The boldness of asking deep questions may require unforeseen flexibility if we are to accept the answers.
~ Brian Greene
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On this day
July 26th43 — Trail run
(Part 4 of 46 in series, Level 52 countdown)
Basic trail loop “run” this morning. Tomorrow is going to be a long walk as a bit of recovery.
Open + Curious Salon today
In the tradition of the literary and philosophical movements, each Open + Curious Salon is an opportunity to gather in real-time. It is a space where the exchange of ideas flourishes, where minds come together in spirited discussion, and where conversation skills are honed and practiced. Within the walls of the salon, the spirit of intellectual curiosity reigns supreme.
Details at https://openandcurious.org/
Fragmentation
What if I don’t know how to take something apart? One option is to apply excessive force and break the thing open. That works, but obviously sacrifices the thing; this is particularly useless if I wanted to take something apart because I need to fix it, or understand it. Generally, the smash method always works, but is almost never useful.
Yet thought also goes wrong somehow, and produces destruction. This arises from a certain way of thinking, i.e., fragmentation. This is to break things up into bits, as if they were independent. It’s not merely making divisions, but it is breaking things up which are not really spearate. It’s like taking a watch and smashing it into fragments, rather than taking it apart and finding its parts. The parts are parts of a whole, but the fragments are just arbitrarily broken off from each other. Things which really fit, and belong together, are treated as if they do not. That’s one of the features of thought that’s going wrong.
~ David Bohm from, On Dialogue p56
I’m perpetually on a journey of self-awareness. I’m quite often applying my mind to understand things. This idea from Bohm about fragmentation, and in particular fragmentation being bad because it misses out on the relationships and inherent properties of the natural parts (in the sense of disassembled-watch parts versus smashed-watch bits). This idea of fragmentation is a warning against my running with the first way I manage to understand something; just because I’ve found one way to understand (smash) something into understandable pieces, doesn’t mean that’s the best way.
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Self study
Useless to possess an obedient mind unless one profits to the furthest possible degree by its obedience. A prolonged primary course of study is indicated. Now as to what this course of study should be there cannot be any question; there never has been any question. All the sensible people of all ages are agreed upon it. And it is not literature, nor is it any other art, nor is it history, nor is it any science. It is the study of one’s self. man, know thyself.
~ Arnold Bennett
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Collaboration with Cassandra Ellis
How can the experience of working collaboratively in podcasting inform and enhance creative and personal growth?
Supporting others’ podcasting journeys can provide surprising insights into personal creativity.
Listening to that has led me to situations and experiences and people that make—that have me feeling uncomfortable in a good way, uncomfortable in a, ‘Oh, this is the next thing.
~ Cassandra Ellis (19:52)
The discussion emphasizes the importance of relationships in fostering creativity and collaboration, especially in the context of podcasting. Cassandra shares insights about hosting a “creativity potluck,” an event that inspired a collaborative partnership in supporting another’s podcast project. This interaction highlights the value of seeing creative work as part of an artistic continuum rather than a solitary task.
The conversation also explores how discomfort can be a catalyst for growth, urging creators to lean into challenges and follow their intuition. Recognizing podcasting as a relationship-driven process rather than an isolating endeavor provides a framework for discovering blind spots, whether technical, emotional, or creative. The exchange advocates for embracing small acts of courage and openness to serendipity.
Takeaways
Relationships in creativity — Learning happens best in connection with others or with non-human elements like nature.
The value of discomfort — Growth often comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
Collaborative roles — Reframing roles as partnerships enhances creative dynamics.
Continuum of creativity — Podcasting and similar endeavors are part of broader artistic expressions.
Intuition and serendipity — Listening to internal cues can guide transformative decisions.
Blind spots in podcasting — Identifying personal or professional gaps can lead to better outcomes.
Interpersonal growth — Supporting others fosters unexpected self-discovery.
Resources
Virtual birthday creativity potluck — An event concept designed to celebrate and share creativity among participants.
Support groups for newsletters — Initiatives that focus on helping individuals develop and maintain email newsletters.
Rule Breakers Support Group — A renamed initiative encouraging people to rethink self-imposed rules, especially in business.
Podcasters’ collaborative retreats — A concept where podcasters meet to share ideas and develop creative projects together.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Forgetting
I think we are well advised to keep on nodding terms with the people we used to be, whether we find them attractive company or not. Otherwise they turn up unannounced and surprise us, come hammering on the mind’s door at 4 a.m. of a bad night and demand to know who deserted them, who betrayed them, who is going to make amends. We forget all too soon the things we thought we could never forget. We forget the loves and the betrayals alike, forget what we whispered and what we screamed, forget who we were.
~ Joan Didion
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Guilt loops
Guilt is the emotion that you feel when you believe you have failed to live up to your own moral standards. It is perhaps the most enervating emotion. It makes you want to curl up in a little ball to block it out and avoid it.
~ Jean Moroney from, Dealing with Earned Guilt Loops – Thinking Directions
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This raises an interesting question for me. There’s a lot I’ve considered in how I think when I’m depressed. (I mean, thinking when I’m not depressed, about how I think when I am depressed.) There are a lot of valuable ideas and actionable things in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. For all my efforts though (including professional therapy), I’ve never thought that guilt might be a source. I’ve surely considered it in passing. That phrase up there, “your own moral standards,” however slaps hard. Because I have insanely (using that word in the literal sense), high moral standards for myself. Seems to be that notching down to extremely high moral standards, and paying close attention to adding a modifier, “aspirational,” might be a wise maneuver.
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Alignment with Dafna Gold Melchior
What role does alignment play in sustaining motivation and purpose when creating a podcast?
Practical insights emerge about overcoming the challenge of balancing self-promotion with authenticity.
The thing that I find most problematic about self-promotion is that it very quickly becomes obnoxious— and I am physically allergic to obnoxious self-promotion.
~ Dafna Gold Melchior (14:12)
The conversation focuses on the importance of alignment when producing creative work, particularly a podcast. Dafna describes her experience of starting a podcast based on practical and professional interests, initially centered on researchers and entrepreneurs. However, she notes how a sense of disconnection emerged when she pivoted to cover remote work during the pandemic. While producing episodes was enjoyable, the content lacked deeper personal resonance, leading to waning motivation. Eventually, she revisited her original theme—working with researchers—and found renewed energy by aligning their podcast’s focus with their expertise and passion.
Another key topic discussed is the challenge of balancing self-promotion with authenticity. Dafna highlights her discomfort with overt self-promotion, stemming from their upbringing and values. She struggles with leveraging her podcast to communicate her professional services without coming across as pushy or self-indulgent. The conversation emphasizes the value of subtly aligning a podcast’s purpose with its creator’s broader goals while maintaining its standalone value for listeners.
Takeaways
Alignment and motivation — Aligning a podcast’s theme with personal expertise can sustain motivation and satisfaction.
Balancing self-promotion — The challenge of self-promotion lies in finding a tone that feels authentic yet effective.
Creative pivoting — Reassessing the original purpose of a creative project can reignite energy and focus.
Avoiding burnout — Choosing a personally meaningful topic can prevent creative projects from becoming a chore.
Podcast structure — Standardized intros, outros, and episode synopses can streamline podcast production.
Listener connection — Audiences value the host’s insights as much as they appreciate the guest’s story.
Resources
Seth Godin’s Podcasting Workshop — A program designed to help individuals learn podcasting through hands-on exercises.
Podcaster Community — A community for independent podcast creators to connect and collaborate.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Pitfalls with Jennifer Myers Chua
What pitfalls and challenges arise when launching and growing a podcast, and how can they be managed?
Starting a podcast reveals unexpected challenges, even with careful preparation and an existing audience.
I tried really hard. I had a good launch strategy, I thought. I used my existing audience and was giving away gift cards from some of the businesses that I was featuring, as well as a gift card from ours. I asked for people to download and rate and review. I did everything by the book— Marketing 101! But I think I was really just not well versed on how podcasts operate, and how podcast audiences are built.
~ Jennifer Myers Chua (6:07)
The conversation explores the challenges of launching and growing a podcast, particularly the difficulty of converting an engaged social media audience into regular podcast listeners. One significant topic is the expectation versus reality of audience growth, where traditional marketing strategies may not work as expected in the podcasting medium. Despite careful preparation, such as giveaways and surveys, the reality of podcast listenership often requires a mindset shift about success and audience engagement.
Another topic discussed is the value of podcasting as a passion project and a vehicle for meaningful human connection. Jennifer highlights the personal reward of interviewing guests on topics such as sustainability and small businesses, which align with their personal values. She also reflects on balancing creative fulfillment with the challenge of building a listenership. Additionally, the importance of finding community among other podcasters as a support system is emphasized as a way to overcome frustrations and shared struggles.
Takeaways
Existing audiences don’t always convert — Many social media followers may not transition to a podcast listenership.
Podcast growth is harder than expected — Even with a strong launch strategy, podcasting requires unique approaches to audience building.
Passion-driven work sustains motivation — Creating content aligned with personal values offers fulfillment, regardless of metrics.
Mindset shifts are necessary — Success in podcasting may require re-evaluating audience expectations and personal satisfaction.
The value of human connection — Podcasts can provide opportunities for meaningful conversations and relationships.
Metrics can be misleading — The focus on downloads and statistics may detract from the creative purpose of podcasting.
Community provides support — Engaging with other podcasters offers encouragement and shared insights into common challenges.
Content curation matters — Delivering intentional, well-curated content increases the potential for audience connection and impact.
Resources
Hip Mommies — Jennifer’s business focused on sustainable and family-friendly products.
The Cost of Goods Sold Podcast — Jennifer’s podcast highlighting brands with social and environmental impact.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Epithets
Epithets for yourself: Upright. modest. Straightforward. Sane. Cooperative. Disinterested.
~ Marcus Aurelius
Try not to exchange them for others. And if you should forfeit them, set about getting them back. Keep in mind that “sanity” means understanding things—each individual thing—for what they are. And not losing the thread. And “cooperation” means accepting what nature assignes you—accepting it willingly. And “disinterest” means that the intelligence should rise above the movements of the flesh—the rough and the smooth alike. Should rise above fame, above death, and everything like them.
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A mover’s mindset
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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A clear and precise picture
Emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it.
~ Baruch Spinoza
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When to quit
The next time you’re feeling stymied and frustrated, look at the clock. When is your best time to create, to analyze, to think? Is it early or late? Are you trying to fit a square peg into a round hole?
~ Angie Flynn-McIver, from When? – Ignite CSP: Coaching, Speaking, Presenting
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I often feel my entire existence is a vicious cycle of plan, plan, over-plan… until I rebel against the self-imposed structures and tear down all the walls and systems. But one thing is ever present: I never know when to quit.
I should amend that. Until very recently, I never knew when to quit. That does not mean I now always know when to quit, and it certainly does not mean that I do quit when I should. But every once in a great while, it occurs to me that now would be the perfect time to stop.
Way too often I feel I don’t have the time to do something at the right time and try to just jam the square peg in. One more task before dinner. One more thing to organize before this. One more thing. One more thing. One more thing.
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§15 – A great recipe to be stressed out
(Part 27 of 37 in series, Study inspired by Pakour & Art du Déplacement by V. Thibault)
Have you noticed: Once you know something, you see it everywhere?
Reading this section, I’m reminded of Joe Erhmann’s ideas from the book “InsideOUT Coaching,” and of Steven Covey’s, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Both of which also counsel beginning with what’s inside; Beginning by taking a step back and noticing — perhaps _learning_ to notice is the first step — the broader context.
Over a decade ago, the previous-me was entirely focused inward, on myself, on the small picture. That previous-me molted as I managed to become self aware and began learning empathy. With empathy came the ability to listen and, most recently, the ability to communicate, “How can I help?”
And yet I still regularly find myself stressed out.
My impatience regarding…
fat loss
movement progression
the podcast
memento mori
…grows, and the things I appreciate– the things I have now which I have worked so vary hard for to this point– …well, I’ve grown accustomed to them and while I still internally appreciate them I’ve stopped showing that appreciation externally.
I need to shift my goals.
I need to move the goal posts.
I need to set milestones at smaller intervals.
When you make some new connection, one then suddenly sees it everywhere.
On a recent Saturday — a day I usually jam full of goals — I accidentally set so few goals for the day, that by 4pm I was completely done. Normally, I set my goals at “do all the things” [meme image omitted :], and at some point each day I surrender with a fatalistic, “that’s enough for today!” It took me a long time to get comfortable knowing I’m organized and motivated enough that I will make progress towards my long-term goals. But every day is either a day “off” with rest and relaxation with minimal work towards goals, or a day “on” where everything is ordered– flexible, adjustable, prioritized sure, but ordered none the less.
On this particular Saturday, at 4pm…
It was surreal. It was just a nice feeling, like, “Okay, what do I want to do?” I wandered around in this daze of, “Gee, the weather is nice,” “Wow, the feel of the concrete under my bare feet is nice,” “I’d forgotten to notice how comfortable this chair is,” and “Wow, this food is particularly yummy.”
What was different? Nothing.
I still had — still have! — an enormously-complex, personal productivity system which holds all the things I’m working on. That’s not bad; That’s good. It helps me greatly by remembering everything for me, so I can use my brain for having ideas and doing things. I still have a house with a sort of strange spot on one of the ceilings that I think means the roof might be leaking. I still have a leak in the shower that I haven’t figured out. There’s still some firewood to be split.
…but for one evening — a Saturday from about 4pm until I went to sleep around 9:30 — for one evening, I clearly forgot to put in one (or both!) of the ingredients that make up the recipe for being stressed out.
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Just showing off
Dinner this evening is line-caught Sockeye broiled with rosemary, brown rice and quinoa with sauteed baby portebella muchrooms, heirloom tomato from the CSA farm with EVO and basil from the garden, cold green bean salad (with garlic of course), mozerella drizzled with balsamic vinegar, refrigerator pickled cucumbers with onions …and no recipes :) #dinnerfor2 #cheznous @wildfoxfarm
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