Scree

noun : an accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at the base of a hill or cliff.

Thhhhpbt

Published April 16, 2022 · All posts on Apr 16

Burnout research shows that cynicism is an easy way out when we don’t have the mental resources to cope. It’s no surprise that cynicism is a core attribute of the burnout equation: during a time of ongoing stress it’s much easier to be pessimistic than it is to mobilize and make a difference.

~ Chris Bailey from, Remember: Burnout and cynicism go hand-in-hand

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That short blog post is about news-from-the-Internet and the pandemic, but it’s perfectly applicable to any source of chronic stress. For me, the chronic stress is entirely self-inflicted and the cautions remain the same.

I’ve gotten relief from myself over the years through journaling and blogging. Journalling gives me some perspective. (But it is difficult to do it well, since it can degenerate into subjectivity, navel gazing, or whining.) Blogging gives me the chance to regularly work with the garage door up; showing my work by exposing my thinking. Even if mostly no one calls me on anything, knowing that people are looking calls me to a higher quality of thinking.

Yesterday and today I’ve been thinking about taking another look at cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). A couple years ago I made a pass at understanding it—specifically wondering if one could “do it” to oneself. (Yes.) I’ve dusted off a small volume for a re-read to see what I can tune in my existing self-care routines, and hopefully find some new ones to settle into for a while.

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A good argument

Published April 15, 2022 · All posts on Apr 15

Arguments […] can have a great deal of force for us even if, perhaps especially if, we recoil from [the] actual positions. The better the reasoning, the more [the] work requires us—if we’re going to be honest—to pick out the step where we disagree, and to see what consequences that has for the rest of our thought.

~ Stephen E. Sachs from, Why Listen to Abhorrent Speech

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I do think about this sort of thing.

In my day-to-day life, I rarely encounter something abhorrent. That’s partly because of my privileged position in life, but it’s mostly because I don’t try to overreach. I don’t try to watch “everything” or keep up with “everything” and I very emphatically do not try to have an opinion on everything. But I do, sometimes, encounter things that, while not abhorrent, rise to the level of odious. Which then makes me think, “do I want to have an argument?”

Increasingly, approaching “always” these days, I don’t feel I have the energy for a good argument. That’s not a good sign.

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wait wat?

Published April 14, 2022 · All posts on Apr 14

This community’s value proposition is about more than being the Hacker News or reddit for travel. The focus is squarely on quality.

~ Anuj Adhiya from, «https://cmxhub.com/outbounding-hook-model/»

Yes, please. Based on that statement alone, I’d want to be a part of this sort of community.

The basic idea is that, to create habit-forming communities, you must move a user through a loop that over time will help them develop a habit of returning and contributing to the community. It looks like this: A trigger, internal or external, drives a user to the platform where they get some sort of variable reward, contribute something of their own, and return to the platform later for the same loop.

~ ibid.

Uhmmm… (That slight-squint with slightly-sideways, dubious look happens here.) Habituation is not, per se, a good thing. I agree that it is important to understand how what’s said there actually works; I often talk about the Oxo® handles we all have sticking out of our psyches. The ability to generate a habit in someone else is clearly one such handle.

A community comes into extence from the network of interpersonal relationships. A community isn’t, simply by its existence, a good thing. Also, if those relationships form because of habituation to come to the community space, that still doesn’t mean the community is a good thing. And we don’t even need habituation in order to form those interpersonal relationships. Yes, we may be able to “hack” those relationships into existence via habituation, but there are other ways to encourage those relationships.

I want to be part of communities that understand the nature of the interpersonal relationships, and the effect a community has as a whole. I want to be part of communities where those things are actually positive goods.

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Breathing with Lara Land

Published April 13, 2022 · All posts on Apr 13

How does breathing, embodiment, and connection influence podcasting and personal growth?

Exploring the intersection of embodiment and podcasting unveils unexpected insights.

It’s okay to ask a question that we’ve asked before… sometimes it’s the fifth, sixth, seventh time we hear it that it sinks in.

~ Lara Land (10:48)

The conversation examines the interplay between breathing, embodiment, and podcasting. Breathing, while central to yoga and embodiment practices, poses challenges when combined with the pacing and sentence structure needed for podcasting. The discussion highlights how these techniques differ across disciplines and the adjustments required to integrate them effectively.

The dialogue also explores personal growth through learning and practice. It touches on the struggles of early podcasting, such as question formulation and flow, and the importance of persistence. The role of nature as a restorative and learning space emerges, emphasizing its connection to personal well-being and creative processes.

Takeaways

Breathing practices — Integrating yoga breathing skills into speaking requires adapting to new contexts.

Flow in podcasting — Creating a natural conversational rhythm is a skill that develops over time.

The role of questions — Formulating unique and meaningful questions can enhance the depth of conversations.

Nature as a refuge — Spending time outdoors provides balance and inspiration for creative pursuits.

Learning frustration — The challenges of starting something new are natural but lead to growth and transformation.

Performance adjustments — Adjusting sentence structure and pacing improves podcasting presence.

Energy dynamics — Presence and energy influence the quality of conversations, especially in virtual formats.

Repetition’s value — Repeated ideas often resonate differently over time, enriching understanding.

Resources

Three and a Half Acres Yoga — A nonprofit organization using yoga for community building and trauma healing.

Mindful Nature Guide Leadership Training — A training program focused on guiding outdoor experiences.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Shifts with Eric Ayers

Published April 13, 2022 · All posts on Apr 13

How can personal transformation and shifts in perspective influence creativity, community building, and personal growth?

Discover how shifting one’s perspective can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

It was a conscious shift. It was a change in my consciousness to where I can’t go back so I’m going to go forward and I’m going to bring everyone with me.

~ Eric Ayers (6:11)

The conversation explores how transformative personal experiences can lead to profound shifts in perspective and purpose. Eric reflects on his transition from viewing the world through a negative lens to embracing positivity after a pivotal conversation with his wife. This shift not only changed his approach to life but also influenced his podcasting journey, where he combines personal storytelling with interviews to inspire others.

Key themes include the power of perspective, the importance of community, and the role of persistence in achieving meaningful change. Eric also discusses his journey through self-discovery, dietary changes, and the impact of supportive relationships, highlighting the importance of celebrating small successes and nurturing growth. The conversation emphasizes how intentionality and kindness can inspire shifts in others’ mindsets.

Takeaways

Personal transformation — Small changes in perspective can lead to profound life shifts.

The power of mindset — Choosing to see the world positively transforms experiences.

Breaking patterns — Recognizing and changing destructive loops opens new opportunities.

Community impact — Stories and connections foster growth and collaboration.

Persistence — Success often comes through repeated effort and resilience.

Support systems — Relationships and external encouragement catalyze personal growth.

Creativity in podcasting — Combining formats like interviews and personal narratives can create unique content.

Meditation — Reducing mental noise allows for reflection and self-awareness.

Language matters — Positive self-talk reinforces constructive growth.

Resources

Purpose Empowered Podcast — A podcast focusing on impactful personal stories.

Dr. Joe Dispenza’s works) — Discussing transitioning from thinking to doing to being.

Louise Hay’s teachings — Influencing the guest’s understanding of conscious shifts. URL: https://www.louisehay.com

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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A random proof

Published April 13, 2022 · All posts on Apr 13

Here’s how I do things.

GIVEN…

  • I have a book that has 2,000 pages. (Curiously, it is exactly 2,000 pages.)
  • Life is finite, (and probably also “short.”)
  • It’s unlikely I can get through it front-to-back; I’d like to read as many pages as I can.
  • I’m a systems guy; I want to figure something out once and then never think about that same problem again.
  • I have a personal task management system; It can easily remind me to do things however I’d prefer.

I WISH, that I had an easy way to get a random page number. This strikes me as very easy to build. Therefore, because it is easy, because Internet, and because humans are awesome…

THEN, such a thing must already exist.

THEREFORE, I guessed, “!random”, would exist in my favorite search engine—here, you’re welcome—and quickly found my way to this: https://www.random.org/clients/http/

QED (Quite easily done, yes; But, no.)

All that remains is to skim their simple API docs, and then type this simple URL: https://www.random.org/integers/?num=1&min=1&max=2000&base=10&format=html&col=1

This enables me to create a repeating task which has that URL. I click the link, and flip to that page. You’re thinking, “holy shit no.” And I’m thinking, “tiny building blocks, well placed, get shit done.”

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What do you know

Published April 12, 2022 · All posts on Apr 12

Read that title in the Petulant Voice. (There are the 1st-person, 2nd-person, Narrator, Author, etc. voices; I’ve always thought failure to formally recognize Petulant Voice was a major literary oversight.)

Reasoned skepticism and disagreement are essential to progress and democracy. The problem is that most of what’s happening isn’t reasoned skepticism. It’s the adult equivalent of a two-year-old throwing a tantrum.

~ Shane Parrish from, The Distrust of Intellectual Authority

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As in this article, the majority of what I’ve read—in the 32 years I’ve been reading stuff on the Internet—has been about the skeptic in the skepticism/disagreement relationships. But the responsibility is actually with the side claiming authority.

Always.

Because that’s the moral high road. (The high road is always less crowded.) If one wants to hold oneself out as an authority, then one is responsible for reaching down and helping others up. (Also, is “Tortured” a recognized voice?) One is not responsible for the skeptics whose attention you do not have. But one is responsible for those whose attention you do have; Those skeptics see you. There’s your chance to do good work.

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Sapiens

Published April 11, 2022 · All posts on Apr 11

About 70,000 or so years ago, our DNA showed a mutation (Harari claims we don’t know quite why) which allowed us to make a leap that no other species, human or otherwise, was able to make. We began to cooperate flexibly, in large groups, with an extremely complex and versatile language. If there is a secret to our success—and remember, success in nature is survival—It was that our brains developed to communicate.

~ Shane Parrish from, Yuval Noah Harari: Why We Dominate the Earth

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Sapiens by Y N Hurari has been on my to-read pile for ages. It’s currently aged its way to the no-seriously-I’m-not-kidding pile of books that are near my desk. The run-of-the-mill to-read pile is several bookcases that live in another room.

And the clock is ticking. The weeks—if one lives to 76, one gets 4,000 weeks—tick by and my collection of to-listen-to podcast episodes (I’ve given up; There are no shows that I subscribe to, pretending I’ll listen to every episode) and my to-read books continues to grow. I need to stop screwing around trying to do things and make a living, and instead get back to listening and reading. Chicken and egg problem, that is.

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Change is good

Published April 10, 2022 · All posts on Apr 10

Total efficiency constrains us. We become super invested in maintaining the status quo because that is where we excel. Innovation is a threat. Change is terrifying. Being perfect at something is dangerous if it’s the only thing you can do.

~ Shane Parrish from, Getting Ahead By Being Inefficient

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Change is good. (Although, Don Draper’s comment stands, making a different point.) Today I’m making a big change to some of my personal routines. I want different results than I’m currently getting… or pessimistic-me would say, I want some results rather than the none I’m currently getting. I’m not going to dive into what exactly I’m changing.

Instead, I want to touch on the how I’m changing things. I imagined a blank slate— a day with nothing. Then, what’s something I’d like to do? Okay, let’s put that into my day, (or week, month, life, etc..) Then, what’s something I keep “falling into?” …some habit that I see repeating, which I want to avoid. Okay, put something in which blocks that habit. One might have some non-negotiable blocks. (I’ll point out that those are not truly non-negotiable. They’re just costly to change.) Okay, I’ll put those back into my day.

The hard part is not putting too much back in. It’s the same as with packing my bag for a trip. I set out what I want to take. Then I pack the bag. I assess the degree of over-stuffage. (Notice the verb “to lug” lies within “luggage.”) Next, I unpack the bag, and reduce things. Finally, I repack the bag.

So, when is the last time you dumped out your luggage?

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This is the last time

Published April 9, 2022 · All posts on Apr 9

There was, or will be, a last time for everything you do, from climbing a tree to changing a diaper, and living with a practiced awareness of that fact can make even the most routine day feel like it’s bursting with blessings. Of all the lasting takeaways from my periodic dives into Stoicism, this is the one that has enhanced my life the most.

~ David Cain from, The Last Time Always Happens Now

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This is by far the most important thing I’ve learned in my several decades. I’ve written about this previously, try my “perspective” tag for some tastes, but this item bears endless repeating. Do it as if it is the last time. Think of it, in the moment, as if it is the last time. And for a bonus multiplier—but don’t do this too often or you get disappointed too—think about that thing you’re about to do, the same way. Tomorrow, when I ____ , that will be the last time I get to _____ .

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The doldrums

Published April 8, 2022 · All posts on Apr 8

[T]he comfort zone. This is the bane of all athletes, the enemy of all entrepreneurs and creative[s], and the graveyard of dreams.

~ Dan Edwardes from, Risk and Reward

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This is a ubiquitous problem. Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “stuck in the doldrums“? It’s a literal place where there isn’t much wind, and thus the bane of old-timey sailors. But the metaphorical doldrums are just as real. You can avoid the literal doldrums. You can at best only try to avoid the metaphorical ones. Whether it’s literal or metaphor though, the way out is the same: Concerted, intentional effort to go somewhere else.

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If only

Published April 7, 2022 · All posts on Apr 7

The day is actually quite spacious, if we don’t try to overfill it.

~ Leo Babauta from, Unrushed

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It took me far too long to learn this lesson. Or, perhaps I should practice improving my self-talk: I’m so glad I understand this now. For a couple months early in 2022 I had a sticky-note about “urgency?” on my monitor. That had a profound effect on me. Is the house on fire? …okay, then where is the urgency coming from? Hint, Craig: You brought the urgency to the situation.

But, why? Why does the urgency creep in for me? I make long (long loong) arguments out in my mind about how each of the things that I’m doing, represents an intentional choice. At one time, I used to allow other people to choose for me. (I know, right… That’s nuts.) But these days, I’m working out the lesson that just because I choose, that doesn’t mean it’s a good choice. One choice, two choices, three choices, four, five, six… and the day is over-full. Quick! All these things need to be done—I chose them. Hello, urgency.

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Social with Damien Puddle

Published April 6, 2022 · All posts on Apr 6

Social with Damien Puddle

What insights can be gained about the culture, practice, and academic study of Parkour?

The conversation explores how Parkour evolved into a subject of academic research and its broader cultural implications.

I just got so interested in Parkour that I tried to spin every single project of any kind that I did, towards Parkour. Because I realized there was no— there’s hardly any research written about it at all.

~ Damien Puddle (3:50)

The conversation covers the cultural and academic dimensions of Parkour, including its growth as a global practice. Parkour’s physical techniques are explored, particularly how they contribute to biomechanical understanding and injury prevention. This ties into broader academic efforts to document and analyze Parkour, positioning it as a boundary object uniting diverse interpretations.

Attention is given to the social and philosophical aspects of Parkour. These include its global adoption, differences in regional practices, and how practitioners perceive and engage with the discipline. The conversation concludes with reflections on the broader significance of Parkour as both a personal journey and a collective cultural phenomenon.

Takeaways

Parkour as a boundary object — It unites various interpretations and perspectives across cultural and personal practices.

Regional Parkour variations — Different communities shape the practice in unique ways.

Intersection with academia — The conversation highlights how Parkour has become a legitimate subject for academic research.

Biomechanics and movement — Parkour’s techniques provide insights into safe and efficient movement practices.

Philosophical underpinnings — The practice offers opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth.

Globalization of Parkour — The spread of Parkour highlights its adaptability and universal appeal.

Community engagement — Volunteering and contributing to organizations enrich the practice beyond physical training.

Resources

Boundary Object Theory — A sociological framework discussed as a lens for understanding Parkour’s diversity.

Vincent Thibault’s Books — Works referenced for their cultural perspective on Parkour.

Miami University in Oxford, Ohio — Mentioned as a connection for exchange programs involving Parkour lectures and workshops.

David Belle Videos — Videos of the Parkour founder used in academic presentations to illustrate the discipline.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Authenticity with Aaradhya Tiwari

Published April 6, 2022 · All posts on Apr 6

How do personal approaches to podcasting, storytelling, and authenticity evolve over time and influence podcast production?

A storyteller shares insights on transitioning from solo episodes to engaging interviews.

If it’s not the real me— If it’s not something I love to do, then it won’t be authentic enough to actually go forward with it.

~ Aaradhya Tiwari (8:46)

The conversation explores the evolution of podcasting as a personal and creative medium. Aaradhya reflects on the transition from solo episodes to guest interviews, emphasizing the challenge of overcoming initial fears of rejection and the perfectionist tendencies that often accompany such projects. The importance of authenticity in podcasting is a recurring theme, with a focus on how genuine connections and natural conversations enhance the listening experience.

A mindfulness approach to creativity also features prominently. Observing daily life and being present in the moment are identified as essential practices for sparking creativity and storytelling. The discussion also touches on navigating differences in perspectives during interviews and how such exchanges can enrich a podcaster’s understanding and production quality.

Takeaways

Mindset shifts — Moving past the fear of rejection is a key step in starting and maintaining a podcast.

Perfectionism in podcasting — Striving for authenticity can help overcome the paralysis of perfection.

Storytelling as a foundation — Stories serve as a universal element that bridges differences and enriches content.

Mindfulness practices — Observing surroundings with intent enhances creativity and inspiration.

Adaptability in interviews — Acknowledging and respecting differing perspectives can lead to richer, more meaningful conversations.

Authenticity and passion — Staying true to oneself ensures the podcast remains genuine and engaging.

Resources

 This is Marketing — Seth Godin’s book exploring authentic approaches to marketing and storytelling.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Rhyming

Published April 6, 2022 · All posts on Apr 6

There comes a moment in doing your reading where new work begins to rhyme. When you start to see the connections. When you understand who influenced the person you’re engaging with right now.

~ Seth Godin from, On doing the reading

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I find it difficult to figure out when to shift from empty-cup, learn-everything mode into the mastery mode. Godin’s insight about “rhyming” strikes me as a great test. In the beginning of some new learning adventure, everything is new and everything is surprising. The idea of noticing when a lot of things start to rhyme… of noticing when you can tell who or what influenced this thing you’re currently studying… that is when you notice that you have shifted into the mastery level of practice. Mastery does not—not by a long shot!—mean you are done. It’s more like the point where the airplane pivots and leaps into the sky: Now I am ready to begin my own journey.

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Nope nope nope

Published April 5, 2022 · All posts on Apr 5

The History of Philosophy is an interactive tool enabling users to dig into a visual timeline of 2,500 years of philosophical thought and discover lines of agreement and divergence.

~ Ahmed Kabil from, The History of (Western) Philosophy

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I glanced at this when it appeared in my RSS feed and I had two simultaneous thoughts: “Wow, I should really dig into—” And, “RUN AWAY!” Because, this is exactly the sort of maximally complicated data visualization that I would create.

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What we seem to have forgotten

Published April 4, 2022 · All posts on Apr 4

Here is what we seem to have forgotten: America is not some finished work or failed project but an ongoing experiment. And it is an experiment that, by design, will never end. If parts of the machine are broken, then the responsibility of citizens is to fix the machine—not throw it away.

~ James Mattis from, The Enemy Within

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I’ll just drop that there.

…and I’ll go on to add that it’s interesting how, through loops and curly-Q’s, I often find myself at the same place. There’s a copy of The American Idea: The Best of The Atlantic Monthly in my currently-reading stack.

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Seek to learn

Published April 3, 2022 · All posts on Apr 3

Embracing a growth mindset means to get pleasure out of changing for the better (inward rewarding) instead of getting pleasure in being praised (outward rewarding.) […] to seek as many opportunities to learn as possible is the most reliable long-term growth strategy.

~ Sönke Ahrens from, How to Take Smart Notes

Ahrens of course discusses, and gives credit where credit is due, to Carol Dweck’s ideas. (See Dweck’s, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.) Her comment about “reliable long-term growth strategy” struck me as insightful. Her use of, “most reliable,” is an understatement. What other strategy would even be reliable?

If I want to grow, I need to learn. If I want to learn, I need to maximize those opportunities.

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Protein allocation

Published April 2, 2022 · All posts on Apr 2

By definition LC is about dietary carbohydrate restriction. If you are reducing carbohydrates, your proportional intake of protein or fat, or both, will go up. While I don’t think there is anything wrong with a high fat diet, it seems to me that the true advantage of LC may be in how protein is allocated, which appears to contribute to a better body composition.

~ Ned Kock from, Dietary protein does not become body fat if you are on a low carbohydrate diet

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Zoinks! This short article is dense. I read each paragraph. Then slowly reread the paragraph, squinting slightly and turning each sentence over in my mind. It feels like there’s at least one actionable-item, (something to start doing, or something to stop doing,) in every paragraph. I’ve spent a lot of time in recent years trying to learn what I can about all the things in this article. It’s a beautiful assembly that backs up the thesis in the first paragraph, (which is quoted entirely above.)

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Spacing effect

Published April 1, 2022 · All posts on Apr 1

This is where the spacing effect comes in. It’s a wildly useful phenomenon: we are better able to recall information and concepts if we learn them in multiple, spread-out sessions. We can leverage this effect by using spaced repetition to slowly learn almost anything.

~ Shane Parrish from, The Spacing Effect

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It’s funny how ideas percolate in the brain. This article and another one, (back on the 29th, which is further down in this weekly email,) passed through my radar within a couple of weeks. (I can tell because my general digital reading pile is a FIFO queue.) They were read a few times, but again in relative closeness in time. And they both ended up making the cut to be blog posts.

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