What is the fruit of these teachings? Only the most beautiful and proper harvest of the truly educated—tranquility, fearlessness, and freedom. We should not trust the masses who say that only the free can be educated, but rather the lovers of wisdom who say that only the educated are free.
~ Epictetus
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As I mentioned last week, I was recently on a rather long road trip doing some recording for the Movers Mindset project. I took a lot of stuff on the trip, but here’s the two bags which comprised the complete podcast setup—everything I need to press record is in these two bags. The rectangular bag is a proper, no-cheating, most-stingy-airline carry-on size.
And here’s what’s inside: Two full-size (albeit lightweight) mic stands, 2 sets of full-size headphones, and 3 containers of all the podcast recording and listening electronics. (And it’s all battery powered to boot.)
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I am glad that I paid so little attention to good advice; Had I abided by it I might have been saved from some of my most valuable mistakes.
~ Edna St. Vincent Millay
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I’ve talked previously about simplicity. In particular, the idea that imformed simplicity, following from a beginner’s mind which has moved through understanding the complexity of a topic, is the hallmark of mastery practice. But forced simplicity is an entirely different animal.
Occassionally, I really need to stretch out and tear into some hard work. This week I did 8, long-form recordings in 5 days. Driving, sometimes eating, more driving, arrive, set up, record, drive, sleep, and on and on. At night I’m trying to quickly come up with a plan for the next day; I have to be where, when? …drive time? …traffic? And before I can be comfortable I have the next day under control, I need to get to sleep. Small bits of online work need to be done here and there—
I’m literally sitting by a campfire. My Mac is wifi’d to my iPhone’s cell service. I’m uploading a 90mb audio file to Movers Mindset’s project management system, as I type this blog post.
—then it’s time to sleep. Then jump up and leap into the next day. Organize the van. Is there time to shower today? (This is a real decision, and the answer was not always, ‘yes.’) Can I do my journaling? …not this week? My usual reading? …not this week. Everything I did for 6+ days was laser focused on what happens between when I press “record” and “stop.” Arrive at the location and bring my A-game. Under- or over-caffeinated, sleepy, prepared or not, … game. on.
Forced simplicity can be brutal. But, I got the good tape.
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If [the gods] had made philosophic knowledge also a common attribute and we were all born wise, then wisdom would have forfeited its principal quality, which is that it is not fortuitous. What is precious and magnificent about it is that it does not merely happen to people but that the individual is himself responsible for it and cannot obtain it from others.
~ Seneca
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From now on I hope always to stay alert, to educate myself as best I can. But, lacking this in future I will relaxedly turn back to my secrete mind to see what it has observed when I thought I was sitting this one out. We never sit anything out. We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.
~ Ray Bradbury
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Once, in a dry season, I wrote in large letters across two pages of a notebook that innocence ends when one is stripped of the delusion that one likes oneself. Although now, some years later, I marvel that a mind on the outs with itself should have nonetheless made painstaking record of its every tremor, I recall with embarrassing clarity the flavor of those particular ashes. It was a matter of misplaced self-respect.
~ Joan Didion from, On Self-Respect
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Aside from this being the first time I’ve linked to Vogue… I’d like to turn a phrase or two like that at some point. But unfortunately, me no write that purty. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Sometimes I read things that I really feel I resonate with. I’m honestly not sure if I agree with her—specifically in this essay or in her writing in general. But this grabbed me and so, share I shall.
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What insights and experiences are shared about balancing personal life, professional commitments, and community involvement in Parkour and humanitarian work?
The journey from Washington, DC, to sabbatical in Scotland highlights the value of rest and self-reflection.
You don’t need to earn a break; you’re allowed to just take time off and breathe and enjoy your life a little bit.
~ Adrienne Toumayan (4:59)
The conversation begins with reflections on taking a sabbatical and the challenges of prioritizing rest and recovery. Insights are shared on overcoming self-doubt and embracing the freedom to recharge. Adrienne discusses their unique journey, transitioning between a demanding career in humanitarian aid and their deep involvement in Parkour, where she has contributed to events like the North American Women’s Parkour Gathering.
The dialogue also explores the Adrienne’s contributions to Parkour Earth, emphasizing the importance of foundational work in creating a transparent and inclusive global organization. Additionally, she shares her passion for storytelling through blogs and Instagram, using these platforms to connect with others and inspire engagement with their adventures. The beauty of the Scottish Highlands is also highlighted as a source of inspiration and joy during her sabbatical.
Takeaways
Balancing professional and personal life — Insights on the decision to take a sabbatical and its impact on personal well-being.
Parkour Earth’s mission — Efforts to create a global, transparent organization uniting diverse Parkour communities.
Storytelling through digital platforms — The role of blogs and Instagram in sharing experiences and connecting with others.
Cultural and geographical inspiration — Reflections on the transformative power of travel, especially in Scotland.
Identity and duality — Challenges of navigating a double life between Parkour and humanitarian aid work.
Resources
Adrienne’s Instagram — Personal insights and adventures shared through photography and stories.
North American Women’s Parkour Gathering — Event promoting women’s involvement in Parkour.
Parkour Earth — Global organization fostering the Parkour community.
Isle of Skye — Destination discussed for its magical landscapes and inspiration.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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The great charm of conversation consists less in the display of one’s own wit and intelligence, than in the power to draw forth the resources of others. […] The true man of genius will delicately make all who come in contact with him feel the exquisite satisfaction of knowing that they have appeared to advantage.
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