He only employs his passion who can make no use of his reason.
~ Cicero
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On this day
July 16thTime well spent
‘Dagon’ has all the elements of a classic Lovecraft tale. Here, as in many of his later works – including ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ (written in 1926), The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath (1927), and At the Mountains of Madness (1931) – optimistic endeavours for knowledge, even the simple act of seeing what’s on the other side of a hill, are thwarted by incomprehensible terrors and a horrifyingly arbitrary cosmic order. These revelations shatter the minds of Lovecraft’s truth-seeking characters, including doctors, archaeologists, lost sailors, metaphysicians and scientists of all kinds.
~ Sam Woodward, from Terrifying vistas of reality
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Some people must think that reading a bunch of Lovecraft’s work was time I wasted. I loved it. I didn’t find it scary (I’m not sure I’ve ever found any book scary. Movies, on the other hand, can scare the hell out of me.) But I deeply enjoyed Lovecraft… and yet I could never quite express why. After reading Woodward’s thoughts I’m thinking I enjoyed the experience—being myself one of those “doctors, archaeologists, lost sailors, metaphysicians and scientists of all kinds”—of seeing people like me get the hell scared out of them.
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July 16, 2023 — #41
Reading time: About 7 minutes, 1500 words
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This issue is https://7forsunday.com/41
I did not see that coming
I struggle a lot with processes. I struggle with not implementing all of the processes I imagine. I struggle with gauging if some process will have the desired outcome. I struggle with deciding if I’m fascinated with the process, with the outcome, or simply with novelty in itself. I struggle with knowing when to abandon a process; for something I do which had clear benefits in the past, but isn’t moving me forward right now, how long do I stick with that?
Humans have invented all sorts of practices like this, and their purpose is simply to put your mind somewhere outside of your normal, habitual ways of seeing, and discover what you come back with.
Nobody knows quite what insights and paradigm shifts will be produced by doing these practices, which is exactly why you do them.
~ David Cain from, You Need to See Things Differently to Do Things Differently
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Over the years I’ve come to terms with my struggles. That’s just the way it is (for me.) Year by year I find I’m increasingly okay with tossing stuff (figuratively and literally.) “Is this working?” seems too dumb to be useful, and yet it cuts as well as Occam’s Razor. Today, I’m downright comfortable with leaving many ideas and opportunities unexplored. “Life moves pretty fast.“
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Idleness
[H]ad I my life to arrange over again, I would do again as I have done. Only those who have lived at the full stretch seven days a week for a long time can appreciate the full beauty of a regular recurring idleness. Moreover, I am ageing. And it is a question of age. In cases of a bounding youth and exceptional energy and desire for effort I should say unhesitatingly: Keep going, day in, day out.
~ Arnold Bennett
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Expectations with Jam Mayer
How do different communication mediums influence engagement and interaction in personal and professional settings?
Exploring the interplay between technology, generational habits, and learning styles shapes the dynamics of modern communication.
There is a little bit of a disconnect because there’s that expectation from a generation that says you have to show yourself on video, but the digital natives… don’t care.
~ Jam Mayer (4:33)
The conversation explores the nuanced ways communication mediums affect engagement. It contrasts the experience of in-person training with digital formats, highlighting the energy and connection possible in face-to-face settings versus the challenges posed by video calls. Generational differences in behavior and expectations are examined, with older generations often emphasizing visible engagement and digital natives demonstrating a more relaxed approach.
The discussion goes into the dynamics of online communities, particularly challenges in making platforms user-friendly for diverse engagement styles. Jam and Craig address the difficulty of translating podcast audiences into other forms of interaction and consider strategies for creators to adapt content for various mediums, ensuring accessibility for their audience’s preferences.
Takeaways
Choosing communication mediums — dependent on personal learning styles and context.
Generational differences — younger audiences are more comfortable with digital flexibility.
Energy in interactions — stronger in-person connections compared to digital ones.
Podcast audience behavior — challenges in transitioning listeners to other platforms.
Community space design — balancing simplicity with features for proactive users.
Adaptability for creators — experimenting with multiple formats increases engagement potential.
Resources
Jam Mayer on LinkedIn — Jam Mayer’s preferred platform for professional connections.
Discourse — a community platform with customizable homepage settings.
Reddit — mentioned as a highly active online forum illustrating user engagement challenges.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Christian Anderson: Exploration, Influences, and Creating
How do personal exploration, creativity, and cultural influences shape movement practices and artistic endeavors?
Christian Anderson is a parkour coach, athlete, teacher, martial artist, and movement artist. He created his own parkour teaching program, pursues weapons training, and is an artist in other mediums, including drawing, music, videos, and blade-smithing. Christian earned his bachelors in Landscape architecture at North Carolina A&T University.
You don’t have to tell a kid to play, to jump to climb. There’s a lot of innate understanding of movement that I think children have, to be completely honest.
~ Christian Anderson (28:59)
Christian Anderson’s unique interests are wide-ranging; from martial arts and weapons training, to parkour, to art, to creating his own weapons and training set-ups. Christian shares his inspirations and process for learning and creating. He discusses teaching, landscape architecture, and his specific influences and role models. Christian unpacks his personal martial arts, weapons, and movement practices, and how all of them are creatively interconnected.
The conversation explores how personal creativity, cultural influences, and movement intersect in both art and physical practices. Topics range from martial arts and weapon-making to how imagination facilitates movement, particularly in children. The discussion highlights the importance of personal space creation, whether for training or as a sanctuary, and how integrating these elements into daily life fosters growth.
There is a deep appreciation for cultural artifacts, such as samurai films and ninjutsu, which serve as both inspiration and a means to connect with broader traditions. Additionally, the dialogue touches on the challenges of prioritizing projects, maintaining focus, and overcoming impostor syndrome, illustrating the complexity of creative expression and personal exploration.
Takeaways
Creating personal spaces — Spaces designed for training or reflection enhance creativity and personal growth.
Martial arts inspiration — Movement practices often draw from cultural traditions and historical arts.
Childhood creativity — Imagination and play significantly aid learning and physical development.
Overcoming impostor syndrome — Acknowledging and embracing imperfections is key to creative growth.
Interdisciplinary practices — Combining artistic and physical endeavors fosters innovation.
Environmental influence — Nature and green spaces serve as restorative environments for recharging.
Visual motivation — Visual aids and imagery act as powerful tools for focus and inspiration.
Cultural connections — Martial arts offer a window into understanding and appreciating different cultures.
Resources
Instagrams: @adept.anderson, @adeptations
Magnificent Seven scene recreation
The Magnificent Seven (2016) — Film discussed for its choreography and cultural references.
Mirakawa dummy video — Creating videos of his work
Japanese Throwing Weapons by Daniel Fletcher — A guide to traditional shuriken and their use.
Akira Kurosawa – Japanese filmmaker
Rashomon – story told from multiple viewpoints. Also, Seven Samurai, Hidden Fortress, Harakiri, 13 Assassins, Samurai Rebellion, Yojimbo
Freeway Park in Seattle — Lawrence Halprin
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Busy
Every time people contact me, they say, “look, I know you must be incredibly busy…” and I always think, “no, I’m not.” Because I’m in control of my time. I’m on top of it. “Busy,” to me, seems to imply, “out of control.” Like, “oh my god, I’m so busy. I don’t have any time for this shit!” To me, that sounds like a person who’s got no control over their life.”
~ Derek Sivers
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One reason why I journal
When we conjure up what it will be like to start a new practice, form a new habit, knock an item off a bucket list, we see the fun but not the work. We see an image in which all the drudgery has been edited out, and only the montage of rewards left in.
~ Brett McKay from, «https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/sunday-firesides-do-you-like-the-idea-more-than-the-reality/»
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Great points from McKay. I often enjoy inverting problems like the one he’s describing. Let’s say I thought a lot about the idea and the reality and decided far in the past to start something—for example, a daily podcast of me reading quotes. Then the inversion of the problem McKay is writing about would be to figure out, in the present, if my current experience of the reality matches what I expected the reality to be, back when I made the decision. Because, if I don’t do that, how do I get better at making the idea/reality choice McKay is discussing?
This is one reason I journal. For every project (and much more) in the last decade I’ve journaled about it. An idea begins to appear repeatedly in my journal entries. Sometimes it grows into my laying out the expected reality—the work this is going to require, the physical and emotional costs, the expected outcome(s), the rewards, etc.. Then I regularly reread my old journal entries and see how much of an idiot I was. ;)
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Coaching with Anne Roche
How can coaching principles be effectively applied to various contexts like workshops, podcasting, and personal growth?
The intersection of structure and personal exploration reshapes the concept of teaching in workshops.
Life coaching is not about mentoring or consulting. It’s not telling people, ‘This is how you should live your life.’ It’s really about discovery and exploration and holding space for a client to do that.
~ Anne Roche (1:59)
The conversation examines the nuances of coaching, podcasting, and the interplay between them. Coaching is described as a practice rooted in discovery and holding space for exploration. Unlike mentoring or consulting, it focuses on fostering self-awareness and guiding clients toward their own answers. The unique challenges and rewards of coaching in structured environments like workshops are explored, highlighting how these spaces balance process-driven guidance with personal growth opportunities.
Podcasting emerges as another realm where coaching principles apply, particularly in creating space for meaningful dialogue. The importance of silence, transparency, and the host’s ability to manage ego are discussed as vital to both coaching and podcasting. The conversation also touches on the balance between offering direct advice and enabling self-discovery, recognizing that both approaches are necessary in different contexts.
Takeaways
Transparency as a coaching tool — Being clear about intentions and actions helps clients and students understand the process.
Balancing guidance with self-discovery — Coaching requires creating space for others to uncover their own solutions rather than providing all the answers.
The role of silence — Silence is highlighted as a powerful tool in both coaching and personal growth contexts.
Ego in hosting and coaching — Managing one’s ego is essential for fostering authentic interactions in coaching and podcasting.
Themes in coaching — While challenges often repeat, the individual approaches to these themes keep the work fresh and engaging.
The dual nature of podcasting — Podcasting involves holding space for guests while simultaneously managing technical and conversational structures.
Workshops as self-discovery platforms — Structured environments like workshops encourage both external skill-building and internal reflection.
Resources
Story Skills Workshop — A workshop designed to help participants refine storytelling skills within a structured environment.
Podcaster Workshop — A course aimed at guiding participants through the process of starting and sustaining a podcast.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Cole’s law
Hofstadter’s Law – “It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter’s Law.”
~ “rogersbacon” from, Eponymous Laws Part 3: Miscellaneous — LessWrong
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It’s part 3, and it is a nifty collection of serious and whimsical laws. However, I doubt that Stigler is the originator of Stigler’s Law. Sometimes the only reason I write this stuff is to see if I can entice you to go read the thing to which I’ve linked.
But more often I do have a point. I’m wondering, in this case, how much of our urge to create, and our delight in such pithy Laws as Dilbert’s, comes simply from our mind’s desire to find patterns. There are a slew of cognitive biases, (confirmation bias springs to mind as fitting the pattern of my example,) which feel like they arise from pattern matching gone overly Pac Man.
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Expectations
All outcomes are manifestations of forces that are at work to produce them, so whenever looking at specific outcomes, think about the forces that are behind them. Constantly ask yourself, “What is this symptomatic of?”
~ Ray Dalio from, 17 Management Lessons from Ray Dalio
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This is pretty much the zero-th rule of being a rational agent. (But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t bear repeating.) The post from Parrish is simply a long list of quotes from Dalio. It’s a great list, and it’s assembled in the context of leadership skills. This one, (quoted above,) in particular speaks to me; speaks to me like a drill sergeant. “What is your dysfunction?!” Anyway.
Once I started practicing being rational—yes, emotions are real, they are important, they get their due… But once I started intentionally practicing using rationality as a tool I made huge strides in self-improvement.
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Abundance
The rest of the year we would call this feeling abundance. It’s not a feeling particular to Christmas, but for a lot of kids Christmas morning represents the abundance feeling at its peak concentration. The first days of Summer break gives a similar high, but it’s spread over a much longer period and so it’s never quite as dazzling. There is also a minor spike in the fall, the evening of Halloween. In each case the abundance feeling is glorious, but fades quickly.
~ David Cain, from What to get everyone for Christmas
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I want to say I have everything I want. It’s certainly true that I have everything I need. Despite this, I do things frenetically all my waking hours with seizures of exhaustion and depression and escape to entertainment.
Clearly what I feel I don’t have is an abundance of time.
It’s impossible to do all the things I think of, and I don’t mean ideas of entertainment or escape. I mean ideas for projects, businesses, changes to improve things and so on. I know that I have to stop trying to solve so many problems. I know I need to simply find something that fulfills me and tinker.
But my obsessive nature—or is it only a habit?—leads me to try to fill every waking moment with effective effort.
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Paul Graves: Capoeira, conversation in movement, and nature
What unique perspectives can be gained by exploring the interplay of movement disciplines like Capoeira, Parkour, and natural movement?
Paul brings his extensive experience to bear to provide insight into Capoeira. We go on to talk about how movement itself can be a conversation, before we dig deep into the human need to experience nature as part of our lives, as well as part of our parkour practice.
You see it coming, you get out of the way.
~ Paul Graves (10:04)
The conversation begins by exploring the transformative role of Capoeira in shaping social skills and personal identity. Paul Graves shares his journey through Capoeira, detailing its cultural richness, the dynamics of the roda, and the life-altering impact of movement-based dialogues. He explains how his Capoeira nickname, identity, and eventual departure from the practice marked a profound personal shift.
Transitioning to Parkour, the discussion highlights how Paul’s movement philosophy evolved to embrace play and adaptability. He goes into Parkour’s roots in both urban and natural environments, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature to rediscover primal human movement. Themes of engagement, community, and the psychological impacts of training environments are central to understanding how movement disciplines shape both personal and collective growth.
Takeaways
Capoeira’s roda — A dynamic microcosm of life involving movement dialogue and mutual respect.
The impact of leaving Capoeira — Marked a significant identity shift and opened the door to new explorations.
Parkour’s appeal — A practice that emphasizes freedom, exploration, and connection with the environment.
Natural movement’s relevance — Returning to nature reveals deeper aspects of movement and human connection.
Philosophy of play — Play as a central concept that fosters learning and adaptability across disciplines.
Overcoming challenges — Movement practices mirror life’s obstacles and solutions.
Community dynamics in training — Engagement with others shapes the experience of growth and achievement.
Balancing structured and free movement — Combining discipline and creativity to maximize potential.
Resources
Parkour Visions — An organization focusing on Parkour education and community.
Evolve Move Play — A program exploring natural movement in outdoor environments.
Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game — A book exploring the history and philosophy of Capoeira.
Julie Angel’s Videos — Documenting movement practices like Parkour and natural movement.
Art of Retreat — A gathering for movement practitioners to explore diverse disciplines.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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*gasp* it’s hot
I did my QM homework this morning. Now I’m surrendering for the day. Hats off to the #lvpk women who are heading to Lancaster today… to train. Stronger wills than I they have!
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Max heart rate 189
(Part 27 of 72 in series, My Journey)
New personal best out running with Tracy this morning. The traditional “220-age” formula for me is 177. The newer “217-(0.85*age)” model yields 180.
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Two questions
There are two questions a man must ask himself: The first is, “Where am I going?” and the second is, “Who will go with me?” If you ever get these questions in the wrong order you are in trouble.
~ Sam Keen
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