In a world that glorifies urgency and endless productivity, what if the key to clarity, focus, and meaning lies in something as simple—and radical—as play? In this episode, Anthony Trahair shares his journey from chemistry student to circus performer to wellness coach, offering deep reflections on the role of movement and creativity in mental wellbeing.

Whether you're feeling burnt out, overstimulated, or just disconnected from your creative edge, this conversation offers practical tools and fresh insights into how we might live, move, and work with more intention.

Episode Highlights

• Why urgency makes us feel important (and why that's dangerous)
• Burnout culture, productivity myths, and nervous system overload
• Movement as a form of emotional regulation
• Flow state, attention, and the link with neurodivergence
• Juggling as metaphor and method for mental health
• The problem with “watch out!” and the power of mindful language
• Why screen time ruins downtime
• The value of daily practices before touching your phone
• Creativity, curiosity, and how children learn presence through play

Key Ideas & References

• Marshall Rosenberg – founder of Nonviolent Communication; referenced in how we can shift language to support emotional safety and creativity.
• The book PlayDHD by Kirten Milliken PhD – mentioned in the context of neurodivergence and reframing attention as a creative strength.
• The Urgency-Importance Matrix (also known as the Eisenhower Matrix) – used to explain how urgency often feels like importance but is usually a trap.
• The idea that school is no longer a clear path to employment or purpose, which contributes to disengagement.
• The importance of having a practice—something grounding you do daily before engaging with tech.

🧩 Memorable Quote

"If you start your day with your phone, your nervous system’s already hijacked. A practice, before anything else, is a way to claim your mind back." — Anthony Trahair

🔗 Links & Resources

🌐 Anthony Trahair – Official Website
📘 Pearls of Juggling – Book by Anthony Trahair (available on his website)
🧠 Marshall Rosenberg – Nonviolent Communication
📚 PlayHD by Christine Miskinis – Book Info
🎙️ More Episodes at Movement Is My Constant
📲 Follow the Podcast on Instagram @movementismyconstant

📣 Call to Action

If you’re navigating a creative block, mental fatigue, or just want to bring more joy into your work, tag a friend or fellow mover who needs to hear this. Rate and review if it resonated

✨ Want to go deeper? Explore my mindfulness courses and 1:1 sessions at MiCa Mindfulness — designed to support caregivers, creatives, and mission-driven humans.

Episode Credits
Produced, Edited and Mixed by Chris Forbes
Artwork Design by Utterly Create
Music is by Pictures of a Floating World from the Free Music archive.org

Be sure to follow and tag Movement is My Constant on Instagram

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