Life is about tradeoffs. When we know what to say no to, and we know why, we can say yes with comfort and confidence to the things that matter. To the things that last. Work, family, scene. You can have two if you say no to one. If you can’t, you’ll have none.
The words “work”, “family”, and “scene” are of course maleable. I’d argue there’s a fourth—”self” or “health” would be the word I’d choose—and the admonition should be expanded to, “choose any three.” None the less, there something that feels to me very true about it being necessary, in the way the gravity is necessary to obey, about picking two of those three. There was a time when I chose work and scene. It was interesting, for a while. It wasn’t what it was cracked up to be. What’s your list, and which are you choosing?
As did I. And, The Day After, for those who don’t know what that is, … well to be candid, I’m not sure how to describe it. Absolutely, scientifically and viscerally real. I know what it looks like when civilization collapses; and it’s not some kitschy zombie scenario. Disease disables, maims and kills. But nuclear war would return us to Medieval times. I would have been 12 or so when The Day After aired on TV, and I’m confident we watched it. I know I’ve also seen it several times on VHS, (and possibly on Beta as we had one of those for a while too.) There’s an interesting, unresolved question about why don’t we see signs of other intelligent beings… and one legit thought is that, quite possibly, all but vanishingly few races obliterate themselves in a sort of technology limiting event.
The idea of the painter and the sculptor is undoubtedly that perfect and excellent example of the mind, by imitation of which imagined form all things are represented which fall under human sight.
Normally, we think of these difficulties and frustrations as something wrong with us, the other person, or the world. With this kind of view, every failure is another reason to feel bad about ourselves. Every frustration with someone else is a reason to shut down to them or lash out at them. Everything wrong with the world is another reason to feel discouraged.
I recently read a discription of one’s mindset that used the term “expansive.” Having a “growth mindset,” or a “positive attitude,” are other turns of phrase in the same vein. Thinking expansively leads you to find opportunities. For 6+ years I’ve been tinkering on the Movers Mindset project, and a legitimate question comes up: What is the mindset of a mover?
What inspires and informs the practice and teaching of movement, particularly focusing on softness and adaptability, in Parkour?
Training barefoot and the choice of footwear reveal unexpected connections to movement fluidity.
I was always a very power hungry— Very, how far can I jump? How big of a movement can I do? Because that was always what caught the attention. But then […] I watched one of [Minh Vu Ngok’s] videos. And he was just such a beautiful mover, doing everything so elegantly, doing his flips, doing his other tricks. But you know, his video— the audio was just him moving. And it was just so quiet.
~ Josh Nierer (2:19)
The conversation explores the concept of softness in movement and its relevance to Parkour. Josh shares how his initial focus on power transitioned into a fascination with softness after observing a skilled practitioner’s quiet and elegant movements. He discusses biomechanics and how force dissipation through techniques like rolling contributes to more efficient and safer movement. Insights into ground reaction time and muscle memory highlight the technical precision required to master these movements.
Footwear and training methodologies are also discussed, emphasizing the benefits of barefoot training for sensory feedback and movement accuracy. Josh highlights the connection between repetition, strength, and mindfulness in achieving fluidity and quietness in movement. Additionally, he reflects on designing Parkour obstacles and how engineering principles enhance their functionality and versatility.
Takeaways
Repetition in training — crucial for building muscle memory and improving ground reaction time.
Softness in movement — achieved by managing force distribution and avoiding hard landings.
Biomechanics in Parkour — understanding force dissipation through rolling and other techniques.
Mindful practice — combining awareness and technical refinement to improve movement quality.
Importance of footwear — thinner soles can enhance sensory feedback and reduce injury risk.
Versatility in design — designing Parkour obstacles to maximize multiple uses and durability.
Something that irritates you. That’s the anguish of it. Do this book, or die. You have to go through that. Talent is insignificant. I know a lot of talented ruins. Beyond talent lie all the usual words: Discipline, love, luck, but most of all, endurance.
Instead, Will redefined success for himself as winning in such a way that others are satisfied with his success. This implies not only excellence but also magnanimity. It’s like when opposing crowds would give Michael Jordan standing ovations. Or when fellow golfers would congratulate Tiger Woods on his shots. Or, you know, when conceding politicians used to say nice things about their opponents.
I’m reminded of zero-sum games, versus synergy. My definition of success precludes my participation in zero-sum games. I find that Mahatma Gandhi’s, “an eye-for-an-eye just leaves the whole world blind,” brings clarity when I’m uncertain. I often joke, “chaos? disorder?! …my work here is done.” Joking aside, and truth be told, I like to imagine leaving a wake of joy and improvement as I move through the world. I’m also reminded of…
To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children […] to leave the world a bit better […] to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded
After all, you had the amount of body fat and lean body mass that you had because they were the optimal amount to keep you at the optimal temperature given your environment. Then, without changing your environment, you forcefully overrode your body’s attempt to maintain these optimal levels in order to change the level of fat mass you have, and accidently your lean body mass.
That first sentence is sublime. As far as I can recall, it’s the sentence which best describes everything I know—from both knowledge and experiene—about controlling one’s body composition. As I wrote previously in, Exercise, “I am the sort of person who…” has been the gateway each time I’ve been able to affect my body composition. Each time it’s been because I’ve changed my behavior or my environment (or both.)
At the beginning of this week, because I am the sort of person who looks ahead for the major goals and hurdles of the coming week, I realized I needed to get two runs in before Friday; I can’t count on running at the end of the week on Friday, Saturday, nor Sunday. (Monday is the first day of the week for me.) I planned to run Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday night, because I am the sort of person who makes a plan for tomorrow as part of preparing to go to sleep, I realized it was going to be chilly, wet, and drizzling around 7am when I was thinking it would be nice to go for a run. Fortunately, because I am the sort of person who enjoys running in the chill and drizzle the weather forecast didn’t faze me. And Thursday—this morning—, because I am the sort of person who follows through on plans, we were out the door around 7.
How can one effectively initiate and navigate meaningful conversations about race to foster understanding and progress?
Exploring the “messy middle” of personal change brings an unfiltered lens to life’s transformations.
A lot about this time in my life has been to move towards deeply important things where I think I can make a difference.
~ Dori Fern (29:52)
The conversation begins with reflections on a podcast project about navigating the “messy middle” of life transitions. This project explores the emotional and logistical challenges faced during significant changes, particularly focusing on authenticity and openness rather than expertise. Conversations also touch upon societal issues such as race and inclusion, emphasizing the need for candid dialogues to address personal biases and systemic inequities.
A significant part of the dialogue explores the challenges of initiating meaningful conversations about race. Dori recounts personal experiences, including the hypocrisy observed in progressive circles and the transformative impact of diverse friendships. These experiences inform a commitment to fostering understanding and purpose, particularly through confronting difficult topics and engaging with varied perspectives.
Takeaways
Moving towards purpose — Emphasizing the importance of focusing on deeply meaningful issues in middle age.
Confronting hypocrisy — Highlighting the gap between progressive ideals and lived actions in liberal spaces.
Navigating the “messy middle” — Acknowledging the challenges of life transitions and exploring them authentically.
Engaging diverse perspectives — Understanding the value of diverse friendships in broadening one’s worldview.
Creating space for conversation — Identifying strategies to initiate and sustain meaningful dialogues on race.
Recognizing systemic structures — Critiquing the pervasive impact of whiteness in societal norms and education.
Acknowledging friendship dynamics — Exploring how race conversations can shift long-standing friendships.
Addressing fear and exclusion — Understanding the role of fear in resisting inclusivity and progress.
What unique insights and experiences do practitioners of partner acrobatics and group acrobatics share about their journey, techniques, and community-building?
Partner acrobatics is a very deep discipline where you can get into very, very advanced poses that take a long time. […] I’d say it’s got a very friendly start to the learning curve. And then it gets harder from there.
~ Ben Klein (2:11)
Partner acrobatics offers a unique blend of trust, technique, and teamwork rarely found in solo practices.
The mental game of acrobatics, partner acrobatics specifically, is something that I struggle with because I had a stronger… solo practice when I was younger.
~ Sam Sweet (6:17)
The conversation explores the unique aspects of partner and group acrobatics. The discussion highlights the discipline’s friendly learning curve, allowing beginners to perform seemingly advanced maneuvers quickly. Sam and Ben emphasize the mental challenges, such as overcoming fear and adapting to being upside down or off-balance. The dynamics of partnership require trust, communication, and synchronization between participants.
Another major theme is the difference between solo and group movement practices. Group acrobatics introduces challenges of collaboration and safety, especially when multiple participants form complex structures. Ben and Sam also describe the cultural and community aspects of acrobatics, showcasing the blend of creativity, interpersonal skills, and physical strength required in these practices.
Takeaways
Trust and communication — essential for both partner and group acrobatics. Learning curve — beginners can quickly progress to advanced-looking movements.
Mental challenges — balancing requires overcoming fear and adapting to new orientations.
Dynamic relationships — each participant’s role in acrobatics shifts based on the trick.
Collaboration in groups — adds complexity to movements and communication.
Acrobatic diversity — encompasses elements of dance, yoga, and solo hand balancing.
Cultural aspects — fosters a close-knit, supportive community. Interpersonal skills — crucial for successful partnerships in movement.
Resources
Cosmic Fit Club — a hub for movement practice and aerial training.
Move NYC Event — a movement-focused event with sessions in acrobatics and parkour, organized by The Movement Creative.
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.)
The end for self-discipline is personal improvement; the end for discipline lies beyond the self. This distinction helps explain why individuals can be incredibly self-disciplined and yet see very little external achievement as a result. Sure, they never miss a day writing in their journal and never lose their temper, but those displays of self-mastery don’t automatically lead to outward success.
There are lots of ways to talk about this distinction; the particular way described by McKay comes from an author he’s interviewed. I’d never thought about is as “discipline” versus “self-discipline.” I’d always thought of discipline as a thing, and then the “self-” prefix in “self-discipline” means that thing done to myself. And I’m not going to change how I use the words, “discipline,” and “self-discipline.” I see why they’re using “discipline” and “self-discipline.” I think I’d prefer to use, “inward-directed,” and, “outward-directed,” discipline. Everything I do to myself is self-discipline, but when my goal is to change myself, then it’s “inward-directed,” and when my goal is to change the world, then it’s “outward-directed.”
But the point of the distinction is very interesting. Do I actually have goals which are the, “why?” behind my self-discipline? Are those goals an appropriate mixture of inward- and outward-directed?
What insights can a photographer share about the collaborative process of capturing movement, particularly when working with athletes?
Discover the intersection of art and athleticism through the lens of a movement-focused photographer.
Having been around so many different athletes, I think what’s really fascinating to me is the process, where you get a front-row seat to the process of them breaking a jump. And working through the challenges. And I can’t get enough of that. That is— I find that so amazing, where someone just gets in a zone. And then they can do this thing.
~ Ben Franke (16:11)
The conversation highlights the intricate collaboration involved in capturing dynamic movement in photography. Ben shares his approach to working closely with athletes, emphasizing the importance of understanding the movement art they practice. This partnership allows him to create compelling images while respecting the athletes’ physical limits. The interaction between artist and subject enriches the process, enabling both to come away with something meaningful.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the creative process, from compositional choices made in the moment to post-processing decisions. Ben also reflects on the evolution of their practice, highlighting a preference for collaborative and thoughtful work over impersonal or candid photography. Practical advice is offered to aspiring photographers, encouraging experimentation and active exploration as a path to discovering personal style.
Takeaways
Collaborative creation — Photography benefits from working closely with subjects, especially in dynamic fields like movement.
Understanding athletes — Gaining insights into athletes’ perspectives enhances the authenticity of the images.
Evolving practice — Creative approaches change over time, shaped by personal experiences and preferences.
In-the-moment composition — Many creative decisions happen in real-time, particularly in high-stakes environments.
Beginner advice — Aspiring photographers should focus on experimenting and actively shooting to develop their craft.
Human interaction — Personal connection between photographer and subject often leads to richer, more meaningful work.
Dynamic environments — Capturing movement in urban or complex settings requires an adaptive, observant approach.
Breaking barriers — Observing athletes as they mentally prepare and achieve feats provides unique storytelling opportunities.
What motivates and challenges individuals when starting and developing a podcast?
Posting a daily question for years transforms a personal habit into a creative legacy.
I am a creator, like— I have this creative— …how did I do this? I just— …just made a decision one day.
~ Ken Kaus (28:35)
The conversation explores the challenges and motivations behind starting a podcast. It begins with reflections on technical aspects such as editing, which surprisingly becomes manageable for Ken due to previous experience with audio software. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt are discussed as significant obstacles to creativity, alongside strategies for pushing through discomfort, like publishing imperfect episodes and focusing on growth rather than perfection.
Another theme revolves around self-expression and communication. Ken reveals how podcasting helps clarify their thoughts and improve everyday communication. He share his practice of posting daily questions as a way to cultivate creativity and build a consistent habit, which now informs his identity as a creator. Both Craig and Ken agree that small steps and persistence are crucial in creative pursuits, offering listeners insights into overcoming personal and professional barriers.
Takeaways
Imposter syndrome — Recognizing and overcoming self-doubt is essential to creative success.
Editing skills — Familiarity with audio tools can ease initial technical challenges in podcasting.
Consistency in creativity — Daily practices like posting questions can evolve into a defining creative habit.
Self-expression — Podcasting provides a platform to refine thoughts and improve communication.
Comfort zones — Pushing beyond comfort zones leads to growth in both personal and professional contexts.
Community and sharing — Sharing content publicly helps foster confidence and a sense of identity as a creator.
Resources
The Low Two podcast — The guest’s podcast, focusing on personal storytelling and self-expression.
