To suddenly “go mindful” and try to be present all the time is about as easy as running a marathon when you’ve never even run around the block. Since most of us are not present the vast majority of the time, occasional stabs at “being in the moment” are quickly overrun by the colossal momentum of a lifetime of being lost in thought.
There’s much worth reading on David Cain’s Raptitude website. For example, his How to walk across a parking lot, is one of the greatest things I’ve ever read. But the piece I’ve quoted from above stands out as a terrific “how to…” for working on mindfulness.
I’ve been actively working on first self-awareness, then self-assesment and finally mindfulness, for many years. (And writing about my journey as I’ve done so.) But mindfulness is still something that comes and goes for me.
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.
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.)
I have a sequence of daily prompts for myself. The other morning it was, “Am I an energy-giver or -taker”. (There’s more to each prompt.) I thought about the prompt—as I do with each one, every morning—and something new occurred to me related to this prompt…
Whether I’m an energy-giver or -taker depends on what mood I’m in! There seem to be at least 3 moods. OVER-REVVING: Too many ideas, or a new/big idea, on my mind. Interacting with me in this mood really drains people. There’s just too much information flowing from me, and it’s too fast for anyone to follow—energy-taker! DEPRESSED: I know well what this mood is like. I’m no fun to be around… soul-crushing for others to be around me in this mood—energy-taker! …and finally, TRANQUIL: This is the state to be in. It’s also the state where I have the energy and space to be sufficiently aware of the people I Interact with. Only in this state can I listen.
Sure, “3 moods” is an over-simplification, of course. But it feels like a simple and useful pre-flight check: “About to interact? Which mood am I in? …and how can I shift to tranquil if that’s not where I am.”
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.
How can effective breathing techniques and conversational skills enhance personal growth, public speaking, and communication?
Breathing techniques transform fear into confidence, even in high-pressure situations like public speaking.
I changed my mindset I said okay. This is time for me to practice what I preach to implement it to prove to myself yet again that this stuff works.
~ Amy Novotny (3:59)
The conversation explores the intersection of breathing techniques, communication skills, and personal development. Breathing is highlighted as a tool to calm nerves and reduce the body’s stress response, with practical applications shared for public speaking and daily life. Amy recounts their own journey of overcoming fear through mindfulness and changing subconscious habits.
Another focus is the art of effective conversation, emphasizing listening, curiosity, and the role of nonverbal cues in fostering trust. Amy shares insights into creating engaging dialogues and supporting guests in podcasting, including challenges and surprises faced during their journey. Topics range from the technical aspects of hosting to the impact of meaningful conversations on audience trust and connection.
Takeaways
The role of breathing techniques — Calming the nervous system through specific breathing methods helps manage stress and improve performance.
Effective conversation techniques — Listening actively and asking insightful, open-ended questions are key to meaningful interactions.
The challenge of public speaking — Overcoming fear and hesitation requires mindfulness and practice, even for experienced speakers.
Podcasting as a resource — Shows can provide valuable information and connect audiences with experts across various fields.
The impact of mindset — A conscious shift in perspective can transform fear into an opportunity for growth and learning.
The importance of body awareness — Observing physical habits, such as posture and breath, directly impacts mental and emotional states.
Resources
PABR Institute — Amy’s resource for learning breathing and relaxation techniques.
Kirsten Carey — Mentioned as a potential resource for health and wellness guidance.
What does it mean to find freedom and self-awareness through movement and how can that be applied to personal growth?
Movement becomes a metaphor for life, showcasing resilience, mindfulness, and adaptation.
I don’t have any goal when I go out to move. I just want to move and to enjoy it.
~ Sam Govindin (7:00)
The conversation begins by exploring the concept of movement as both a physical and mental discipline. Same reflects on the importance of being present and adaptable in their practice, emphasizing how energy levels, emotions, and focus shape their approach to movement. He discusses how mindfulness influences the experience of flow, and how setting aside expectations allows them to enjoy the process without frustration.
A key topic is the balance between freedom and structure, particularly in dance and parkour. Sam shares insights into how they aim to let go of control while maintaining composure. Personal anecdotes illustrate the journey of finding confidence and authenticity in public and private settings, highlighting the interplay between external judgments and internal self-awareness. The idea of smiling as a cue for readiness exemplifies their thoughtful approach to movement and life.
Takeaways
The importance of listening to one’s body — Adjusting movement practices based on energy levels and emotions enhances safety and enjoyment.
Avoiding the trap of competition — Prioritizing personal growth and enjoyment over external validation prevents burnout and injury.
The power of mindfulness — Using techniques like visualization and smiling fosters calmness and focus in challenging situations.
Freedom in movement — Embracing unstructured, spontaneous actions leads to greater self-expression and creativity.
The role of community — Finding meaningful connections with like-minded people enriches the experience of movement.
Balancing technicality and artistry — Exploring ways to transcend rhythm and technique brings unique insights into dance.
Resources
Sam Ultima @sam_ultima — A collection of videos and photos showcasing movement and dance practices.
How can podcasting and creative practices enhance personal growth, connection, and professional development?
The practice of mindful creative work transforms personal and professional growth.
Podcasting, for me, seemed […] is a much more enabling platform than asking someone for a cup of coffee. It allows you to go deep into conversations because it’s a more exploratory kind of a medium.
~ Saurabh Mithal (2:28)
The conversation discusses the transformative potential of podcasting as a medium for personal and professional growth. Saurabh highlights how podcasting fosters connections by facilitating meaningful conversations and enabling creative exploration. He explains how this medium provides a platform for community building and encourages a growth mindset in various aspects of life.
Another key topic is the impact of shifting creative practices from private (e.g., morning pages) to public (e.g., dailies), which increases mindfulness, empathy, and the quality of the output. The dialogue also touches on the importance of intentionality in interactions, the concept of anti-fragility in careers, and the role of curiosity as a self-sustaining force for continuous learning and growth.
Takeaways
The importance of fostering genuine connections — Podcasting offers a unique way to form deeper connections with others.
The concept of anti-fragile careers — Designing a career that thrives in uncertainty requires consistent creativity, learning, and connection.
The shift from private to public creative practices — Moving creative work into the public sphere enhances its quality and mindfulness.
The role of curiosity — Being passionately curious drives both personal and professional growth.
The impact of recorded conversations — Knowing that a conversation will be recorded and shared raises its quality and depth.
The value of calling out rationalizations — Encouraging people to face their real priorities helps them achieve their goals.
Generosity in creative work — Mindful creation generates value for all participants and audiences.
The interplay of mindfulness and creativity — Awareness of the purpose and context of creative work enhances its effectiveness.
Resources
Passionately Curious — Saurabh’s platform for helping individuals build careers centered around their individuality.
The Akimbo Community — A network of creatives and learners connected through Seth Godin’s workshops.
TK is an all-around mover, a dancer, rock climber, traceusse and earned her degree in athletic training. In addition to her movement practices, TK is a certified authentic Tantra instructor, teaching holistic healing of body, mind, spirit and sex. TK considers herself a sex activist and is the founder of LoveCraft, a sexual coaching and empowerment collective.
Tantra was the obvious place to begin since we were surely going to end up talking about tantric sex. My fear was that most people’s—myself included—knowledge of Tantra would be something to do with the artist, Sting. We immediately agreed that leaving the world only knowing about “men in linen pants” would be a disservice. “Tantra means, literally, to weave light and sound with form, the light being visualizations of your chakras in your body, sound being chants that you’re making, and then the form being your body, your physical body. That’s it, in a nutshell. The way that often looks is meditating. The way a lot of people do that is they’ll meditate and then have sex; they’ll meditate during sex; they’ll meditate on their own without any sex. Yeah, that’s kind of that, which means nothing, right? It’s like a, ‘Cool, and then what?’ which is what got me into having a coach.” — ~ TK from, ~4’40”
What roles do movement, play, and internal-external balance play in human connection and self-expression?
The balance between internal and external experiences shapes how individuals perceive and express themselves.
Let us have the capacity to lose the safety, and the illusion of the safety, that we are given in our century, to figure out that pain is our beautiful companion.
~ Sarah Mohr (16:32)
The conversation explores the intrinsic human connection to movement and play, emphasizing how these activities serve as fundamental forms of communication. The discussion highlights the cultural differences in how movement and play are expressed, with some societies engaging more openly and visibly, while others internalize their play through structured or intellectual means. The relationship between internal and external experiences of play is dissected, particularly through the lens of dance, where the external beauty perceived by audiences contrasts with the internal mental and physical challenges faced by the dancer.
Another key focus is the integration of pain and love as essential forces for learning and personal growth. Pain is presented as a necessary companion that helps individuals rediscover their authentic selves and reconnect with forgotten aspects of their identities. This rediscovery is tied to the idea of balance, both within oneself and in relation to external perceptions, underscoring the role of self-awareness and trust in navigating life’s complexities.
Takeaways
Rediscovering forgotten selves — A significant part of personal growth involves reconnecting with aspects of oneself that have been neglected or forgotten.
Cultural approaches to play — Different societies exhibit varying levels of visible or internalized engagement with play.
Pain as a learning tool — Pain is essential for building trust, love, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Dance as a metaphor — Dance exemplifies the duality of internal struggle and external expression, providing insights into broader human experiences.
Integration of experiences — Personal growth often requires integrating disparate experiences into a cohesive understanding of oneself.
The illusion of safety — Breaking free from the illusion of safety can lead to profound self-discovery and freedom.
Internal versus external truth — Balancing internal perceptions with external realities is central to authentic expression and connection.
Movement as communication — Movement is an intrinsic and universal form of human expression and interaction.
Linda McLachlan is the host and creative spark behind The Arena. Our conversation began with the topic of storytelling. I was interested in learning how she was using storytelling in the context of her podcast. In particular, I wondered if her thoughts on storytelling had changed after applying it to podcasting.
In The Arena, Linda uses a mostly consistent set of questions to power her conversation with her guests. This started as a backbone around which, in each conversation, she could find other questions to ask and build it out. Unexpectedly, the story that comes out each time is quite different.
I find that working in dashes is a spectacular way to make incremental progress on something. My favorite these days is a ~40-minute dash using a large sand timer. My dashes always run a few minutes over, and then accounting for time after the dash—to deal with whatever has come up—these dashes effectively consume an hour of my time. Reading, listening to podcasts I’ve curated for myself, writing, or working on outreach to invite people onto a podcast show, are all things which will never be finished. They’re perfect never-ending projects to be tackled in dashes.
I’ve been using health tracking grids, which I keep directly in my personal journals, and a tasks and project management program called OmniFocus, for over a decade. I have a long running drive to track small steps that lead to big changes or big goals. For a specific type of step, or task if you prefer, this has consistently failed miserably.
The problem is that progress on such projects doesn’t have to be do-it-every-day perfect. I simply need to do it often enough. If I have a row in my health grid, it stresses me out if I go days without ticking it off. The same happens in my tasks and projects software; A recurring to-do item for “reading” just sits there with an aging “was due on” date, adding stress. When January rolled around this year, I removed all my forever-projects from both my health tracking grid, and my tasks and projects software. Perfection, in those two systems, is now something that I can actually achieve.
Now, what to do with the never-ending projects? I spent some time whipping up a spreadsheet of “don’t break the chain” style tracking. (This is not a new idea, I’m aware.) Here are three sheets, for three different groupings of never-ending projects: “Writing” for three different publication places; “Community Building” efforts in three different contexts; and “Reading/Listening” in three different mediums. (On one, I was drawing empty squares, but decided simple dots were fine for “didn’t do.”) I like the filled in panache of which ones are done… they are really done.
Most days, I set myself a rough list of tasks with any things at specific times marked as well, in a small notebook. The tiny size of the notebook helps remind me to not plan too much for each day. It’s an eternal struggle of course. I do not look at these sheets when I’m planning a day. I know what needs to be done—all 9 of these dashes are never-ending projects which I want to see move forward.
“I need to write some blog posts today…” goes on my day’s plan, and that’s going to be one dash, and blog writing is often much longer than 40-minutes. “I’m in an accountability session that’s part of Movers Mindset, and I’m being held accountable to write every day for that…” goes on my day’s plan as a dash. And some other things get added to my day’s plan. Then as my day goes on, I might spontaneously do some reading, or go for a walk and listen to some podcasts. At the end of the day, (or the next morning,) I pick up these sheets from where they site out of my sight and I fill the day in.
Several lessons are being taught me. 9 freakin’ dashes in a day is literally not possible; the most I’ve done is 5 so far. 2+ is the average, and 3 feels like it could really work. It’s interesting that 3 is the number, right? How often do we hear to pick no more than 3 “big rocks” to put into each day? It’s also really clear where my commitment actually falls; That “plan/outline” dash is not just a dash. I start by planning within an enormous outline document which contains all my plans for two entirely different and very large projects. And then I often spend an hour or three working on things from that plan. I should be able to get through that entire plan, and then retire that “project” from the dashes tracking.
I’ve recently made a startling discovery: Maybe there really isa tulpa in my head.
First, I’ve said for many years that my brain is broken. (Yes, I am aware I have terrible self-talk.) Here’s why I call it broken: I am literally unable to NOT see problems. I notice an endless onslaught of things that, in my opinion, could be improved. I don’t mean, “that sucks, I wish it could be better.” No, I mean, “that sucks and it’s obvious this way would be better and if you’d just let me get started . . . ” Adderall might help, I suppose.
Everyone loves that I get stuff done, and try to make things better. But unless you have this same problem, I’d imagine it’s hard to understand how this is debilitating. I am aware that this is recursive—I see my own brain as a broken process that I feel I should repair. All I can say is that you should be happy, and thank your fave diety if that’s your thing, that you don’t understand. Because to understand is to have the problem, and you do. not. want. this. problem.
Second, I’ve also said for many years that, “the remainder cannot go into the computer.” I’m referring to a endless source of struggle in programming and systems administration; Computers are exact, and the real world—with its real people, real problems, and things which really are subjective shades of gray—is not. So programmers and systems administrators factor, in the mathematical sense of finding factors which when multiplied give you the original, reality into the computers. And when factoring reality, there is always a remainder. That remainder shows up when you find your software does something weird. That could be a mistake, but I tell you from experience, it is more often some edge case. Some people had to make choices when they factored.
The result of that second point is that I’ve spent the majority of my life factoring, (and “normalizing” for your math geeks who know about vector spaces,) problems into computers. And then trying to live with the remainders that didn’t go into the computer. The remainders are all in my head. Or on post-it notes on my wall, (back in the day.) Or the remainder is some scheduled item reminding me to check the Foobazzle process to ensure the comboflux has not gone frobnitz. To do that I had to intentionally be pragmatic and logical. And the really scary part is I also learned that the best way to do all of that was to talk to myself—sometimes literally, bat-shit crazy, out loud, but usually very loudly inside my own mind—to discover the smallest, least-worst, remainder that I could manage to live with.
What if those two things were sufficient to create a Tulpa. (I am serious.)
I think there’s a Tulpa in here! (My title is the sign on the front gate.) It is absolutely pragmatic. It knows an alarming amount of detail about things I’ve built, (or maintained, or fixed.) It is cold and calculating. It is terrified that it will forget about one of those details, 2347 will happen, and everyone will run out of ammunition defending their canned goods from the roaming bands of marauders. I definitely don’t “have” the Tulpa. It’s more like discovering there’s an extra person living in your house. Although, I don’t hold hope of banishing this Tulpa, Yoda does make a good point if I’m going to try. So, I should definitely give it a name.
Maybe, Sark?
That is an intriguing idea indeed! Sark, what do you think?
For this coming year I’ve been trying on a number of phrases. Selecting a yearly touch-phrase is a fairly new habit. The oldest one I’m aware of is from 2012, but I’ve not had one every year since 2012. Each chosen phrase has been in English, with last year’s being the sole exception. For 2022, I’m going to stick with English; The point of these phrases is to remind me of… something. I’m generally too clever by half, so keeping it simple is invariably the right choice for me.
In the recent weeks I’ve been letting my mind wander around, while keeping the thought that I’d like to find a good phrase for 2022. This is quite intentionally a way to shift my mental context, to adjust what I find salient. One pays attention to what one finds salient. In my recent wanderings, I found myself returned to a post about focus.
As always, I continue my project of self-improvement. I’ve long been aware that I take on too much— and yet, all efforts to “take on less” only seem to lessen the problem; Like pulling Dandelion weeds but not getting the entire root out. I’ve made an insane effort in countless ways over several decades to make progress towards “take on less.” I’ve long known there must be something underlying.
I love to use a tool I refer to as a “wedge”, to affect changes by altering the normal sequence of things. A wedge can be used to create a space for consideration, to divert my thinking, or to initiate (or change) an activity. It works because the presence of the wedge alters the mental context. My mind proceeds from idea to idea, with an evolving context for that thinking. As the context changes, it constrains—or maybe, “helps select” is a better description—what ideas are going to come to the fore of my mind next. Trains of thought develop this way. The inserted wedge causes, (if it’s done right,) enough of a shift in my mental context.
It’s really difficult to have the wedge be a thought. But orange sticky notes work well. (Until you no longer notice them, of course.)
The action of this wedge is to make me think about why I’m about to do this next thing that feels so urgent.
“Is it really [urgent]?” …like, how a smoke detector sounding off is urgent? Okay, so it’s not that urgent.
“Where does that feeling [of urgency] arise?”
And that is where my train of thought shifts. (So far it has been every time I’ve felt urgency to do something.) Because the feeling comes from my desire for control; There are countless examples. That explains why I’m forever taking on too much.
“Sit with that?” Sit with that realization that the urgency is a reaction to a desire for control. Sit with the knowledge that every attempt at control—all types, all sizes, all shapes, all degrees… attempted control of anything external—has never ended well for me.
I’ve been up for more than two hours today. I’m completely paralyzed by too many things to do. At this point—this point right here where I’ve opened the text box to write a blog post—I’m simply flailing. Simply grasping at any action.
Where’s the actual problem though? The paralysis isn’t from external pressures; it isn’t that I cannot figure out how to get things done in time, or on budget, to meet other’s expectations. All the expectations come from myself. This is a theme which has come up previously here multiple times.
Luke 4:23 springs to mind. What would I suggest if someone came to me with these exact symptoms, and asked me for help? I’d suggest visualizing what would success look like.
“It would be not this feeling!”
Yes, okay. Can you describe the current feeling?
“It’s a frenetic, cacophony of ideas and options, making me feel like progress—progress is clearly possible upon each idea and option, but progress upon any idea or option feels pointless.”
I notice you said, ‘feels pointless’, … why use ‘feels’ rather than ‘is’?
“Because I know that I could easily finish, at an awesome level of execution, any one of these things. So just picking one of them, arbitrarily, for discussion, progress on that one would move it towards completion.”
Are you saying that working on any of one of them— when you focus on that line of action alone— that actually feels like a good idea?
“Well, yes.”
If considering one feels okay, but considering all of them makes working on them feel not okay…
“But how do I choose? How do I be sure that I can finish all of them— all of these projects?”
You are aware that you cannot be certain to finish anything. This last thing you’ve said is a fact of life, because of the dichotomy of control. If you’ve only chosen to work on virtuous things— let’s take that as a given— then all these things you’re struggling to pick among… they’re all nothing more than preferred indifferents. Pick one, since they are all equally awesome. Chop wood. Carry water.
How does the concept of “utterance” shape personal reflection, communication, and creative processes?
The dynamic interplay between internal dialogue and outward communication shapes the creative journey.
The intent— The intent to influence— …and that means, if you want to influence, you’ve got to be at your best and you’ve got to be as pure-hearted as possible.
~ Mary JL Rowe (4:22)
The conversation revolves around the concept of “utterance” as a multi-faceted tool for personal reflection and creative expression. Utterance involves intentionally speaking thoughts aloud, which transforms not only how they are communicated but also how they are understood by the speaker. This process fosters clarity, emotional depth, and self-awareness, offering insights into how one’s words can influence others.
Other topics include the challenges of curating meaningful content, balancing personal authenticity with audience expectations, and crafting a compelling narrative. The idea of creating safe, structured spaces for creativity and collaboration also emerges, emphasizing shared understanding and values such as compassion and mercy.
Takeaways
Utterance as a process — Speaking thoughts aloud changes their impact and understanding.
Intentional communication — Words are most effective when they stem from sincerity and clarity.
Personal growth through reflection — Recording and revisiting thoughts fosters self-awareness and improvement.
Safe spaces for creativity — Creativity thrives with guidelines that encourage trust and freedom.
Balancing authenticity and expectations — Effective communication requires addressing audience needs while maintaining authenticity.
Vision for a better world — Shared values of compassion and understanding can guide collective progress.
Resources
Toastmasters — An international organization offering structured opportunities to improve public speaking and leadership skills.
How can individuals integrate nature, education, art, and personal healing into creating positive change for themselves and their communities?
Lindsey Kleinberg advocates for nature play in the most important way; practicing what she preaches. She shares her experiences raising her family through alternative and nature education, and why it’s important to her. Lindsey describes the benefits home gardening, self-care, and how she approaches creating change. She discusses books, blogging, art, and what she hopes to achieve in her community.
When you’re really working on a personal journey, if you are making those steps for positive impact and change, people around you, whether or not they will admit, they start to feel those things.
~ Lindsey Kleinberg (44:22)
Lindsey Kleinberg is an educator, artist, avid gardener, and nature play advocate. She is the founder of the Finding Place LV, a Reggio-inspired micro school whose mission is to reconnect kids with nature. In addition to her Masters degree, Lindsey is certified in many areas, including Nature-based outdoor education and School Garden Coordinator.
The conversation explores how integrating nature, art, and alternative education can foster healing and inspire positive change. Discussing the importance of organic gardening, Lindsey emphasizes the transformative effects of hands-on, sustainable practices in raising children. These practices encourage empathy, environmental stewardship, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Topics also touch on the role of art in healing, with examples of how creative activities—ranging from murals to gardening—can reconnect individuals to themselves and their communities. Lindsey advocates for simple actions, such as planting seeds or creating small garden spaces, to initiate broader personal and societal shifts. A recurring theme is the necessity of self-care to sustain these efforts, ensuring individuals remain grounded and effective in their pursuits.
Takeaways
Planting seeds of change — Small, intentional actions like gardening can have a profound impact on individuals and communities.
Self-care as a foundation — Addressing personal well-being is critical to sustaining efforts for broader change.
Nature as a teacher — Hands-on experiences in nature foster empathy, creativity, and resilience in children and adults.
Art and creativity — Engaging in art is a powerful tool for personal and communal healing.
The ripple effect of change — Personal growth and intentional practices can influence and inspire those around you.
Raising environmentally conscious children — Early exposure to sustainable practices helps develop lifelong habits of stewardship and care.
Balancing digital presence — While online tools can spread awareness, maintaining human connections remains essential.
Holistic education models — Integrating principles from Waldorf and Reggio Emilia philosophies creates dynamic, experiential learning environments.
What can be learned from reflecting on personal growth and authenticity through the lenses of podcasting and movement?
Exploring the intersection of self-expression and discipline through creative mediums.
Experimentation was key for me. And I think it’s just like, where are you finding the growth?
~ Brandon Douglass (13:04)
This conversation explores the themes of personal growth, authenticity, and creative expression, using podcasting and movement as central mediums. Topics include navigating the gap between public persona and authentic self, the therapeutic and self-reflective aspects of podcasting, and the challenges of overcoming fears both in movement and public speaking. Insights are shared on how the process of self-expression can foster understanding and self-awareness.
The discussion also covers practical aspects of podcasting, such as experimenting with formats, balancing consistency with creativity, and reflecting on past work to identify growth. A significant focus is placed on the importance of intentionality in creative practices and the value of embracing novel approaches to stand out in saturated fields. Movement is presented as both a physical and metaphorical language that enables exploration of different dimensions of self-expression.
Takeaways
The role of fear challenges in fostering personal growth — How embracing fear in movement and creative expression leads to growth.
The gap between public persona and authentic self — Reflections on how podcasting highlights this dynamic.
The therapeutic aspects of podcasting — Using podcasting as a tool for self-reflection and emotional processing.
Experimentation as a path to growth — The value of trying novel approaches to discover new insights.
The interplay of consistency and creativity — Challenging traditional content models to foster innovation.
Movement as a multidimensional language — Exploring different styles and expressions through physical practice.
The value of intentionality — Emphasizing meaningful and deliberate approaches in creative work.
Resources
Height Drop Podcast — A podcast focused on movement, culture, and personal growth.
How can podcasting be used as a reflective tool and integrated into personal and professional growth?
Understanding how solo podcasting can refine public speaking and storytelling skills.
I knew I wanted to start a podcast just because it was a great format. I was going to learn a lot, and it was going to be interesting to have conversations around a lot of things I care about and people’s perspectives.
~ Joe Wehbe (1:29)
The conversation explores podcasting as a medium for personal growth and professional integration. Joe describes how starting a podcast as a solo endeavor helped refine public speaking skills and brought clarity to his thoughts. The discussion emphasizes the iterative relationship between writing and podcasting, where written content often serves as a foundation for podcast topics and vice versa.
Joe shares insights on reflective practices, mentioning the interplay of writing, conversation, and podcasting as tools for self-awareness and development. He highlights the unique role of podcasting in creating reusable resources and fostering connections. The conversation also touches on feedback and audience engagement, illustrating the evolving nature of the podcasting space.
Takeaways
Creating solo podcasts — A method for practicing public speaking and concise communication.
Integration of podcasting — A way to blend personal interests with professional goals.
The role of writing — Writing serves as a foundational tool to clarify and organize ideas before podcasting.
Reflection in podcasting — Podcasting as a secondary draft to refine and communicate ideas.
Community building — Conversations foster network growth and deepen audience connections.
Audience engagement — Feedback is essential for refining podcasting formats and content.
Resource development — Podcasts can serve as a personal resource library for future reference.
How does exploring one’s center and asking questions influence personal growth and understanding?
Asking the right questions transforms challenges into opportunities for growth.
I think that a way to find creativity and inspiration is, try to read something, try to see something that is not what you usually see, that is not what you usually do. Make yourself feel uncomfortable, and make yourself feel comfortable in the uncomfortable.
~ Sebastián Ruiz Jiménez (2:30)
The discussion explores the concept of finding one’s center and how this aligns with personal growth. Sebastián emphasizes the importance of stepping outside comfort zones to spark creativity and curiosity. He shares insights on seeking inspiration through diverse experiences, such as books, podcasts, and challenging unfamiliar activities.
The conversation also touches on the importance of asking meaningful questions, both of oneself and others, to uncover purpose and direction. Philosophical principles, movement practices, and mindfulness techniques are interwoven to illustrate how individuals can align their actions with deeper values. Practical lessons, like maintaining good technique in physical training, underscore the need for balance and awareness.
Takeaways
Finding inspiration — Engage with unfamiliar or challenging ideas to spark creativity.
The importance of questions — Use questions to challenge assumptions and uncover deeper understanding.
Solid foundations — Build strong roots and bases to support sustainable growth.
Teaching through challenges — Encourage self-discovery by posing questions and fostering problem-solving.
Movement as a center — Align physical and mental practices with a central guiding principle.
Mindfulness in action — Maintain awareness by centering thoughts and actions in everyday life.
Avoiding injury — Prioritize proper technique and self-awareness to prevent harm.
Philosophical connections — Relate ideas from philosophy to practical life applications.
Resources
Simon Sinek — Author of “Start With Why” and creator of the Golden Circle framework, emphasizing the importance of purpose in personal and professional contexts.
Start With Why — A book by Simon Sinek that discusses the power of understanding “why” to drive inspiration and success.
Peace Revolution — A meditation project by a Buddhist foundation in Thailand, promoting inner peace as a foundation for sustainable world peace.
Rise of the Guardians — An animated film by DreamWorks that explores themes of purpose and identity through characters like Santa Claus and Jack Frost.
CrossFit — A functional fitness training program combining strength and conditioning, emphasizing holistic body movement.
