Movers Mindset

How can we incorporate nature and movement into our lives to foster health, reflection, and personal growth?

How does a professional tri-athlete become a barefoot nomad? The path has never been clearer to Jessi Stensland. She discusses the role of movement in her life, before diving into her passion: feet. Jessi unpacks her own journey of foot discovery, and shares foot recommendations for others. She describes her personal reflective practices, and her focus of prioritizing nature in her life.

"In other words, if people come up to me on the trail and they say, 'Do you run barefoot?' And I said, 'I don't run barefoot. I run. You run in shoes. And why?' Because we have a shoe company called Vivo Barefoot, 'live barefoot.' The first time someone asked me, 'What does barefoot mean to you, Jessi?', I was like whoa! If someone has to ask me—very, very wholeheartedly ask me—what I think the word barefoot means… Something's wrong with that word in our day and age now, unfortunately." ~ Jessi Stensland (14:05)

Jessi Stensland is a Nature-based, movement-inspired, wild and free human currently in living in Oaxaca, Mexico. She has a background in human performance, was a college swimmer, professional triathlete and mountain sport athlete who more recently began exploring parkour and dance. Jessi is working on a concept designed to inspire a rerooting of our collective core values within Nature. She is passionate about living with Nature, moving in Nature, and about permaculture, foraging, growing food, floor sleeping and, as always: free feet.

The conversation explores how reconnecting with nature and understanding our bodies can inspire profound personal growth and reflection. Jessi shares how her journey into barefoot living transformed her approach to movement and life. She discusses the physical and sensory benefits of engaging with natural environments, emphasizing the importance of texture, variability, and sensory stimulation for healthy feet and overall well-being. Her self-discovery highlights how societal norms, like reliance on shoes, can obscure our connection to natural movement.

Another central theme is the mental and emotional clarity derived from living in harmony with nature. Jessi explains how daily exposure to natural elements and reflective practices, such as mindful interaction with the environment, allow her to process her thoughts and recharge. The discussion also touches on broader topics, including the importance of childhood freedom, permaculture, and foraging, as ways to deepen our relationship with nature and enrich our lives.

Takeaways

Nature as a priority — Incorporating nature into daily life enhances physical and mental well-being.

Barefoot living — Exploring the benefits of minimal footwear and natural ground textures.

Self-discovery — Movement and reflection serve as tools for understanding the body and mind.

Childlike curiosity — Adopting a playful, exploratory approach to movement and life.

Permaculture and foraging — Engaging with local environments through sustainable practices.

Sensory connection — Using natural sensations to reconnect with the body and the earth.

Resources

Feet Freex — For humans on the move.

Erwan Le Corre and Natural Movement — A reference to natural movement principles, as discussed in the conversation.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

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What roles do culture, community, and personal experience play in shaping the art and teaching of street dance?

Some things go beyond a passion to become a way of life… For Kyle ‘Just Sole’ and Dinita ‘Queen Di’ Clark that way of life is street dance. They share their story; how they started dancing, their backgrounds, and their work as choreographers and professors. Just Sole and Queen Di describe their experiences with dance, from clubbing to teaching, and explain the culture  and community of street dance. They discuss family, home and travel, and how dance weaves through everything in their lives.

"It's actually a surrendering to music. That's what dance says, it's a surrendering, it's a commitment, it's a letting go of your preconceived notion to accept it, to express your conceived notion with it." ~ Kyle 'Just Sole' Clark (45:40)

Kyle ‘Just Sole’ and Dinita ‘Queen Di’ Clark are dancers, choreographers, educators, and parents. Currently college professors, they have competed, taught, traveled, and performed together around the world for the last decade. Just Sole and Queen Di founded the “Just Sole! Street Dance Theater” company, and educational program “Funky Sole Fundamentals” to preserve the culture and styles of hip hop, funk, and house dance.

"The beautiful thing about hip hop and street dance culture is, you are allowed to be yourself within the culture." ~ Dinita 'Queen Di' Clark (36:00)

The conversation centers on the deep cultural, spiritual, and personal significance of street dance. Kyle and Dinita discuss how street dance is more than movement; it’s a form of expression and a way of life, intricately tied to music, history, and community. They highlight the role of personal upbringing and exposure to music and movement in shaping their artistic journeys, describing dance as a universal language that everyone can connect with, but only those who actively participate truly understand.

Queen Di and Just Sole also emphasize the responsibility of teaching street dance, including preserving its cultural roots and passing on its history. They address misconceptions about the art form, such as the lack of perceived technique, and stress the importance of engaging directly with the culture through clubs, ciphers, and shared experiences. The discussion also touches on themes of appropriation, education, and the universal appeal of dance as a means of connection and spiritual release.

Takeaways

Participation in culture — True understanding and belonging in street dance require active participation, not just learning moves or theory.

Teaching with responsibility — Educators have a duty to preserve and respect the cultural roots of street dance while guiding students in their personal expression.

Dance as spiritual expression — Beyond movement, street dance connects deeply to music, offering a spiritual and emotional release.

Universal accessibility — While everyone can dance in theory, achieving a profound connection requires dedication and openness.

Cultural preservation — Maintaining the history and essence of street dance ensures its authenticity and relevance for future generations.

Resources

Queen Dinita @queen_dinita

Just Sole @justsole

Just Sole Movement

Funky Sole Fundamentals @funkysolefundamentals

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

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What are the ways in which personal narratives, self-perception, and mentorship influence an individual’s path to growth and transformation?

If you want to know someone, have a conversation with them. But if you want to know who they really are, have a conversation with their partner. Thomas Droge and Brenda Kahn share their story and how they’ve changed over the years. They explore the idea of our internal narratives and self-perceptions, finding your own way, and the human experience of time. Brenda and Thomas discuss ways to change the world and the importance of investigating your history.

"I've been writing a memoir. And I had a really fascinating experience with it, because I got all the way through it, and realize that everything that I told myself about myself was totally not true. […] the stories we tell ourselves, literally, inform our lives in a way that have real consequences in the real world. And when you take a step back and look at yourself and decide, wait a second, you know, they actually did a lot of really cool things, you know— this was kind of amazing. So then I had to start the whole thing over again from this whole different slant." ~ Brenda Kan (38:24)

This conversation explores how personal stories and perceptions shape our lives and how reevaluating them can unlock growth. Brenda reflects on writing a memoir and discovering that her past achievements were much more significant than she initially believed, illustrating the transformative power of storytelling. Thomas complements this idea by discussing mentorship and the value of learning from both older and younger generations to stay connected with evolving perspectives.

"And he said, for me, one of the things that I think people always miss in mentorship is that you need mentors who are younger than you, to share with you what's changing in the world, and keep you connected to what's happening. And mentorship is really a two way street, of the younger generation, connecting you with the world and what's happening and showing you what's changing from their point of view. To teach you so that you don't get stuck in your static view of the world." ~ Thomas Droge (33:17)

The discussion also touches on movement practices, mindfulness, and self-discovery, connecting these to larger themes like time perception and narrative transformation. By examining personal experiences, they highlight the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in personal and professional contexts, as well as the role of mentors and shared knowledge in shaping these journeys.

Takeaways

Mentorship’s reciprocal nature — Younger mentors help connect older generations to evolving perspectives, making mentorship a two-way exchange.

Personal narrative’s power — Revisiting and reframing personal stories can completely transform self-perception.

Movement as insight — Physical practices like Tai Chi or Parkour help reveal inner narratives and foster growth.

The interplay of time and perception — Understanding time through different lenses offers tools for navigating personal transformation.

Storytelling and compassion — Approaching one’s story with compassion opens up new possibilities for growth and healing.

Resources

Thomas Droge

Brenda Kahn

Dolores Huerta Foundation — Civil rights organization founded by Dolores Huerta.

Taoism and Dragon Gate Teachings — An overview of the Dragon Gate Taoist philosophy.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

How can personal experiences with Aikido and wellness practices be used to help others improve their lives through self-awareness, physical health, and personal growth?

Unexpectedly inheriting an Aikido school may sound overwhelming, but Cara-Michele Nether took it in stride. She sits down to share her journey in Aikido and acupuncture, and what she’s learned from both. Cara-Michele unpacks her views on overall health, and how she helps people improve their lives by focusing on their ‘why.’ She discusses her grandmother, the importance of self-awareness, and her thoughts on Aikido’s usefulness.

"Nobody wants to do something that they feel awful about. So you have to make it easy and smooth for them and give them small reasons to celebrate and have a good time and feel like they want to come back." ~ Cara-Michele Nether (38:42)

The discussion focuses on personal growth and the impact of martial arts, particularly Aikido, on physical and emotional health. Aikido serves as a tool for self-awareness and developing resilience, as Cara-Michele shares her journey from discovering the practice to inheriting and leading a dojo. The themes of humility, connection, and navigating challenges in teaching and practice are explored in depth.

Health and wellness are central topics, as Cara-Michele integrates practices like acupuncture, nutrition, and functional movement into their work. She emphasize the importance of understanding personal motivations, or "why," to make meaningful changes in health and lifestyle. Stories of overcoming challenges and helping others through tailored approaches highlight the transformative power of these practices.

Takeaways

Functional movement — Emphasis on exercises that enhance daily life skills like lifting, climbing stairs, or squatting.

Humility in practice — The necessity of maintaining an "empty cup" mindset for growth in martial arts and personal development.

Health connections — The integration of acupuncture, nutrition, and movement to improve overall well-being.

Legacy and impact — Encouraging others to recognize their unique contributions and preserve family histories.

Community and belonging — The importance of fostering connections and seeing oneself as valuable to others.

Resources

Strength and Vitality Wellness Center — A wellness center offering acupuncture, nutrition, and movement classes, designed to help clients achieve overall health and vitality.

Falls Road Aikido — A dojo founded by Cara-Michele Nether that emphasizes Aikido practice with a focus on personal growth and connection.

Kinokawa Aikido — An Aikido organization that strongly influenced Cara-Michele's martial arts journey, known for its emphasis on martial and philosophical aspects of Aikido.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

How can diverse physical practices and creative disciplines inform and enhance each other to foster personal growth and adaptability?

Any mind hell-bent on problem solving inevitably seeks challenge. Thea Rae discusses many things, including her movement background, coding, and stunt work. She unpacks the connections between her art, movement, aerial circus, and programming. Thea explains her varied interests: stunts, circus, cycling, climbing, and ice skating, and why cross training is so important to her practice.

"Movement is also a language to me. Just as much as we can communicate with words, we can also communicate with our bodies and we can say so much." ~ Thea Rae

Thea Rae discusses her multifaceted journey through movement arts, creative technology, and life, emphasizing the significance of cross-training in her personal and professional development. She reflects on how disciplines like gymnastics, aerial arts, and ice skating have shaped her understanding of physicality and creativity. Her experience with rock climbing has also been pivotal in teaching her how to remain calm and adapt to challenging situations.

In addition to physical movement, Thea digs into her artistic pursuits, including kinetic sculpture and interactive installations. She explains the parallels between her programming and movement practices, highlighting the problem-solving mindset that underpins both. Throughout, she underscores the value of viewing movement as a language and a means of communication, shaping her approach to teaching, performing, and everyday life.

Takeaways

Movement as a language — Physical movement can communicate as much as words, offering nuanced expressions of thought and emotion.

Cross-training benefits — Engaging in varied physical practices enriches skills across disciplines and fosters adaptability.

The interplay of art and movement — Artistic and physical pursuits inform and enhance each other, creating a holistic creative process.

Resilience through rock climbing — Climbing teaches problem-solving, calmness, and persistence in the face of physical challenges.

Ice skating’s impact — Ice skating has improved Thea’s balance, core stability, and understanding of subtle movements.

Rehab and pre-hab importance — Maintaining physical health requires intentional rehabilitation and preventative exercises to stay active.

Creative problem-solving — Both programming and movement rely on structured thinking and the ability to adapt to complex situations.

Resources

New England Center for Circus Arts — A school where Thea studied aerial silks and acrobatics.

Brooklyn Zoo — A parkour gym where Thea began exploring movement in New York City.

Motiv NY — A physical therapy center that has assisted Thea with movement optimization and injury recovery.

Wonderfruit Festival — A music festival in Thailand where Thea built interactive installations.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

How can movement practices like Parcon Resilience foster connection, empathy, and anti-racism in diverse communities?

Andrew Suseno’s Parcon goes beyond the physical to create community and fight racism. Andrew discusses his family, ancestors, and their role in his identity. We explore what Parcon is, why he created Parcon Resilience, and his vision for the anti-racist work it does. Andrew unpacks various pieces of racism in modern America, how Parcon Resilience addresses it, and shares why the work he does inspires him.

"When somebody is Parcon'ing with somebody who might be in a chair— who might have the ability to maybe do a couple steps if they had somebody in kind of a dynamic balance with them or helping take off some of their weight— Then all of a sudden it becomes possible! There’s this invitation across ability to be able to create new possibilities for being in public, for being in the world, and it’s not just a singular thing." ~ Andrew Suseno (17:48)

The discussion explores Parcon Resilience as an innovative practice combining movement, community, and anti-racist principles. Andrew goes into the origins of Parcon Resilience, blending influences from contact improvisation and parkour to create relational and environmental somatic experiences. The practice emphasizes inclusivity, enabling people of all abilities to connect and express themselves, often in public spaces, to challenge societal norms about movement and relationships.

The conversation also addresses broader themes of racism, intersectionality, and ancestral connections. Andrew explains how Parcon Resilience helps people embody anti-racism by fostering empathy and honoring diverse experiences. Discussions include the socio-political implications of movement and the transformative potential of connecting with one’s environment, others, and ancestral history.

Takeaways

Inclusivity in movement practices — Parcon Resilience allows individuals of all abilities to engage in meaningful interactions.

Contact improvisation — The foundational principles emphasize shared weight and nonverbal communication between participants.

Anti-racism through movement — Parcon Resilience focuses on fostering race consciousness and addressing societal inequalities.

Connection to environment — Participants explore nontraditional spaces and movements to form deeper relationships with their surroundings.

Empathy and relational practices — The focus on shared experiences builds mutual understanding and challenges societal divisions.

Intersectionality in practice — The framework centers on people of color across various intersecting identities.

Cultural and ancestral connections — Honoring one's past and culture through movement deepens personal and collective identity.

Challenging ableist norms — Activities break barriers between able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities.

Transforming public spaces — Movement activities in public invite diverse interactions and challenge conventional use of urban environments.

Resources

Moving Rasa @moving.rasa

People's Institute for Survival and Beyond — Organization providing anti-racism workshops and initiatives.

Andrea Smith's article on Heteropatriarchy — A piece discussing the three pillars of white supremacy.

High Line Park — The location for one of Parcon Resilience's public flash mobs in New York City.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

How can inclusive coaching practices and a focus on empathy improve learning and growth for diverse groups in movement disciplines like parkour?

When she first learned about parkour back in ’06, Nikkie Zanevsky never dreamed it would lead to her quitting her day job and starting her own movement company. Nikkie sits down to reflect on her approach to coaching, structuring classes, and creating an experience for her students. She shares her own methods of learning and growing, and how it impacts her coaching. Nikkie shares her insights on success, inclusivity and gender in parkour, and the importance of starting before you’re ready.

"For me, my favorite part of coaching is activating everyone in the space to work with each other and to learn from each other, but I feel like I can do that better if I know something about each of the people and how to activate that." ~ Nikkie Zanevsky

The conversation explores the integration of empathy, inclusivity, and diverse movement modalities in coaching practices. Nikkie discusses her approach to creating a supportive environment for learners of all ages and skill levels. She emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs and fostering collaboration among participants.

Key themes include the role of failure as a pathway to growth, the psychological barriers faced by older participants, and the value of blending disciplines like parkour, strength training, and playful movement. The discussion also highlights how societal expectations can influence participation and the importance of challenging norms to create equitable learning experiences.

Takeaways

Empathy in coaching — Nikkie emphasizes understanding and adapting to the needs of each participant.

Failure as a learning tool — Regularly facing challenges and setbacks builds resilience and empathy.

Diverse modalities — Combining parkour with strength training and playful elements enhances learning.

Psychological barriers — Older adults often face mental and social hurdles to engaging in new physical practices.

Inclusive environments — Structured indoor and outdoor spaces can make movement more approachable.

Impact of societal norms — Challenging expectations about age, gender, and ability fosters inclusivity.

Resources

Wildly Fit — Nikkie's New York-based movement coaching and team-building company.

Grit — Angela Lee Duckworth's book referenced for its focus on perseverance and passion.

The Movement Creative — A collaborative movement community co-founded by Nikkie.

Firestorm Freerunning & Acrobatics — Mentioned as a model for a thriving parkour business.

American Rendezvous — An event noted for its inclusivity across all skill levels.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

What can be learned from training parkour and engaging with challenges of height about composure, awareness, and personal growth?

Bryan Riggins discusses his motivation, goals, and process of training descents, and his experiences and relationship with fear. He shares how it relates to his love of coaching children, and the challenges he personally works on. Bryan unpacks his reasons for training parkour before delving into the many books that have influenced him and what is on his reading list.

"I think that fear has a place always. I think that if people think that it doesn't exist or that they don't have it, they're lying to themselves." ~ Bryan Riggins (14:18)

The conversation discusses the lessons drawn from parkour, particularly training descents, and how these experiences shape personal awareness and composure. Central themes include managing fear, the importance of intentionality, and the application of these principles in teaching children and coaching others. Bryan reflects on how parkour serves as a means for self-discovery and resilience building.

The discussion also drops into the philosophical aspects of parkour, such as the value of breaking challenges into manageable parts and the role of journaling in tracking progress. Broader reflections on teaching emphasize equipping students with tools to manage emotional responses, fostering a growth-oriented mindset, and creating meaningful connections between physical practice and personal development.

Takeaways

Awareness in training — The importance of being present and intentional in physical practice.

Fear as a tool — Fear is acknowledged as a constant presence, offering opportunities for growth rather than avoidance.

Coaching children — Effective teaching strategies involve mindfulness and providing tools for emotional management.

Challenge breakdown — Success in parkour often depends on dividing large challenges into smaller, manageable steps.

Journaling for reflection — Documenting training helps reinforce learning and track progress.

Social media's role — Social platforms are seen as both an opportunity for connection and a potential distraction from meaningful practice.

Mindset in challenges — A fixed mindset can limit growth, while a focus on adaptability fosters resilience.

The influence of books — Literature and philosophical insights inform both training and teaching methodologies.

Resources

The Rock Warrior's Way —  Arno Ilgner's book that discusses awareness, attention, and intention in training.

Parkour Visions — An organization where the speaker coaches and develops programs.

Momo — Michael Ende's' magical realism book mentioned as inspiring.

A Thousand Plateaus — by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, a philosophical work exploring complex ideas.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

What role does tantra, authenticity, and interpersonal communication play in enhancing personal growth and human connection?

TK openly discusses her experiences with tantra, explaining what it is, what it means to her, and how it relates to her goals with Lovecraft Collective. She shares her thoughts on the power of eye contact, radical honesty, and interpersonal communication. TK delves into her love of climbing, her relationship with movement, sexuality, and how the two are connected.

"There’s something kind of magical that happens when you— We're making eye contact right now, and it's kind of silly, but if we allowed ourselves to continue to make eye contact…" ~ TK (19:39)

The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of tantra, diving into its definition and its applications in fostering human connection and holistic healing. It highlights the significance of balancing energy, exploring pleasure, and integrating movement practices such as climbing and parkour into a fuller, more embodied experience of life. TK shares personal anecdotes that underline the importance of understanding and addressing sexuality as a fundamental part of being human.

The discussion also dips into the profound power of eye contact, vulnerability, and radical honesty as transformative tools in interpersonal relationships. Insights into TK's movement background, including climbing and parkour, provide a glimpse into how physical activities intertwine with personal development and creativity.

Takeaways

Eye contact — A powerful tool for creating intimacy and understanding in human connections.

Tantra — A practice focused on integrating light, sound, and form for holistic healing and personal growth.

Movement and embodiment — Movement practices like parkour and climbing play a significant role in connecting with oneself and the environment.

Radical honesty — Emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in building trust and fostering genuine interactions.

Sexuality and self-discovery — Understanding and addressing sexuality as a core aspect of humanity and personal empowerment.

Integration of practices — Combining physical movement, tantra, and mindfulness for a balanced and enriched life.

Resources

LoveCraft Collective — The guest’s coaching and empowerment collective focused on tantra and sexual healing.

Urban Tantra — Barbara Carrellas's book exploring tantra practices, initially developed during the AIDS crisis, to foster connection and healing.

Seattle Bouldering Project — A climbing and community space where the guest developed connections related to movement.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

Craig reflects on 2019, thanking the team, and the people who have helped along the way. He recaps what Movers Mindset accomplished in 2019; the podcast being just one area of focus. He shares some plans and hints for what's coming for 2020 and in season 4.

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ