Movers Mindset

The Movers Mindset project includes a podcast and has its own website.

Longevity with Callum Powell →

Published September 24, 2021  ·  All posts on Sep 24  ·  

Longevity with Callum Powell

What insights can be gained from a 15-year journey with Parkour, including its challenges, influences, and personal growth?

Parkour becomes a lens to explore passion, longevity, and the evolution of personal practice.

The thing with Parkour, we don’t have enough money in our industry right now to care enough about rehab and pre-hab… strength and conditioning and everything.

~ Callum Powell (18:48)

The conversation focuses on Callum’s 15-year journey with Parkour, exploring how his passion has remained steadfast despite challenges. He discusses the balance between pursuing high-level skills and staying connected to the joy of movement. Injuries have played a significant role in shaping his approach, forcing him to listen to his body and adopt a more generalist mindset. This shift has led to a deeper appreciation for longevity and sustainability in practice.

Another key topic is the cultural and structural aspects of Parkour, including the lack of resources for injury prevention and recovery. Callum highlights his efforts to learn from other sports and share this knowledge with the Parkour community. Additionally, he reflect on the concepts of performance, play, and dedication, emphasizing the importance of adapting one’s goals over time to maintain passion and fulfillment.

Takeaways

Performance and play — The duality of structured skill progression and unstructured enjoyment enhances long-term practice.

Longevity in movement — A focus on listening to the body and adapting goals ensures sustainable engagement in Parkour.

Impact of injury — Challenges like back pain can lead to profound shifts in mindset and training philosophy.

Cultural growth — The Parkour community’s lack of resources for rehab and pre-hab presents opportunities for learning from other sports.

Role of identity — Letting go of peak-focused identities allows for more holistic and fulfilling movement experiences.

Sharing knowledge — Writing and teaching become powerful tools for giving back to the community.

Resources

Callum Powell @callumstorror

Chris Rowat’s “Dilution” — A foundational text mentioned for its enduring relevance to Parkour philosophy.

Parkour Generations — Organization influential in promoting longevity and education in movement.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Exploration with Pedro Bessa →

Published September 23, 2021  ·  All posts on Sep 23  ·  

Exploration with Pedro Bessa

What role do movement and Parkour play in personal growth and self-discovery?

The journey from childhood play to structured Parkour reveals profound insights into discipline and self-development.

In order to be free, you have to do what you feel is the right thing, not just what you want to do the whole time.

~ Pedro Bessa (21:28)

The conversation examines the transition from casual exploration to structured training in Parkour, highlighting the importance of discipline, values, and self-discovery. Pedro shares how childhood experiences with activities like BMX and skateboarding laid a foundation for Parkour. He emphasizes that movement is not merely about physical achievement but about cultivating a mindset that fosters lifelong exploration and learning.

The discussion touches on coaching and self-training, focusing on the role of community and individual accountability. Pedro reflects on the impact of values like honesty and persistence in self-directed training. Additionally, he discusses how traveling and experiencing new environments and cultures enhances both physical practice and personal growth.

Takeaways

The transition from challenges to training — The evolution of movement from playful challenges to structured Parkour.

The philosophy of exploration — Applying lessons from movement to various areas of life.

The importance of values — How honesty and discipline shape self-coaching and personal growth.

The role of community — How collaborative feedback and shared experiences enhance training.

The impact of travel — How experiencing different cultures and environments fosters unique physical and mental growth.

The magic of shared play — How engaging with others in Parkour creates meaningful connections.

Discipline as freedom — How structured practice enables more profound personal liberation.

Resources

ADAPT Qualifications — The coaching program discussed, emphasizing structure in Parkour training.

Parkour Generations — An organization mentioned as a source of learning and coaching in the discipline.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Obsession with Andrew Obenreder →

Published September 1, 2021  ·  All posts on Sep 1  ·  

Obsession with Andrew Obenreder

How does an obsession with movement shape personal practices and creative expression?

Exploring movement extends beyond physicality into music, art, and mindfulness.

I try to listen to whatever my heart tells me to be doing.

~ Andrew Obenreder (5:37)

The conversation explores Andrew’s lifelong obsession with movement and its far-reaching impact on personal and creative practices. Movement, in this context, is not just about physicality but also integrates art forms such as music, painting, and tattooing. Andrew describes movement as an intrinsic part of their life, dating back to childhood, where their passion extended even to the mechanical elegance of trains. He also reflects on how balance is a recurring theme—balancing creative urges, physical demands, and mental well-being.

Stress and mindfulness emerge as critical themes. Andrew challenges traditional notions of stress, suggesting it can be constructive in pushing boundaries. He also emphasize the importance of being present and prioritizing genuine desires over societal or internal pressures to perform. This perspective encourages letting go of “should” and replacing it with intentional actions aligned with personal motivations.

Takeaways

Balancing movement and creativity — Movement intertwines with various creative pursuits like art, music, and tattooing, requiring a balance between physical and mental expressions.

The role of stress — Stress can be both destructive and constructive, depending on how it is perceived and managed.

Mindfulness in practice — Remaining present and listening to immediate desires shapes both personal growth and movement practices.

The concept of “should” — Avoiding unnecessary obligations creates freedom and reduces stress.

Universal struggles — Everyone experiences moments of stagnation, regardless of expertise or experience.

Movement as identity — Movement is deeply personal and rooted in early life experiences.

Resources

MÜV — Andrew’s periodical mixing written, audio and visual mediums.

David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” — A productivity system mentioned for its advice on balancing commitments.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Selene Yeager: Menopause, health, and writing →

Published August 4, 2021  ·  All posts on Aug 4  ·  

Selene Yeager: Menopause, health, and writing

What challenges and insights arise from navigating menopause, maintaining health, and balancing creative pursuits?

Selene Yeager doesn’t shy away from topics other might avoid; in fact, she is leading the conversation around menopause. She shares her journey into creating a podcast about menopause, and her own experiences with menopause. Selene explains her thoughts on diet, nutrition, health tracking, and cycling. She discusses her relationship with writing, and what she’s currently reading.

Women drop out at the other end of the spectrum just as much, because they’re alone, their bodies are changing, and it’s worse; you feel like Carrie. It’s almost like Carrie. Remember that Stephen King book? No one is telling you these changes that are going to happen.

~ Selene Yeager (8:30)

Selene Yeager is a professional health and fitness writer, cycling and nutrition coach, personal trainer, athlete, and podcast host. She has written articles for many publications, including Bicycling Magazine, Runner’s World, and Men’s and Women’s Health, in addition to authoring, co-authoring, and contributing to over 2 dozen books. Beyond writing, Selene is the host of Hit Play Not Pause, a podcast focusing on menopause for athletes.

The conversation explores the complexities of menopause, emphasizing the intersection of physical changes, societal stigmas, and personal identity. Selene discusses her journey of embracing menopause as both a challenge and an opportunity, using her experiences to inspire and educate others. Topics such as hormonal fluctuations, their effects on mental and physical health, and the lack of open discourse surrounding menopause are examined.

In addition to menopause, the conversation highlights the speaker’s multi-faceted career as a writer, athlete, and podcaster. She shares insights into maintaining creative energy, managing time, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Discussions also touch on broader health themes like intermittent fasting, its specific impact on women, and the importance of listening to one’s body for optimal well-being.

Takeaways

The transformational journey of menopause — Women can navigate menopause as an empowering phase of self-discovery and growth despite societal stigma.

The interplay of science and storytelling — Communicating complex health information in relatable ways fosters understanding and action.

Challenges of aging athletes — Physical changes can lead to disconnection from familiar identities, but adaptation and support networks are crucial.

The pitfalls of intermittent fasting for women — Unlike men, women often experience adverse effects due to physiological differences.

Balancing creative and physical pursuits — Structuring time around energy rhythms can help sustain productivity and joy.

Supportive communities for menopausal women — Finding a network of peers can significantly ease the challenges of life transitions.

Resources

Hit Play Not Pause — Selene’s podcast focused on menopause for athletes, hosted by the speaker.

Feisty Menopause Community — Menopause guidance for active women.

Roar by Stacy Sims and Selene Yeager — A book addressing the unique needs of female athletes.

North American Menopause Society — Offers resources and certifications for professionals specializing in menopause care.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Campfire, marshmallows and conversation →

Published July 29, 2021  ·  All posts on Jul 29  ·  ,

Many moon ago, Movers Mindset had a weekly team meeting with 5 people. It was simply a video call to socialize. Work-related discussion was allowed, but mostly we were just talking about training, sharing instagram videos, discussing news and events in our sports and its surrounds, … that sort of stuff. Just hanging out with people who have a shared interest.

From the start we knew we didn’t want to record those calls. That suddenly makes everything too permanent; You have to show up looking not-insane, and you automatically hold back some of your energy to be on the safe side. But we also felt that we were losing something by having no artifact at all. Much of what we were discussing and sharing in the team call would be of interest to others— but we didn’t want non-team-members attending our private call. Thus, no recording. The meeting gave us what we needed, and that was good enough.

Time passed. (And many great team meetings were had.)

One day, as I sat around wondering how to make the already-great calls even better, my mind drifted as it so often does. It wandered back to the 80s/90s and I thought of the seemingly endless hours I’d spent on text-based chat with people in far off places. Stuck underground in some computer lab, (for real,) I’d open a text window and visit some distant friend. It was real-time interaction, but in a restricted medium; Restricted, at the time, because that’s all we had. But still, it was magical to have real-time access to other people. It felt so much more alive than bullentin boards (the online kind), Usenet, and email. Still wondering how to make our team meetings better, I recalled this once-in-a-lifetime experience I had.

It went like this…

A group of friends had all being doing Parkour together for several years. To be clear: We found ourselves doing Parkour together, and wound up a group of friends through countless shared experiences. (Ask me in person and I’ll tell ya’ some stories.) Two of the group eventually got married. The fellow ended up deployed to Afghanistan in a intelligence role with special forces. (I may have the details wrong, sue me.) Suffice it to say: Half a world away from everyone, and while not physically in immenent danger, his day-to-day surroundings drove him to depression. One day he apparently reached the cliff’s edge and in a fit of frustration he sent a message to a dozen-or-so of us, (which included his wife,) with an enormous brain dump of his current state.

He’d sent a Facebook Messenger direct-message—apparently one of the few channels he was permitted. This wall of text arrives in my phone, with a bright and cheery *ding* I suddenly have this giant message from my good friend. I was delighted to hear from him, but all of it was news to me, and frankly none of it was good. Then, two magical things happened:

We promised that we’d do pushups immediately when he wrote to us, if he promised to never miss a day. It had a terrifically witty name—which I’m not sharing because then I’d have to tell you his first name. Every day, around 2pm my time—but it was unpredictable—*ding* and I’d end up doing pushups right in the middle of the super market. Literally. Once I got caught driving, and pulled over to the side of the road to do my pushups, and message back, done! It didn’t take us long before those of us on the dm-list were racing to see who could reply, “done!” first. Our far away friend became a sort of evil pushup assigning drill Sargeant. But there’s a twist. On day one, we all did 1 pushup. On day 2, we did 2. Then 3. Then 4… And yes, we were somewhere above 100 by the end of his deployment. (Spoiler: He returned home safely.) He repeatedly told us that every day he pretty much spent the entire day planning his daily entry in the back of his mind, and day-dreaming about making us all suffer the next number of pushups. Somehow, we small band of merry idiots managed to create a small daily dose of inspiration for our far away friend. (We all got pretty good at pushups too.)

The second piece of magic happened because we were all there for it in real time. We’d each do our pushups—as the numbers got stupid-large, you’d do them in sets and start reporting your reps in real-time. And somehow, the entire thing became performance art. Soon, we were having our friend pick an “animal of the day”, and it had to be different each day. Finished our pushups, we’d try to find and share funny photos, making up our own silly captions. We tried constantly to Rick Roll each other. We did anything we could think of to make our friend, and each other, laugh. Because we were doing this at the end of our friend’s day, he’d eventually “call it” when he was ready for sleep, and we’d all drop off. Years later, we still have in-circle nicknames for each other, and inside jokes that make me giggle even now as I’m typing.

One day, after it was over, I realized how special it had all been. I opened up Messenger on my desktop browser, and I tried to scroll back through the thousands of messages. I wanted to screenshot it all and somehow make a book to give just to those who were involved. But my browser crashed from all the images, animated GIFs, etc before I got even halfway.

Now, back to those weekly meetings I wanted to improve…

Having that story about our far away friend flash through my mind was the spark I needed! In our team meetings, I wanted to capture some of that ephemeral, asynchronous-messaging based, magic. I wanted our cool meeting to somehow also be a little bit performance art that left us with something that others could enjoy, (and even find useful.) My “campfires” ideas was born.

Campfire, marshmallows and conversation! The MM team gets together occasionally in a sort of free-form discussion that’s not quite a chat, and not quite a discussion. It’s a cross between instant chat and performance art.

Each week, as before, we had a completely ephemeral video call. But at the same time, in real time, we would all co-create a long Google Doc. That sounds silly—it is. And it’s hard to do as things move around in the document. But it feels like instant messaging. At the end of the set time, we ended the call, and I simply copy-n-pasted the contents into a Discourse thread.

We eventually stopped doing them as the team shrank. But if you want to see what they were, they’re all still there, in https://forum.moversmindset.com/c/campfires/37 — they still make me smile, and I’m so glad we did them.

What—you might wonder—makes we write all this up now?

I’m bringing back this beloved idea as: Campfires in the Podcaster Community.

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A mover’s mindset →

Published July 26, 2021  ·  All posts on Jul 26  ·  ,

It’s become clear, that somewhen in the last few years, I’ve lost a certain spark— some urge that used to be the initial impetus that got me moving. Out. And about. Moving and playing. It’s probably, simply age.

Efficacy is the power to produce a desired effect. Recognition of your own efficacy means that you have recognized your own potential for continued success and growth. Your choices of actions at this point are not based on concerns about current limits of your ability or understanding. Instead, your choices are guided by what skills, practices, and accomplishments will give you the most enjoyment, make your life better, increase your skills, or broaden your knowledge. Your experience in life changes from asking “What can I do?” to asking “What should I do to make my life the best it can be?”


~ From «https://forum.moversmindset.com/t/discovery-reflection-efficacy/614»

Where once I used to simply begin each day, and sooner or later I’d realize I’m doing something active, now I find that most days were going by without doing something active. I don’t like that trend. I went over everything in my environment and, quite honestly, little has changed—certainly nothing that would have sabotaged my being active. If the problem isn’t without, then it must be within.

And so, I’ve made a small change: What am I doing tomorrow? …then make a plan for that to happen.

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Mike Araujo: Coaching, World Chase Tag, and community →

Published July 9, 2021  ·  All posts on Jul 9  ·  

Mike Araujo: Coaching, World Chase Tag, and community

What role does movement, particularly parkour, play in fostering personal growth, connection, and creativity?

Playing tag on national television was never something Mike Araujo imagined when he started training parkour. He discusses his path in parkour and the opportunities he’s gained from it. Mike shares his experiences with World Chase Tag, and his thoughts on competition. He explains his personal definition of parkour, sharing it with others, and his thoughts on how the community has changed.

Everyone needs to find the thing that moves them to move. Whether that be parkour or whatever other sport. I think as long as you’re moving and connecting with people and your environment then you’re on the right path.

~ Mike Araujo (7:07)

Mike Araujo is an athlete and head coach with the Movement Creative. He has trained parkour in NYC for over a decade, and coached nearly as long. Mike often travels for parkour, and recently competed in World Chase Tag’s first USA based event.

The conversation explores the transformative power of parkour as a practice that transcends physical movement. Parkour serves as a medium for personal growth, offering opportunities to connect with one’s body and environment intentionally. The practice is presented as adaptable, requiring no specific equipment or space, which makes it accessible to anyone seeking a meaningful connection with movement.

The discussion also examines parkour’s evolving culture, from intimate, small gatherings to large-scale global events. Topics include the impact of structured competitions like World Chase Tag, the community’s adaptation during the pandemic, and the balance between maintaining the sport’s original spirit while embracing its growth. Reflections on coaching and transitions in life highlight the importance of aligning passion with action, even when faced with uncertainty.

Takeaways

Movement as nourishment — Physical activity is essential for mental and physical well-being.

The intention behind practice — The focus should be on personal growth and meaningful connection, not just the movements themselves.

Accessibility of parkour — As a discipline, it requires minimal resources and emphasizes adaptability.

Coaching philosophies — Evolving as a coach means shifting from making others love the discipline to helping them find their own path.

Parkour and community — The growth of events and gatherings showcases how parkour fosters connections among practitioners worldwide.

Competitions and novelty — Events like World Chase Tag add new dimensions to training, blending creativity and structured athleticism.

Resources

Mike Araujo @pyro4pk

The Movement Creative — Parkour coaching and event organization company.

World Chase Tag — Competitive tag event blending parkour with high-speed athleticism.

Jump London — A documentary showcasing the origins of parkour.

Max Henry @maxhenryparkour — Parkour athlete and author known for his innovative approach to movement.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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101 →

Published June 16, 2021  ·  All posts on Jun 16  ·  ,

It’s a small thing, and it was really really difficult. But I did it.

Instead of sticking to my “publish on Wednesday’s at 10am”… like I did for the first 100 episodes. 101 was published Tuesday around 7pm. I know that sounds dumb—but I’m not be sarcastic or hyperbolic. Over the years I’ve gotten really adamant about that publication day-of-the-week and time-of-the-day. Sure we weren’t able to do one every week… but I kept trying to keep things neat and tidy. “Wednesdays at 10am” was that one little bit of structure.

But really, who cares. Any structure you’re clinging to?

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Jade Amber Ragoschke: Deafness, architecture, and accessibility →

Published June 15, 2021  ·  All posts on Jun 15  ·  

Jade Amber Ragoschke: Deafness, architecture, and accessibility

How do the experiences of deafness, architecture, and parkour intersect to influence design and accessibility?

While it’s not immediately apparent that Jade Amber Ragoshke is unilaterally deaf, it is a defining factor for her life and work. She shares her experiences with deafness, learning about it, and adapting to it. Jade discusses architecture and her ongoing research into the connections between architecture, parkour, and accessibility. She reflects on disability, designing for all people, and creating more inclusive environments in all communities.

I think, after this conversation that we’ve had about art— I think that what art really is, is breaking the boundaries of the standard.

~ Jade Amber Ragoschke (30:14)

Jade Amber Ragoschke is an architect, parkour practitioner, and the vice president of World Deaf Architecture. Her involvement in parkour led to her interest and eventual career in architecture. After finding her place in the Deaf community, she discovered a new perspective and approach to architecture that is more inclusive, empathetic, and accessible to everyone. Jade specializes in accessible design for people with disabilities and provides architectural consultation to parkour communities. She advocates for inclusive play spaces for all ages and is researching the intersections between architecture, parkour, and accessibility.

This conversation explores the unique intersections of parkour, architecture, and accessibility, weaving together personal experiences and professional insights. Discussions highlight how accessible designs often double as ideal spaces for creative physical movement, reflecting an unexpected synergy between inclusivity and play. Jade emphasizes the importance of designing spaces at a human scale, focusing on sensory experiences and personal engagement rather than purely aesthetic considerations.

The dialogue also examines the philosophical and practical roles of architecture and art in memorializing history and shaping societal experiences. By referencing specific examples like the 9/11 Memorial and other landmark designs, the conversation illustrates how architecture can evoke emotions, honor history, and inspire resilience. The shared experiences of adapting to hearing loss further contextualize Jade’s perspectives on design, emphasizing the transformative potential of inclusivity.

Takeaways

Architecture and human scale — The focus on personal experience in space design emphasizes sensory engagement over aesthetics.

Parkour and accessibility — Accessible spaces unintentionally become ideal settings for creative movement and parkour.

Art and architecture integration — Structures can serve as both functional spaces and artistic installations, enriching urban environments.

Design as inclusivity — Inclusive designs provide comfort and accessibility for all, enhancing the utility of spaces.

Memorializing through design — Architecture captures historical moments, offering spaces for reflection and resilience.

Architectural unpredictability — People often use spaces in unintended ways, revealing the dynamic relationship between design and behavior.

Resources

Jade Amber Ragoschke @antiphase.motion

World Deaf Architecture — Organization focused on accessibility and architecture for Deaf communities.

Bjarke Ingels Group — Architecture firm led by Bjarke Ingels, known for innovative projects like those highlighted in the conversation.

ADA Standards for Accessible Design — Guidelines defining accessibility in architecture.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Faith →

Published May 19, 2021  ·  All posts on May 19  ·  

The first thing you need to know is that individuals have far more power than ever before in history. […] The second thing you need to know is that the only thing holding you back from becoming the kind of person who changes things is this: Lack of faith. Faith that you can do it. Faith that it’s worth doing. Faith that failure won’t destroy you.

~ Seth Godin

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I continue to enjoy the Movers Mindset project for many reasons. In recent months, I’ve been stepping back from the body of work and I keep having the same thought: I think this is really great, but I feel there should be something more useful as a result of all the work. (Useful specifically for me, I mean.) I’m convinced that there are lessons that I’ve missed, or not managed to hold onto; Insights that can only be seen from a perspective that is not within one particular conversation.

So I’ve been tinkering on creating, well, something. I don’t know what it is yet, or how to describe it either. But I have faith that it’s worth trying to create something which enables something new to be extracted from all the conversations I’ve captured.

Some days, I have far more questions than answers to share.

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