viktor Andersson (12:07)

The conversation focuses on the intersections of photography, movement, and self-expression. Viktor describes how portraiture aims to break through individuals’ preconceived notions of how they appear, to uncover a more authentic representation of their persona. He explores the idea of “masks” people create based on societal and personal expectations, contrasting this with the rawness of movement photography, where authenticity often shines through physical action.

A key theme is the importance of making subjects comfortable, whether in photography or coaching. Techniques such as relatability and creating a safe environment are highlighted as ways to help individuals overcome the discomfort of being photographed or performing challenging movements. Viktor also shares a personal philosophy tying their movement practice to their photography, emphasizing the values of strength and usefulness in their work.

Takeaways

Breaking through masks — A portrait should uncover deeper authenticity beyond the subject’s predefined self-image.

Relatability in photography — Building trust is essential for capturing genuine expressions.

Movement versus stillness — Movement photography often reflects authentic emotions compared to the calculated nature of portraiture.

Overcoming obstacles — Photography parallels Parkour in helping individuals face fears and challenges.

Empowerment through portraits — Subjects can experience transformative shifts in self-perception during photo sessions.

Practicality in art — Photography should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also serve a meaningful purpose.

Resources

Quality Movement @qualitymovement — A Parkour and movement organization emphasizing holistic approaches to training and teaching.

Viktor Andersson @grafikeriet — Viktor’s photography brand specializing in portraiture and movement photography.

Art du Déplacement — A philosophical and practical foundation focusing on utility and personal growth.

Georgia Monroe @georgia_munroe_pk — An example cited for her authentic movement photography.

Rendezvous — A Parkour community event mentioned in the discussion as a meeting point.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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The second time

May 10, 2022

This one’s for Mike, who’s been waiting very patiently after reading about the first time.

At any golf course there are people known as the greenskeepers. There are different roles, and it’s a massive undertaking. There’s one superintendent who oversees everything, with different people working on specialized tasks. There’s one person—or I suppose a team at a really important course—who is responsible for the pins.

(more…)

How you play

May 9, 2022

If life is a game, how do you play it? The answer will have a huge impact on your choices, your satisfaction, and how you achieve success.

~ Shane Parrish from, Finite and Infinite Games: Two Ways to Play the Game of Life

There are of course some games simply not worth playing. (For example, Global Thermonucler War, which is, “[a] strange game. The only winning move is not to play.“) For most of my life I’ve thought of games as something I first decided to do—”let’s play a game!”—and then sorted out what sort of game—board games, tag, charades, etc.. Even sports games worked this way; “I feel like playing baseball…” and then round up my friends, or “I feel like getting good at baseball and playing a lot…” and then join a league. In all the cases, the game itself was the point.

Then, back around 40 when I was busy rediscovering movement, I realized that one could start by having a goal, or an idea one wanted to explore, and then one could deploy games as the vehicle for accomplishing that. On the one hand, it’s still fun to simply play for play’s sake, but it’s empowering to have fun playing while intentionally accomplishing something of your own choosing.

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