PRACTICE DOING NOTHING, EXQUISITELY — “No need to plan, no need to read, no need to watch something, no need to do a chore or eat while you do nothing. You will start to notice your brain’s habit of wanting to get something done. This exposes our mental habits, which is a good thing. Keep doing nothing. Sit for awhile, resisting the urge to do something. After some practice, you can get good at doing nothing, and this leads to the mental habit of contentment and gratitude.” ~ Leo Babauta
Our second week was focused on creating a new habit. Do you have your new habit attached to a trigger?
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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.)
AM I SELF-AWARE? — The first step in my journey was realizing I was unhappy. This realization — detecting it, understanding it, believing it, surrendering to it, and finally owning it — was the first piece of bedrock on which I started building.
It’s time for the student to become the teacher. What prompts and triggers are you going to create for yourself as you go through your life being your own teacher?
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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.)
GET CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT, AND SAY NO TO MORE THINGS — “We are rarely very clear on what we want. What if we became crystal clear on what we wanted in life? If we knew what we wanted to create, how we wanted to live … we could say yes to these things, and no to everything else. Saying no to more things would simplify our lives.” ~ Leo Babauta
The best choice for medium and method—for prompts, for journaling, for reflection—is whatever reliably triggers you to reflect. Make it yours; change it whenever 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.)
WOULD I WANT TO GO ON A LONG CAR RIDE WITH ME? — Long car rides are a quintessential American experience. Along with the good however, comes the opportunity for bad. With others present the confined space, lack of privacy, and monotony of rolling vistas create a microcosm of life on a tiny stage. How I share that stage with the others in the car, and what specifically I do while on that stage tells all.
I like to read, and daily-study/daily-devotional books is an entire Genre. But there are also web sites, software, flip cards, … what calls to you?
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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 can individuals use movement, mindfulness, and intentional living to transform their lives and overcome challenges?
Against all odds, Howard ‘Cosmo’ Palmer survived serious heart problems in his childhood to become a healthy, active athlete into his 40s. he describes his childhood health journey and its effects on his life. Cosmo discusses his thoughts on changing your habits, and his personal intentions in the world. He unpacks the meaning behind his nickname and connection to cosmonauts, and shares his heroes and inspirations.
For myself is to be an example to the world that you can learn to love yourself, through what we have as life, and be whatever that means to you, and then give back.
~ Howard Palmer (13:31)
Howard ‘Cosmo’ Palmer is a self-care, meditation, and wellness advocate. Born in Jamaica, and currently living in Colorado, Cosmo uses his mindfulness and meditation practices to balance his other responsibilities: engineering, parkour, and yoga. He is passionate about helping others improve their lives through intentional, peaceful daily actions.
The conversation explores the transformative journey of overcoming childhood health challenges, focusing on how movement served as a means of freedom and self-expression. From severe early health complications to becoming an advocate for mindfulness and intention, Howard shares how physical and emotional resilience shaped his perspective on life. His philosophy of movement emphasizes the connection between the physical and the emotional, treating it as an art form that reflects internal energy.
The discussion also addresses the importance of mindfulness and intentional living in navigating life’s adversities. Cosmo connects his personal experiences to broader cosmic and philosophical concepts, using these frameworks to inspire others. Topics include the evolving nature of identity, the role of habits in personal growth, and the impact of societal and personal adversities on self-awareness.
Takeaways
Movement as freedom — A personal journey of overcoming physical and emotional limitations through movement.
Intention in daily life — Emphasizing how deliberate actions and habits shape personal growth and transformation.
Cosmic philosophy — Connecting self-awareness with universal principles to foster a deeper understanding of life.
Legacy as daily living — Redefining legacy not as a final accomplishment but as a continuous process of authentic living.
Mindfulness and resilience — Using mindfulness to navigate trauma and foster a balanced, conscious life.
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.)