Sculpture is more divine, and more like nature,
~ Longfellow
that fashions all her works in high relief,
and that is sculpture. This vast ball, the Earth,
was moulded out of clay, and baked in fire;
Men, women, and all animals that breath
are statues, and not paintings.
slip:4a899.
Research now demonstrates that neuronal sensory integration actually happens much earlier in the sensory processing pathway and is actually optimized or heightened with multi-sensory stimulation, or what we call sensory stacking.
Sensory stacking is to bring in as many sensory input systems during an exercise or movement for the purpose of enhancing cortical stimulation and neuronal pathways.
~ Emily Splichal from, Sensory Stacking | The integration of tactile, visual and auditory input
slip:4ubase1.
Our entire schtick—whether you self-identify with Art du Déplacement, Parkour or Freerunning, or whatever—is moving in a visually complex environment. That turns out to have a physiological, brain altering affect.
ɕ
How can physical therapy integrate empathy, precision, and awareness to improve patient outcomes?
Movement becomes a gateway to understanding the human experience in this exploration of therapy and wellness.
Curiosity, awareness, and precision are things I think about every single day in my life.
~ Phil Lombardo (21:55)
The conversation navigates the transformative potential of empathy, precision, and awareness in physical therapy. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging patients’ emotions to alleviate stress, improve outcomes, and foster genuine connections. Specific strategies, such as naming emotions and creating resonant interactions, underline how interpersonal dynamics shape the healing process.
Movement is discussed as a critical therapeutic tool, with special attention to the role of the feet. Suggestions for barefoot movement and engaging in balance-focused exercises highlight the untapped potential of proprioception and body awareness. Practical applications of movement therapies, such as the use of tools like two-by-fours, further contextualize the ideas shared.
Takeaways
Curiosity in therapy — Drives deeper connections and understanding between practitioner and patient.
Awareness as a practice — Essential for addressing both physical and emotional facets of healing.
Empathy in medicine — Encourages patient compliance and improves therapeutic outcomes.
Role of the feet — Highlighted as underutilized but vital for balance and movement.
Movement tools — Simple tools like two-by-fours provide accessible ways to enhance balance and proprioception.
Emotional naming — Shown to significantly reduce stress and inflammation.
Precision in care — Critical for tailoring effective therapeutic interventions.
Professional humility — Emphasized as key to continuous learning and better patient care.
Resources
The Movement Creative — Provides resources and events for movement enthusiasts.
Move NYC Event — A community movement gathering mentioned as a focus of discussion.
Earth Runner Sandals — Recommended for minimalist hiking and foot strengthening.
Natural Movement by MovNat — Framework integrated into physical therapy practices.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
How can Olympic weightlifting enhance performance and longevity in Parkour practice?
Technical movements in weightlifting unlock unexpected benefits for Parkour athletes.
A lot of people think like, Oh, I’m just gonna push as hard as I can and, you know, get this bar overhead and basically muscle it. And there’s a lot of danger in that, right? Because there’s not a lot of thought behind it. If you try to muscle something, you’ll only get to a certain point without technique, and kind of the same thing goes for Parkour as well.
~ Joseph Rizzo (2:43)
The conversation explores the intricate relationship between Olympic weightlifting and Parkour, emphasizing the technical nature of both practices. The discussion begins with an explanation of the complexity and precision involved in Olympic lifts such as the snatch and clean and jerk. These dynamic movements are contrasted with static lifts like the squat and bench press, underscoring how technical proficiency can prevent injury and enhance performance in both weightlifting and Parkour.
Another major topic is the carryover between the two disciplines. Weightlifting’s emphasis on explosiveness, shock absorption, and stability has direct applications to Parkour, particularly in reducing impact-related injuries and improving landings. The conversation also touches on how weightlifting reveals imbalances in the body, enabling athletes to address weaknesses and enhance longevity. Joseph explains how technical focus during training—starting with light weights and emphasizing form—can help Parkour practitioners gain strength and resilience.
Takeaways
The complexity of Olympic weightlifting — It requires precise techniques to safely and effectively execute movements like the snatch and clean and jerk.
Impact absorption in Parkour — Weightlifting develops the ability to handle forces several times one’s body weight, improving landing techniques.
Revealing and correcting imbalances — Weightlifting highlights physical imbalances that Parkour alone might not expose.
Complementary training — Weightlifting reduces the frequency of Parkour practice needed to maintain a high level of performance.
Barriers to adoption — Many Parkour practitioners view weightlifting as overly technical and time-intensive.
Longevity through strength — Developing connective tissue strength and joint stability through weightlifting extends training careers.
Programming for beginners — Focusing on technical proficiency during the initial phases of weightlifting ensures safety and skill transferability.
Holistic benefits — Olympic weightlifting offers both physical and mental gains, such as confidence and discipline, that translate into Parkour training.
Resources
The Movement Creative — A Parkour organization that supports training and events.
Move NYC Event — A community event combining movement disciplines, referenced as an upcoming event in Manhattan.
Jefferson Curl — A weightlifting exercise for mobility and spinal flexibility.
The Unknown Project on YouTube — Joseph’s Parkour and movement-based content.
Joseph Rizzo’s Instagram @mr_rizzzo — Joseph’s personal Instagram profile.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
How does practicing contortion influence mental calmness and overall life perspective?
Contortion is not just about physical flexibility but a mental practice of finding calmness.
The only way to do it, was to be calm. You can’t— It’s physically impossible to do it anxious. There’s just no way. So you have to [find] calmness or… or nothing.
~ Tori Kubick (11:33)
The conversation explores the transformative aspects of contortion, emphasizing how the practice fosters mental calmness alongside physical flexibility. Tori shares how she transitioned into contortion as an adult and describes it as a discipline that connects mind and body. She highlights the need for internal calmness, which allows practitioners to push beyond perceived physical and mental limits.
Other topics include the parallels between contortion and problem-solving in other movement practices, such as parkour and aerial arts. Tori discusses the importance of strength complementing flexibility and explains how contortion helps practitioners discover new ways to navigate challenges, both physically and mentally. The conversation also touches on the introverted nature of many contortionists and the rare sense of community they share.
Takeaways
Courage in movement — The willingness to challenge oneself physically and mentally is essential for growth.
Calmness as a necessity — Contortion requires a deep state of calmness to achieve its intricate movements.
Physical and mental synergy — Practicing contortion merges physical effort with mental focus.
Adapting perspectives — Observing challenges from different angles can reveal solutions.
Strength paired with flexibility — Building both attributes in balance leads to greater movement capacity.
Impact on everyday life — Lessons from contortion apply to real-world challenges like stress management.
Shared practices — Contortion creates connections among its niche community of practitioners.
Misconceptions about contortion — Many people wrongly view it as solely innate or purely aesthetic.
Resources
Tori’s Instagram @con_tori_tion — Features content related to her contortion practice and performances.
Tori’s Website — Contains her TED talk, writings on movement, and event details.
Move NYC — An event hosted by The Movement Creative for exploring movement practices.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
How has participation in World Chase Tag and related activities influenced the personal training practices, community dynamics, and professional development of its participants?
World Chase Tag is transforming the perception of traditional playground games into a high-stakes global sport.
It definitely feels like it feels like 3D Chess, but just at a very rapid pace, just because of that other individual in you, you will get feedback from them, regardless of what they do.
~ Frank Mejia (6:53)
The conversation explores the evolution of World Chase Tag (WCT) as a burgeoning professional sport and its impact on participants. The discussion highlights how WCT has shifted from casual beginnings to a structured and competitive framework, requiring athletes to qualify and adopt advanced training regimens. This transformation has made WCT a unique intersection of traditional playground games and professional athletics.
Another focus is on the interplay of individual and community dynamics. Frank describes how engaging in such sports fosters creativity, camaraderie, and personal growth. The conversation also goes into the mental and physical challenges of maintaining focus and adaptability in high-intensity environments, as well as the broader implications of competitive tag on the Parkour community.
Takeaways
World Chase Tag as a professional sport — An evolution from casual games to competitive global events.
Parkour’s role in WCT — How foundational Parkour techniques are adapted for competitive tag.
Training adaptations — Shifting from power-focused to reactive and dynamic movements.
Community influence — How competitive events inspire collaboration and cultural exchange.
Mental challenges in competition — Balancing focus, strategy, and flow states under pressure.
Cultural impact of WCT — Bridging playground games with professional athletics.
Resources
World Chase Tag official website — Information about competitions, teams, and events.
Frank Mejia’s Instagram (@frnkmche4) — Updates and insights from a WCT athlete.
Move NYC — Community-centered events involving tag and movement.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
What insights can be shared about the dynamics, challenges, and benefits of podcasting with a cohost?
Exploring the chemistry between cohosts unveils the intricacies of dynamic podcasting.
I think that I like to push Mike a little bit more, to share what he thinks about, because Mike views himself as maybe more the host that ask the questions and I like the back and forth. Just because he’s not necessarily a subject matter expert— I think that brings out kind of our best conversations when he’s actively learning something or has a different perspectives on stuff.
~ Matthew Jensen (12:41)
The discussion focuses on the dynamics of cohosting a podcast, highlighting the challenges of adapting to another person’s style while discovering the benefits of shared perspectives. Topics include how collaboration shapes the content, from deciding themes to incorporating listener questions. The importance of free-flowing conversations that capture authentic dialogue is emphasized.
The podcast’s community engagement is also explored, with feedback from listeners and support from fellow podcasters enriching the creative process. The conversation includes reflections on rapport-building, fostering shared learning experiences, and leveraging tools like question submission forms to drive interaction. The role of community in demystifying podcasting and offering practical support is acknowledged as a valuable resource.
Takeaways
The benefits of cohosting — Sharing perspectives can enrich podcast discussions.
The value of preparation — Expertise and curiosity create a balanced dialogue.
Listener engagement — Feedback and questions enhance content relevance.
Community support — Connecting with fellow podcasters provides inspiration and solutions.
Improvisational dynamics — Spontaneous discussions foster authentic interaction.
The importance of rapport — Strong interpersonal relationships add depth to conversations.
Technological challenges — Audio quality and video complexities impact production.
Experimentation in format — Trying new approaches, such as live Q&A, expands possibilities.
Resources
The New Next — A podcast discussing current events and their future implications.
Knowledge for Caregivers podcast — A podcast offering insights and tips for caregivers, referenced for its quality and feedback value.
Libsyn — A platform used for hosting podcasts, such as “The New Next”.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
Let us read, and let us dance; These two amusements will never do harm to the world.
~ Voltaire
slip:4a897.
Sometimes I have a “thread of interest” that I simply know I will never have the time to do anything with. Instead of simply ̄\_(ツ)_/ ̄ing and letting it go, I’m sharing this here so I can feel like I did something with it.
The what now? Oh, this periodical…
https://artsandscience.usask.ca/structurist/
…but the links on that page itself are broken. More searching did lead me to find at least some issues in U Sask.’s online store. But they are not cheap. (If they were single-dollars-each, I might just buy them all.)
They are available on ABE Books…
https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/structurist/
Open questions I had:
Does anyone within the sound of my voice have any issues?
Anyone have any commentary about the periodical at large?
Does anyone’s closest library have any of them?
Is anyone near the University of Saskatchewan?
…have a contact there?
…or any in-real-life means of getting more information?
And also, why aren’t the contents of these online? They seem to be culturally significant.
ɕ
What motivates and shapes the approaches and philosophies of movement practitioners in how they train, coach, and engage with spaces?
Designing obstacles and spaces inspires exploration and unique physical expression.
It’s just a more, sort of complicated way of, hanging out with your friends and playing with blocks when you’re a little kid.
~ Nick Anastasia (21:10)
The conversation explores the philosophy and practice of movement through structured play, improvisation, and coaching. Nick reflects on his evolution from exploring movement instinctively to intentionally designing spaces and challenges that inspire others. By creating unique and engaging setups, he aims to foster creativity and adaptability in movement.
Topics include the contrast between indoor and outdoor training spaces, with built environments offering dense opportunities for creativity and flow, while outdoor environments encourage exploration and adaptability. Improvisation plays a crucial role, with games and unstructured activities helping practitioners engage with their surroundings in new ways. Coaching philosophies emphasize introspection and learning, not just for the student but also for the instructor.
Takeaways
Movement in dense indoor setups — enables continuous exploration with minimal steps between challenges.
Outdoor training spaces — encourage discovery and adaptation to changing environments.
Improvisation in movement — develops adaptability and creativity in both planned and reactionary scenarios.
Coaching methodologies — focus on fostering individual growth and introspection for both students and instructors.
Space design and construction — inspire movement by offering unique challenges and creative opportunities.
Play as a philosophy — serves as a foundation for exploring movement, creativity, and collaboration.
The role of discovery — highlights the evolving nature of how practitioners see and use their environment.
Resources
The Movement Creative — A Parkour organization hosting events like Move NYC, focusing on creative and adaptive movement.
Parkour Generations Boston — A community that trains and coaches Parkour with temporary and permanent setups in Boston.
Harvard Square (Boston) — A location used for varied outdoor Parkour classes and exploration.
American Rendezvous — An annual Parkour event mentioned as an example of discovering changing training spots.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
The self, the place where we live, is a place of illusion. Goodness is connected with the attempt to see the unself… to pierce the veil of selfish consciousness and join the world as it really is.
~ Erwin Schrödinger
slip:4a896.
I’ve put forward a physiological hypothesis to explain the psychological Opponent Process theory, which I call the Receptor Control Theory. In essence, our pleasure set point or baseline “happiness” is determined by the density and sensitivity of dopamine receptors in the brain (and elsewhere). In this view, obesity and addiction result from a process of “dopamine resistance”, whereby receptor down-regulation impairs satisfaction and drives cravings. Conversely, high receptor density and sensitivity promote satisfaction and dampen cravings.
~ Todd Becker from, Retraining the limbic brain to overcome obesity and addiction
Phone use might rise to the level of a literal addiction. Its use can certainly cause dopamine release, which is a strong motivator that plays a role in addiction. I used to think that wasn’t true… That my phone didn’t cause dopamine release… That my phone wasn’t causing manipulation of my motivations… then I tried to put my phone down for an entire day.
And then I set about separating using my phone as a tool—which I can do a lot without it being addictive—from my phone’s use of me as a tool.
ɕ
What are the key insights into natural movement, breathing, and how they connect to overall well-being?
MaryBeth Gangemi’s experience as a social worker has had a profound affect on how she approaches her movement practice and working with clients. She shares her own movement journey, from city to country side. MaryBeth discusses the importance of environment, breathing, and play on our ability to move well and ‘naturally.’ She unpacks her thoughts on the connections between social work and movement, as well as creating spaces accessible to all.
So you could say, is walking natural movement? […] But what if you’re walking with your head down looking at your phone, with your mouth open breathing heavy, is that? […] If we want to focus on return to nature type of idea […] how about like, really walk with posture up and look where you’re going and look around and see what’s ahead of you? […] Just not letting all of it pass you by.
~ MaryBeth Gangemi (39:34)
MaryBeth Gangemi is a breath, strength, and natural movement coach, in addition to being a wife and mother. She has certifications in many different areas, including MovNat, Kettlebells, Original Strength, and Buteyko Breathing Method. MaryBeth owns and runs Kairos Strong, where she teaches students to develop quality movement to support all areas of their life.
The conversation explores the profound relationship between natural movement, breathing, and overall well-being. Topics include the importance of posture, awareness, and incorporating nature into daily practices to foster mindfulness. Breathing techniques, such as the control pause, are discussed as vital tools for improving health and managing stress.
There’s an emphasis on rediscovering play, curiosity, and sensory experiences, like walking barefoot or engaging with different textures in the environment. The dialogue also examines the role of environment in shaping movement habits and encourages listeners to explore new activities when their current routines become monotonous or unfulfilling.
Takeaways
Breathing awareness — Understanding breathing patterns can improve oxygenation and reduce stress.
Natural movement — Everyday movements like walking and crawling can be made more mindful and enriching.
Environment’s role — The physical and social environment significantly influences movement habits.
Rediscovering play — Adults can benefit from integrating playful and exploratory elements into their routines.
Mindfulness in motion — Focusing on posture and surroundings enriches movement experiences.
Breathing practices — Simple techniques like the control pause provide tangible health benefits.
Flexibility in routines — Movement practices should be adaptable and enjoyable to sustain long-term engagement.
Resources
Original Strength — A movement system mentioned for its effective breathing exercises.
Buteyko Breathing Method — A technique discussed in the context of improving breathing efficiency.
Julie Angel — A person referenced for their work in showcasing diverse movement practices.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
The sculptor must paint with his chisel: Half his touches are not to realize, but to put power into, the form. They are touches of light and shadow, and raise a ridge, or sink a hollow, not to represent an actual ridge or hollow, but to get a line of ight, or a spot of darkness.
~ John Ruskin
slip:4a894.
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.
~ David Cain from, How to Make Mindfulness a Habit With Only a Tiny Commitment
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.
ɕ
Rewriting [is] very painful. You know it’s finished when you can’t do anything more to it, though it’s never exactly the way you want it… The hardest thing in the world is simplicity. And the most fearful thing, too. You have to strip yourself of all your disguises, some of which you didn’t know you had. You want to write a sentence as clean as a bone. That is the goal.
~ James Baldwin
slip:4a892.
It can be easy to look at great geniuses like Newton and imagine that their ideas and work came solely out of their minds, that they spun it from their own thoughts—that they were true originals. But that is rarely the case.
~ Shane Parrish from, Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
There’s a perennial discussion around creativity that gets described various ways: “Steal like an artist.” “Repurpose what’s been done before.” “Creating new from the old.” I like Parrish’s point, (in the article but not the quote above,) that “geniuses” first mastered the best that others had to offer. Then they go onward and farther to create something new.
If the only thing someone has ever done is sample and remix others’ work… meh. But if someone has mastered some field—art, math, music, whatever—and then recombines and extends, (or pares down or transmogrifies)… then, ok. My distinction feels very close to the, No true Scotsman, logic fallacy, and yet I think it’s a useful distinction.
ɕ
Moral beauty is the basis of all true beauty. This foundation is somewhat covered and veiled in Nature. Art brings it out, and gives it more transparent forms.
~ Victor Cousin
slip:4a889.
I was chatting with my old friend Arthur over a continental breakfast at the Hotel Palomar.
~ Dave Pell from, The Cell Phone Time Machine
slip:4unete1.
I’m deeply in lust for vignettes. I’ve quoted the opening of the short piece and I’m saying nothing further about it. Although, I’ll happily arrange a few more bytes about vignettes.
You see, I’m a sucker for cuts; Cuts in the sense where one visual transitions to another exactly in the way that the real world doesn’t. (With a hat tip to Douglas Adams if that last turn of phrase feels familiar.) Movies like Up, or Bicentennial Man—which I love, but most people seem to pan—or check out the “Epilogue” in the movie, Cherry, (on AppleTV. Get AppleTV for a month just to watch this movie.) I’m a sucker for Vignettes that give you just enough information for you to navigate… and leave to your own devices to pull up your own memories, and to yank on your own heart strings.
ɕ
If you are going to be a writer there is nothing I can say to stop you; If you’re not going to be a writer nothing I can say will help you. What you really need at the beginning is somebody to let you know that the effort is real.
~ James Baldwin
slip:4a887.