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No pull-quote. You’ll have to click.
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Merry
Published February 25, 2019 · All posts on Feb 25 ·
Scree
noun : an accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at the base of a hill or cliff.
Merry
How to win the Internet
The difficulty seems to be, not so much that we publish unduly in view of the extent and variety of present day interests, but rather that publication has been extended far beyond our present ability to make real use of the record. The summation of human experience is being expanded at a prodigious rate, and the means we use for threading through the consequent maze to the momentarily important item is the same as was used in the days of square-rigged ships.
~ Vannevar Bush from, As We May Think
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Over in the Movers Mindset community I’ve started a topic titled, How to win the Internet, where I’ve been trying to unpack all my processes and way-of-thinking around how I manage (or at least, attempt to manage) everything I learn.
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Dylan Polin | Forming Partnerships for the Athlete, Coach, & Business Owner
On Castbox.fm — Dylan Polin | Forming Partnerships for the Athlete, Coach, & Business Owner
What are the essential elements for forming and maintaining successful partnerships in the Parkour community, and how can individuals avoid common pitfalls?
Successful partnerships in Parkour hinge on clear communication and defined responsibilities.
One of the biggest takeaways I wanted to talk about was this idea of death from 1000 cuts— when Parkour gyms or coaches or athletes, will try to chase down every single opportunity
~ Dylan Polin (1:05)
The conversation focuses on the key principles behind forming successful partnerships in the Parkour community, covering the roles of athletes, coaches, and gym owners. A significant point of discussion is how partnerships can enhance credibility and provide necessary resources for growth. The analogy of a lion chasing mice versus antelope is used to illustrate the importance of prioritizing high-value partnerships over numerous small, less impactful engagements.
Another key topic is the importance of communication when structuring partnerships. Emphasis is placed on defining responsibilities clearly to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to partnership failures. Additionally, the concept of sunk cost fallacy is highlighted, encouraging individuals to recognize when a partnership is no longer beneficial and to exit gracefully if necessary.
Takeaways
Forming partnerships — Partnerships are vital for growth and credibility in Parkour.
Opportunity management — Pursuing every opportunity can drain resources without yielding significant returns.
High-value partnerships — Focusing on impactful partnerships can provide long-term benefits, even if they require more effort.
Communication clarity — Clear, upfront communication and responsibility division are critical for partnership success.
Partnership pitfalls — Miscommunication or undefined roles can lead to partnership failures.
Exiting partnerships — Recognizing the need to exit unproductive partnerships is key to sustaining long-term growth.
Sunk cost fallacy — Avoiding the trap of continuing partnerships that no longer serve their purpose prevents unnecessary resource depletion.
Resources
Hub Parkour Training Center — Dylan Polin’s Parkour training center in Boston.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Chris Moran: Movement, permaculture, and pain theory
What draws people away from conventional careers and into lives centered on movement, manual labor, and holistic living?
Chris Moran discusses his unique path from personal trainer to farmer, and the relationship between movement and farming. He shares his insights on chronic pain and pain theory, as well as how his training and coaching has become deeply rooted in permaculture. Chris ends by describing his continuing passion for film making and creative projects.
Stay outside. It’s not, go outside, it’s stay outside. Should have never went in, in the first place.
~ Chris Moran (37:40)
The conversation explores the journey of transitioning from urban life and personal training to farming and manual labor. It highlights how engaging with nature and physical tasks provides fulfillment beyond traditional fitness routines. The discussion touches on the serendipitous path that led to farming, the connections made along the way, and how these experiences reshaped views on movement and training.
Key topics include the relationship between manual labor and physical movement, the philosophy of holistic farming practices like permaculture, and how immersive experiences can alter perspectives on wellness and pain. The dialogue also reflects on the challenges of chronic pain, the psychological factors contributing to it, and how shifting to a lifestyle focused on play and practical tasks helped alleviate it. The conversation closes by touching on filmmaking and community building as extensions of this holistic approach.
Takeaways
The role of serendipity — Unplanned encounters and connections can lead to life-changing career shifts.
Movement in manual labor — Engaging in physical work offers a different but equally fulfilling form of movement compared to traditional training.
Parkour as a mindset — Movement practices like Parkour shape broader approaches to life, even when not practiced formally.
Pain science insights — Understanding pain through a biopsychosocial model can alter how chronic pain is managed and perceived.
Permaculture and sustainability — Farming practices rooted in sustainability and regeneration foster holistic wellness.
Community around food — Building community through shared labor and food ties people to place and each other.
Teaching through play — Guiding adults and children in play-based movement fosters deeper engagement with physical activity.
Filmmaking as storytelling — Documenting farm life through film creates a lasting record and strengthens community bonds.
Resources
Cherry Valley Cooperative — The farm where the guest lives and works, practicing permaculture and holistic wellness.
Cherry Valley Films on YouTube — Monthly videos documenting farm life and seasonal changes.
Princeton Waldorf School — The school where the guest teaches movement and play-based classes.
The Watershed Institute — An environmental advocacy and education organization the guest collaborates with through filmmaking.
The Movement Creative — A Parkour and movement-based community and teaching platform in New York City.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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What’s wrong with the world
Ok, here’s what’s wrong with the world (Pt. 2)
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I’m not sure that’s worth linking to. But it is the article that sparked the thought that became this post. So, hat-tip where hat-tip is due.
You’re probably familiar with the common definition of the word “doldrums”: A period of stagnation or slump, or a period of depression or unhappy listlessness. But the common definition comes from the actual doldrums, which is a place in the Atlantic Ocean, more generally referred to as the “Horse Latitudes.”
Here’s the thought I had: I’m in the doldrums.
I’m not in the internally-generated, mental state, that the common definition implies. I’m in a place in my life which is the doldrums.
Old-timey sailors discovered a huge area of the Atlantic Ocean where the winds and sea are unreliable. Once a few explorers got stuck there, “in the doldrums,” on sailing ships, they shared the knowledge with others. Everyone quickly learned to avoid the Horse Latitudes because that place made things difficult.
Long ago I developed the twin skills of self-awareness and self-assessment and set about a long—and ongoing!—journey of self-improvement. But these days, I seem to be stuck in my journey. Why? I’m in the doldrums. I’ve navigated myself to a place which makes things difficult.
Bonus: How did sailors of old get out of the doldrums? When faced with mass dehydration, (it doesn’t rain much in the doldrums,) they’d tie their huge sailing ships to their tiny row-boats, and take shifts towing the ship.
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On writing
I believe that everyone should write in public. Get a blog. Or use Squidoo or Tumblr or a microblogging site. Use an alias if you like. Turn off comments, certainly–you don’t need more criticism, you need more writing.
~ Seth Godin from, Talker’s block
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Thank you. …don’t mind if I do. Coming up on 8 years on this blog, and well over 2,000 posts. :)
Writing here has been useful on two fronts: First, when I do have to write something in some random context, le voila! …every day I suck less at writing. Second, writing clarifies my thinking. (My thinking needs a lot of clarifying.)
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Why storytelling is a big deal
But forget business for a minute. Stores are much bigger than that, they’re central to our human existence. The way we shape reality is through storytelling. If we can tell a story about it, that means it exists. And this explains our species’ unique capacity for metaphor…for that is how we turn abstract ideas into stories.
~ “Gaping Void” from, «https://www.gapingvoid.com/blog/2019/01/15/the-real-reason-why-storytelling-is-a-big-deal/»
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As I mentioned in the meta-interview of me for the Movers Mindset podcast, I love stories and story-telling. But helping others tell their stories is what I enjoy most about the interviews. Everyone is so incredibly different—yes, I too thought that was obvious before I started interviewing people. ;) Some people, I have nothing more to do then press the ‘record’ button. Some people, have something they need to say but it takes hours of conversation to figure that out before I can press ‘record’.
I’ll be candid: The podcast is incredibly painful to create. Until you’ve tried it—I urge you to never try it, by the way—you cannot understand how much time, effort, and money it takes to do it well … did I mention the time? Worse, the more I work on the craft of story-telling, interviewing, and the countless nuances of producing a show. Bottomless, hopeless, endless, thankless, merciless.
But then I randomly listen to an episode from the catalog, one from a while ago that I’ve sort of half-forgotten and I remember why it would be inconceivable to stop this early in the journey.
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When the power goes out for good
The power going out in my apartment was refreshing for that few moments only because I knew it was coming back. There was never any question about that. It’s incredible, the confidence I have in the power coming back on. I have more confidence in the power coming back on than I do in my promise to myself to go running three mornings a week.
~ David Cain from, When the Power Goes Out For Good
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Wow, that truth stings.
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Kasturi Torchia | Study into Lack of Progression
On Castbox.fm — Kasturi Torchia | Study into Lack of Progression
What can be learned from integrating therapeutic psychology into Parkour practices to address mental health and personal growth?
Exploring the therapeutic potential of Art du Déplacement within mental health contexts.
I wanted to show what a discipline of psychology that is human, humanistic person centered, could bring to this.
~ Kasturi Torchia (2:02)
The conversation focuses on Kasturi Torchia’s work integrating counseling psychology with Parkour through her model developed at Esprit Concrete. She discusses how Art du Déplacement can serve as a therapeutic tool, emphasizing the humanistic, person-centered approach that fosters self-awareness and addresses individual mental health needs. The talk also highlights the potential for retraumatization in Parkour training and the importance of recognizing and mitigating these risks through reflective practices.
Kasturi explains how movement can reveal unconscious patterns in participants’ lives, providing opportunities for personal growth and healing. She shares questions and strategies to encourage reflective practice, cautioning that probing too deeply without expertise can be dangerous. She underscores the importance of training coaches to apply these concepts effectively and safely.
Takeaways
Integrating counseling psychology with movement practices — Combining psychological interventions with Art du Déplacement to foster mental health and personal growth.
Humanistic and person-centered approach — Emphasizing individualized care while maintaining group values in Parkour coaching.
Risks of retraumatization in Parkour — Recognizing the unconscious potential for retraumatization and addressing it through therapeutic models.
Importance of reflective practice — Encouraging participants to explore patterns in their movements to uncover deeper emotional and psychological connections.
Challenges in coaching — Highlighting the need for caution and proper training when addressing psychological elements in Parkour instruction.
Movement as a mirror for life patterns — Exploring how challenges encountered in training often reflect broader life struggles.
Therapeutic questions for self-reflection — Using guided questions to help participants gain insights into their emotions and experiences.
Training coaches in therapeutic methods — Developing structured workshops to teach coaches safe and effective applications of psychological practices in movement contexts.
Resources
Esprit Concrete — The organization where Kasturi Torchia applies her therapeutic model blending counseling psychology and Parkour.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Our lives are not what we think
Everything there is, everything we know, hinges on this one bizarre, transient condition — existence — which just happens to be your current reality. We regard the miracle of existence as a goldfish regards water, which means we don’t regard it at all. But if you think about it, it’s an exceedingly peculiar fact — that we exist.
~ David Cain from, Our Lives Are Not What We Think
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My energy and drive to write waxes and wanes. But my desire for perspective is constant. Here’s a big ol’ chunk of a different perspective from David Cain.
My favorite sort of perspective—this has happened to me several times—is when I am completely exhausted. Not sleepy, but physically exhausted. Sometimes this has been when I have a slight fever, when a bout with the flu is beginning. But sometimes it’s just after a long day of physical labor. I lay down, and every muscle in my body is completely relaxed. There’s no urge to fidget, and no urge to move. When I’m completely relaxed like this, exhaling is such a delightfully emptying feeling.
…and sometimes my brain gets quiet enough to think, “oh! This is quite nice.”
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A conversation with Mandy Lam
The conversation with Mandy was the first time I tried simply recording a long conversation, which we published with almost zero editing. I had been talking to people on our team about trying this form of recording, but at some point, you just sort of have to jump in the pool.
I don’t remember where or when I first met Mandy. I don’t remember if someone said, “you should interview Mandy.” “Who?” “Mandy, over there— here, I’ll introduce you.” …or maybe we first met training. I really don’t recall. But I do recall that after a conversation we were like, yeah, let’s do an interview. At some point. Somewhere. Some when.
Then a few more conversations. Then a few stories at Gerlev, and then we were at the 3rd Évry Move event and we kept saying, “we should make time for an interview.” So after dinner one evening, we kicked our feet up in a hotel room overlooking the fountain in front of the Évry Cathedral.
…and talked for more than two hours trying to decide what to talk about in her interview. Two terrific hours of great conversation. We kept looking out from the 4th floor, with the big window swung open wide to the warm night, and thinking, “This is Évry. We’re just casually chatting about communities and life and everything… in the middle of Évry.”
…and the huge water fountain in the plaza sounding like a waterfall.
…and we really should press record soon.
“…ok, so, we’ve now been talking for 2-and-a-half hours. We should probably press record soon.”
Finally, I was like, “fuck it. ready?” and I hit record. Then we talked for another two hours. We recorded this sleep-drunk rambling conversation, and the whole time I’m thinking, “this is going to be so bad. No one will ever want to listen to this.”
Weeks later, I finally listened to it.
There’s a team of people behind the podcast and they always want to know how each interview went. I bet you’ve heard the phrase, “like pulling a rabbit out of your hat,” used when—with a touch of panache—you manage something akin to snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
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The interviews from my perspective
This ongoing series of posts will contain my memories and thoughts from the interviews which I have been doing for the Movers Mindset podcast.
You can—obviously—listen to each interview. But in this series I want to share things about the interviews. I realized that I have begun to tell stories about the interviews, and people are fascinated by those stories as much as by the interviews themselves.
And so I want to share snapshots—imagery and ideas conveyed through storytelling—from the interviews. The podcast is about, among other things, sharing stories and for every interview I have at least one great story I want to tell.
Stories from before the interviews, or after. Or the people in the room you didn’t hear, or beautiful spaces I get to visit, or the time of day, the light, the vibe, the orgin-story of how I first met the guest, how they affected my life or my journey, …
I’m already 27 stories behind and even the most cursory romp down memory lane has brought countless stories to mind.
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One word
I find myself using the word “wish” when I’ve decided I don’t like something the way it is, yet I’m not actually doing anything about it. There’s no real reason to declare my wishes. Whenever I start a sentence with “I just wish…” feel free to ignore me, I’m only wasting your time. My whiny face has probably made you tune out anyway.
~ David Cain from, Four Words That Make Me Suspicious of Myself When I Say Them
Then I have to ask, what does it mean when we say, “I wish you well?”
It means exactly nothing.
If someone is sick, don’t send prayers or well wishes. Instead, tell them you will miss them when they are gone—oviously only in cases where Death is the elephant-in-the-room. In more mundane situations, why not tell someone how much you enjoyed this opportunity to spend time with them. …or how much you appreciate their simply calling to say hello. Don’t “wish” them well. Don’t “try” to keep in touch. (Those are just a few examples that spring immediately to mind.)
Avoiding “wishing” is not easy. I’ve been actively and intentionally working on it for many years. So far, I’ve managed only to become aware of it each time I “wish” or “try.”
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Niko Pal | Holistics Biomechanics
On Castbox.fm — Niko Pal | Holistics Biomechanics
What is the interplay between the body’s systems and stress responses in shaping movement and awareness?
The integration of the nervous system, fascia, and circulatory systems redefines movement and stress management.
Holistic biomechanics is sort of the study of how the body works as a whole, how the mind and body are connected, as opposed to two separate entities.
~ Niko Pal (0:43)
The conversation explores the concept of holistic biomechanics, focusing on the interconnectedness of the nervous, circulatory, and fascial systems. These systems are discussed in terms of their roles in stress response, movement, and awareness. Nico explains how the body’s response to stress can be categorized into active and conservation stages, emphasizing the effects of prolonged stress on physical and mental health. He also introduces a reclassification of stress responses into adaptive and reflexive modes, offering a fresh perspective on how we perceive and manage stress.
Nico shares his personal experience presenting these ideas for the first time, highlighting the challenges of discussing complex topics in front of a large audience. He also discusses practical applications of mindfulness, such as developing sensory awareness of the body’s position in space. These techniques are presented as tools for enhancing movement efficiency and managing stress by fostering a deeper connection between mind and body.
Takeaways
Holistic systems — The nervous, circulatory, and fascial systems work together to support movement and stress management.
Stress response stages — Stress is experienced in active stages like fight or flight and conservation stages like collapse.
Adaptive versus reflexive — Stress responses can be viewed as adaptive (resting) or reflexive (survival-driven).
Fascial system’s role — Fascia connects the body structurally and influences how nerves communicate.
Sensory awareness — Developing body awareness improves both physical structure and stress response management.
Mindfulness in biomechanics — Practical techniques focus on integrating environmental awareness with bodily sensations.
Resources
Forge Parkour, Portland, Oregon — A parkour training center where Nico is the head coach.
Art of Retreat — A leadership and education conference for parkour and movement disciplines.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Mandy Lam: Community, travel, and self reflection
What motivates individuals to embark on journeys that are deeply personal, yet intricately tied to the people and communities they encounter along the way?
Mandy Lam dives right into discussion about her travels, the characters she’s met and communities she has visited. She and Craig discuss the ethos and spirit of Évry Move, where they sat down to talk, as well as their experiences with the Yamakasi. Mandy also shares her thoughts on what makes a good community, the importance of solo training and self reflection, and finally gets around to discussing her major concussion.
It’s always the people. Even from the beginning, before my trip, it was always about the people.
~ Mandy Lam (7:34)
This conversation is a free-flowing discussion that centers on the intersections of travel, community, and personal growth. The dialogue reveals how connections with people—rather than places—become the driving force behind journeys. It highlights the serendipity of meeting individuals who profoundly shape one’s experiences and offers reflections on how cultural practices and storytelling enrich these encounters.
The discussion also examines broader themes such as how physical practices like Parkour serve as a medium for forming relationships and navigating personal narratives. It touches upon the challenges and rewards of creating and participating in events that foster community, drawing from specific examples like the North American Women’s Jam and training gatherings in Europe.
Takeaways
The essence of travel — Experiences are shaped more by the people encountered than the destinations themselves.
Curiosity as a driver — Following personal curiosity leads to deeper connections and richer experiences.
The power of communities — Communities often transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering inclusivity and shared purpose.
Storytelling and connection — Sharing stories serves as a bridge between individuals and cultures.
Importance of shared practices — Activities like Parkour create unique opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.
Flexibility in journeys — Approaching travel without rigid plans opens space for unexpected, meaningful interactions.
Emotional resonance in events — Events focused on community foster deep emotional connections among participants.
Resources
Évry Move event — Annual gathering in Évry, France, focusing on community and physical training.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Taking an “anti-” stance is not a solution
Even from a seemingly unempowered starting point — a budget apartment in some forgettable corner of a society that has been designed to make you sick and impotent — these traits will do more for you than any “Anti” stance you can think of. Hating the system is a favorite American pastime. It feels good, is difficult to stop once you start, and gets you precisely nowhere, not unlike eating Doritos. This is not us against them, it’s us for us.
~ David Cain from, How to Make Trillions of Dollars
I don’t know about you. But it is definitely “me against me.” Not in the sense, “I need to conquer myself,” but in the sense, “I need to stop defeating myself.” What’s that old adage? …be kind for everyone you encounter is fighting a great battle? I need to learn that lesson, and I need to remember that the person I most often encounter is me.
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Get above the snow-line
Everybody has their own private Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb.You may never reach the summit; for that you will be forgiven. But if you don’t make at least one serious attempt to get above the snow-line, years later you will find yourself lying on your deathbed, and all you will feel is emptiness.
~ Hugh MacLeod
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I am way above the snow line. I believe my toes have succumbed to frost-bite. It has not escaped me that people die on Mount Everest. It has not escaped me that no one cares about your ascent unless you come back with a great story.
Unfortunately for my well-being, the sun is out, the sky is blue, and there’s no one left to tell me to stop climbing.
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Desperate to sign anything
They just assumed I must be just like all the other people they represent- hungry and desperate and willing to sign anything.
~ Jason Korman from, «https://www.gapingvoid.com/content/uploads/assets/Moveable_Type/archives/000896.html»
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People sometimes ask, when the Movers Mindset podcast isn’t available in their favorite podcast-player app, why not?
tl;dr: odious clauses in click-wrap contracts.
You should see some of the things! Obviously, there are “hold harmless” clauses obsolving them of any possible responsibility—sure, ok, that’s fine, I am deriving benefit from having our podcast distrbuted through your thing. But some of them want the right to insert ads—not just run ads before or after. Sure, ok, again, you need to pay for your thing; I get that. But insert ads in the middle? Or how about clauses that bind me to defend them in any lawsuit. Not even just related to the content we created—but any lawsuit. Or how about my not being allowed to mention in our advertising that we’re being carried by their thing . . .
sorry
i digress
These odious cases have arisen because it’s a lovers’ triangle: The thing/app convinces the users that everything is rosy. The users lean on me because they can’t hear the podcast, and then the thing/app extorts me. Which is all very closely related to Jaron Lanier’s comment about “our society cannot survive, if…” (And that’s a link to the web site where you can always listen to the podcast, for free, because we control our web site.)
Please—you reading right now—please start paying for things. Choose a podcast player app which is not free. That makes you the customer, and enables them to build a great app. Then they don’t have to strong-arm me. Choose a messaging system, choose a source of information, choose everything(!) by being part of a fair trade with another party.
If you find yourself in a position, where you’re thinking, “this is great and free!” please look around and try to figure out who is actually being taken advantage of… it’s clearly not you, but I assure you, it’s someone else.
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The frickin’ best sports writer on the planet
You get the job because you walk into the editor’s office and go, “Hi, I’m the best frickin’ sports writer on the planet.” And somehow the editor can tell you aren’t lying, either.
~ Jason Korman from, «https://www.gapingvoid.com/content/uploads/assets/Moveable_Type/archives/001070.html»
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It’s critical that you realize this works. It’s even more critical that you notice the “aren’t lying” caveat.
I’ve never liked the mantra, “fake it ’til you make it.” Don’t fake it! Just start working and start asking questions.
My favorite question is, “what would world-class look like?”
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Evan Beyer | Games for Teaching Movement
On Castbox.fm — Evan Beyer | Games for Teaching Movement
What methods can be used to foster trust, connection, and personal growth through movement-based games?
Explore how movement-based games can dissolve barriers and build trust.
In movement you have to trust— you have to trust yourself, you have to trust the objects, and to trust the others in your space.
~ Evan Beyer (6:18)
This conversation centers on the idea of using games to teach movement, break down personal barriers, and build trust among participants. The discussion highlights the progression from non-contact games to activities requiring full physical collaboration. These games are designed to ease individuals into deeper connections with others, both emotionally and physically, by fostering comfort and trust in a structured, playful manner.
The dialogue also explores the challenges of creating a universally accessible framework. It emphasizes flexibility, creativity, and adaptability to cater to different individuals’ needs and comfort levels. The overarching goal is to provide tools that help participants feel safe and empowered while interacting within their communities through movement.
Takeaways
Movement-based games — Techniques that ease participants into trusting others through structured play.
Progression framework — A system that gradually increases the complexity and contact level of games.
Emotional and physical trust — The dual focus of teaching individuals to rely on themselves and others.
Adaptability in teaching — The importance of creativity and flexibility in meeting diverse participant needs.
Playful learning — The value of incorporating fun and engagement to facilitate personal growth.
Comfort through gradual exposure — Methods to guide individuals from apprehension to collaboration.
Social connection — How games can help break barriers and build a sense of community.
Resources
Parkour Generations Boston — The coaching organization where Evan teaches movement-based techniques.
Art of Retreat — An annual conference on parkour leadership and education.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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