Yoga of Connection with AARON CANTOR | EMP Podcast 138

Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play podcast! In today’s conversation we are joined by the one and only Tim Shieff! In the late 2000’s Tim was one of the best and most well known parkour athletes in the world, and in today’s discussion we will be hearing about the personal and professional struggles he faced that would lead him on a tumultuous journey for a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Along the way Rafe will share parallels of his own journey for personal health and healing, including the role that childhood trauma plays in physical ailments and injury, therapeutic practices he’d employed to overcome these issues, and the deep work that has been required to repair and rejuvenate his closest relationships. They will also talk at length about the way all of this has evolved their understanding of human movement and the way that they view their roles as coaches and mentors. This is a very rich discussion that you won’t want to miss out on. If you enjoy the conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and check out Tim’s work at the links provided below. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - The Search for Fulfillment 19:15 - The Disillusionment at the Top 32:19 - Leaving Veganism 45:34 - Rafe’s Own Story 53:55 - MDMA, Psilocybin and Family Trauma 01:15:46 - The Weck Method, Rope Flow & Body to Object Practices 01:27:46 - Biomechanics, Movement Strategies, and the Biopsychosocial Model TIM’S LINKS - Web: https://www.wayoftherope.com/ -IG: https://www.instagram.com/timsgym -IG: https://www.instagram.com/wayoftherope/ -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tims_Gym EMP | Visit Us Online - EMP Website: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com - EMP Substack: https:///evolvemoveplay.substack.com - IG: @RafeKelly - https://www.instagram.com/evolve.move.play/ - FB: @RafeKelleyMovement - https://www.facebook.com/RafeKelleyMovement - Twitter: @rafekelley - https://x.com/rafekelley - YT Subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Faelcind?sub_con... - Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/rafekelley EMP | Work With Us -Seasonal Retreats: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/Retreats -Weekend Workshops: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/weekend-workshops/ -Online Courses: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/courses/

Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play podcast! In today’s conversation we are joined once again by Flynn Disney, a parkour athlete and coach who has spent the last several years integrating theory and practice within movement and psychology. Much like our work at EMP, he’s embarked upon a journey to establish an ecology of practices for himself and his students that works to understand the vast amount of scientific, somatic and philosophical information that has been compiled, and translate it into actionable practices that can bring people into deeper levels of knowledge, wisdom and meaning in life. Throughout our chat we’ll touch on the importance of play as well as sensitive awareness for achieving a sound and healthy mind/body, the various approaches one might take upon the path of self cultivation, and the oftentimes difficult balance that must be obtained between hard work and rest. If you enjoy the conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and check out Flynn’s work at the links provided below. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Flynn’s Background, Dog Training, Conflict & Play 16:39 - Anxiety, Sensitivity & Awareness 39:06 - The Presence of Joy 56:42 - The Engineer & The Gardener 01:15:53 - The Necessity for Rest 01:23:37 - Work and Tension 01:35:27 - Confidence Practice and Flynn’s Events FLYNN DISNEY -IG: https://www.instagram.com/flynndisney/ -Substack: https://flynndisney.substack.com -Website: https://www.flynndisney.com/ EMP | Visit Us Online - EMP Website: www.evolvemoveplay.com - EMP Substack: evolvemoveplay.substack.com - IG: @RafeKelly - www.instagram.com/evolve.move.play/ - FB: @RafeKelleyMovement - www.facebook.com/RafeKelleyMovement - Twitter: @rafekelley - twitter.com/rafekelley - YT Subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Faelcind?sub_con... - Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/rafekelley EMP | Work With Us -Seasonal Retreats: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/Retreats -Weekend Workshops: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/weekend-workshops/ -Online Courses: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/courses/

Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play podcast! In today’s conversation, Kyle Koch and I delve into the transformative power of embodied movement practices and deep nature connection. As senior coaches and facilitators of Evolve Move Play, we share our journeys from feeling uninspired in the modern world to discovering profound meaning and connection through parkour, natural movement, and ancestral skills. Kyle and I discuss the integral role of physical practices in shaping one's character, and how the reciprocal opening that occurs between self, others, and the environment is fundamental to falling in love with life itself. We explore the limitations of fitness modalities born in isolation from nature, and how the immersive "Ecology of Practices" we've developed invites practitioners into a more holistic and integrated way of being. We also tackle some of the challenges facing today's younger generation, from the attention-hijacking algorithms of social media to the scarcity of free play and embodied role models. Kyle and I make a compelling case for getting this work out to more adults, who can then pass it on to the children in their lives, and help restore a more grounded and nourishing way of relating to self and world. For anyone yearning for deeper connection and a movement practice that touches the soul, this episode is an inspiring call to step outside the box and embrace our full human potential. If you are interested in furthering this journey of discovery and transformation make sure to check out our in-person events kicking off for the 2024 season. https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/weekend-workshops TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Kyle's Journey: From IT to Embodiment 07:05 - Evolving Evolve Move Play: Merging Nature and Movement 17:37 - Facilitating Connection Through Movement and Dialogue 30:32 - Movement as a Vehicle for Character Development 37:42 - Technology's Impact on Human Capacities and Childhood 47:35 - Cultivating Embodied Play and Falling in Love with Being 54:15 - Navigating Attention-Hijacking Paradigms 59:49 - Upcoming Events and Closing Thoughts EMP | Visit Us Online - EMP Website: www.evolvemoveplay.com - EMP Substack: evolvemoveplay.substack.com - IG: @RafeKelly - www.instagram.com/rafekelley/ - FB: @RafeKelleyMovement - www.facebook.com/RafeKelleyMovement - Twitter: @rafekelley - twitter.com/rafekelley - YT Subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Faelcind?sub_confirmation=1 - Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/rafekelley KYLE KOCH -IG: @trottingsparrow - https://www.instagram.com/trottingsparrow/

Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Alexander Beiner, a journalist, author, and co-founder of Rebel Wisdom. Our conversation explores the potential role of psychedelics in addressing the complex challenges facing humanity today, referred to as the "meta crisis." Drawing upon personal experiences, scientific research, and philosophical insights, we dive into topics such as the distinction between complicated and complex problems, the importance of embodiment in healing and growth, and the impact of metaphysical beliefs on culture and behavior. Alexander shares his powerful journey with psychedelics, including an MDMA experience that helped him process deep-seated trauma. We also delve into the shadow side of psychedelic therapy, the challenges of growing up in the counterculture, and the importance of approaching these powerful substances with humility and responsibility. Throughout our conversation, we grapple with the promises and perils of psychedelics as tools for personal and collective transformation. Whether you're a seasoned psychonaut or simply curious about the cutting-edge of consciousness research, this episode offers a wealth of insights that will leave you pondering the nature of reality, the complexities of the human psyche, and the transformative potential of psychedelics. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that will challenge the way you think about personal growth, societal change, and the future of our planet. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction and Defining the Meta Crisis  01:49 - The Role of Psychedelics in Addressing the Meta Crisis  07:46 - Complicated vs. Complex Problems  10:34 - The Importance of Embodiment and the Lessons from the Body  21:22 - The Influence of Metaphysics on Culture and Behavior  33:32 - Personal Experiences with MDMA and the Therapeutic Potential  50:44 - Acceptance and Surrender in Psychedelic Experiences  58:08 - Growing Up in the Counterculture and the Dangers of Spiritual Bypassing  01:07:08 - Psychedelics, Personality Change, and the Death of the Ego  01:25:24 - The Shadow Side of Psychedelic Therapy and the Importance of Integration EMP | Visit Us Online - EMP Website: www.evolvemoveplay.com - EMP Substack: evolvemoveplay.substack.com - IG: @RafeKelly - www.instagram.com/rafekelley/ - FB: @RafeKelleyMovement - www.facebook.com/RafeKelleyMovement - Twitter: @rafekelley - twitter.com/rafekelley - YT Subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Faelcind?sub_confirmation=1 - Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/rafekelley  ALEXANDER BEINER -Web: https://www.alexanderbeiner.com/ -IG: @alexaner_beiner - https://www.instagram.com/alexander_beiner/ -Book: The Bigger Picture - https://www.amazon.com/Bigger-Picture-Psychedelics-Sense-World/

Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play podcast! In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow movement coach, Jason C. Brown. Jason, an old-school kettlebell and functional fitness expert, shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of physical play and movement. We dive into a wide range of topics, from the perils of social media for coaches to the disappearance of free play among children. Jason and I discuss strategies for reintroducing play and risk-taking into our lives and the lives of our students. We also explore the concept of embodied faith and how physical wrestling can help us cultivate it. Throughout the conversation, we touch on the importance of roughhousing, the orthopedic cost of different practices as we age, and the value of learning from practitioners who actively engage in the physical practices they teach and have skin in the game. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that will challenge the way you think about movement, play, and personal growth. EMP | Visit Us Online - EMP Website: www.evolvemoveplay.com - EMP Substack: evolvemoveplay.substack.com - IG: @RafeKelly - www.instagram.com/rafekelley/ - FB: @RafeKelleyMovement - www.facebook.com/RafeKelleyMovement - Twitter: @rafekelley - twitter.com/rafekelley - YT Subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Faelcind?sub_confirmation=1 - Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/rafekelley JASON C. BROWN -IG: @ironkimono - https://www.instagram.com/ironkimono -YT: @KettlebellAthletics - https://www.youtube.com/@KettlebellAthletics -Web: https://www.jasoncbrown.art/ 00:00:00 - Introduction and catching up 00:02:37 - Social media's toll on coaches 00:13:35 - Perils of the attention economy 00:22:27 - Rediscovering non-professional joys 00:30:40 - The disappearance of free play 00:37:26 - Reintroducing play and risk-taking 00:48:56 - Aging and the orthopedic cost of practice 00:57:04 - The importance of roughhousing and body-to-body play 01:13:31 - Cultivating embodied faith through physical wrestling 01:24:54 - Learning from practitioners with skin in the game

Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Cantor, an EMP coach, movement facilitator, and long-time collaborator. Aaron takes us on a captivating journey from his roots in traditional movement practices to his current role as a physical intelligence teacher. As our conversation unfolds, Aaron shares his eclectic influences, spanning from contact improvisation to clowning, and how he has integrated these elements into his work with Evolve Move Play. Together, we dive into the concept of roughhousing as a foundational practice for nurturing emotional attunement, fostering intellectual growth, and cultivating empathy. I also take a moment to open up about my own emotional healing journey and the profound impact of somatic practices. We emphasize the vital role of embodied practices in building emotional resilience and explore the idea of reframing roughhousing as a pathway to emotional awareness and grounding in the body. Join us as we envision a future where embodied education takes center stage and discover how Evolve Move Play is poised to have a pivotal role in shaping this transformative paradigm shift. For more conversations with Aaron and our EMP team, check out this page: https://www.evolvemoveplay.com/tag/aaron-cantor/ EMP | Visit Us Online - EMP Website: www.evolvemoveplay.com - EMP Substack: evolvemoveplay.substack.com - IG: @RafeKelly - www.instagram.com/rafekelley/ - FB: @RafeKelleyMovement - www.facebook.com/RafeKelleyMovement - Twitter: @rafekelley - twitter.com/rafekelley - YT Subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Faelcind?sub_confirmation=1 - Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/rafekelley AARON CANTOR -IG: @aaroncantor - https://www.instagram.com/aaroncantor/ 00:00:00:00 - From Traditional Yoga to Energetic Practices 00:05:48:18 - Subtlety in Movement and a Critique of Yoga Culture 00:12:55:17 - Becoming a Physical Intelligence Facilitator 00:20:18:03 - Connecting with Rafe and Bridging Movement Disciplines 00:27:46:17 - Aaron's Eclectic Influences: Contact Improv to Clowning 00:33:41:01 - Integrating Aaron's Work into Evolve Move Play 00:41:40:03 - Roughhousing for Emotional Attunement and Intellectual Growth 00:52:28:03 - Rafe's Healing Journey and the Power of Somatic Practices 00:59:13:17 - Embodied Practices for Emotional Resilience and Empathy 01:10:58:13 - Reframing Roughhousing for Emotional Awareness and Grounding 01:22:25:24 - Envisioning Embodied Education and Evolve Move Play's Role

Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play podcast! In this episode Jordan Hall and I explore the role of embodiment in addressing the meta crisis facing humanity. Jordan shares his background in the tech industry and the origins of the Game B project, which seeks to understand and respond to the interconnected challenges of our time. The discussion delves into the relationship between individuals and institutions, the evolution of paradigmatic thinking, and the shift from a world of rhythm to one of tone. We examine the tension between truth-first and beauty-first approaches to reality, and how this relates to the historical relationship between science and religion. We also discuss the concept of faith as an embodied capacity, situated within a stack of communication, understanding, hope, and love. Our conversation highlights the importance of embodied practices in developing virtue, cultivating faith, and navigating the complexities of the meta crisis. Perhaps one key to moving forward is to avoid panic and to love more deeply, emphasizing the transformative power of embodiment in personal and collective growth. EMP | Visit Us Online - EMP Website: www.evolvemoveplay.com - EMP Substack: evolvemoveplay.substack.com - IG: @RafeKelly - www.instagram.com/rafekelley/ - FB: @RafeKelleyMovement - www.facebook.com/RafeKelleyMovement - Twitter: @rafekelley - twitter.com/rafekelley - YT Subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Faelcind?sub_confirmation=1 - Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/rafekelley JORDAN GREENHALL - Medium: https://medium.com/@jordangreenhall - X: https://www.twtitter.com/@jgreenhall -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JordanGreenhall 00:00:00:00 : Jordan's Background and Game B 00:07:48:11 : Embodiment and the Meta Crisis 00:19:13:13 : Identity, Individuals, and Institutions 00:27:44:09 : Paradigmatic Mind and the Shift from Rhythm to Tone 00:35:56:17 : Truth vs. Beauty in Approaching Reality 00:45:35:00 : Faith as Embodied Capacity 00:54:26:19 : Science, Religion, and Embodiment in Education 01:10:21:11 : Cultivating Faith Through Embodied Practices 01:19:11:09 : Reconciling Science and Religion 01:27:44:13 : Embodied Practices, Virtue, and the Meta Crisis 1:34:36:00 : The Call to Love More Deeply

Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play podcast! In this episode, I explore the world of soft acrobatics with Aaron, an acrobatics coach and sports science student from Frankfurt, Germany. Diving into the intricacies of movement, Aaron shares his journey of myth-busting traditional beliefs about motor learning, and how soft acrobatics serves as a bridge between the realms of physical capability and artistic expression. We discuss how this practice is not just about acrobatic proficiency but also about fostering a deep connection with oneself, nature, and the community. Join us to learn about the unique offerings of soft acrobatics, its foundation in sports science, and how it contrasts with conventional fitness approaches, providing a pathway to development and transformation. EMP | Visit Us Online - EMP Website: www.evolvemoveplay.com - EMP Substack: evolvemoveplay.substack.com - IG: @RafeKelly - www.instagram.com/rafekelley/ - FB: @RafeKelleyMovement - www.facebook.com/RafeKelleyMovement - Twitter: @rafekelley - twitter.com/rafekelley - YT Subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Faelcind?sub_confirmation=1 - Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/rafekelley AARON MARTIN - Web: https://www.softacroaaron.com/ - IG: @@softacroaaron - https://www.instagram.com/softacroaaron -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@softacroaaron -Download Aaron’s Free Beginner Guide to Acrobatics: https://www.softacroaaron.com/ea 00:00:00:00 : Aaron’s Background and Soft Acrobatics 00:05:26:10 : The Why of Soft Acrobatics and Acrobatic Cultures 00:11:18:20 : Specialization vs Generalization in Movement 00:20:18:19 : Attributes of a Generalized Movement Capacity 00:30:39:11 : Rhythm and Flow in Acrobatics and Sports 00:37:57:24 : Evaluating and Improving Movement Quality 00:42:41:03 : Scaling and Progressing Acrobatic Skills 00:46:51:24 : Coaching, Learning and Motivation 00:52:57:10 : Children Learning Acrobatics 00:57:15:04 : Inspirations and Resources 01:00:14:19 : Importance of Learner Autonomy 01:03:53:05 : Motor Learning and Acrobatics

Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play podcast! In this episode I had the pleasure to sit down with Bonnitta Roy, a philosopher, entrepreneur, and educator known for her innovative approaches to consciousness and collective intelligence. From her early years in a factory town to her multifaceted career spanning neuroscience, art, and landscape design, Bonnie's journey is a testament to the richness of a non-linear path and the pursuit of wisdom. We explore the importance of cultivating individual virtues, the impact of her educational background, and the role of deep connections and self-awareness in navigating today's complex world. Join us as we unravel the threads of philosophy, self-discovery, and the essence of living a life intertwined with nature and consciousness. EMP | Visit Us Online - EMP Website: www.evolvemoveplay.com - EMP Substack: evolvemoveplay.substack.com - IG: @RafeKelly - www.instagram.com/rafekelley/ - FB: @RafeKelleyMovement - www.facebook.com/RafeKelleyMovement - Twitter: @rafekelley - twitter.com/rafekelley - YT Subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Faelcind?sub_confirmation=1 - Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/rafekelley BONNITTA ROY -Web: https://tllp.org/people/bonnitta-roy/ - Substack: https://bonnittaroy.substack.com/ - Medium: https://bonnittaroy.medium.com/ -Twitter/ X :https://twitter.com/bonnittaroy 00:00:00- Introduction & Past Connections 00:03:26- Factory to Philosophy 00:12:32- Neurons to Canvases: Science and Art 00:19:22- Horticulture Ventures 00:30:12- Teaching Philosophies: From Classroom to Digital 00:39:20- Unraveling Wisdom in a Tangled World 00:46:28- Challenging Norms: Gender, Identity, and Societal Constructs 00:54:14- The Essential Connection to Nature and Body 01:02:03- Paths to Societal Enlightenment

Welcome back to the Evolve Move Play podcast! In today’s episode I sat down with Nil Teisner, creator of Finding Flow. We delve deep into the essence of movement, its transformative power and the flow that can be found in our bodies. Nil shares his journey from skateboarding to mastering acrobatics, highlighting the importance of fluidity, the art of facing fears, and the pursuit of passion in movement. We touch on topics like the interplay between strength and flexibility, the educational aspects of teaching movement, and insights into acrobatics as a tool for exploring risk, uncertainty, and personal growth are explored. Discover Nil's unique approach to movement that blends discipline with creative expression, encouraging us to explore the limits of our physical and mental landscapes. To experience Finding Flow, keep an eye out on social media for Nil’s upcoming workshops in the USA. EMP | Visit Us Online - EMP Website: www.evolvemoveplay.com - EMP Substack: evolvemoveplay.substack.com - IG: @RafeKelly - www.instagram.com/rafekelley/ - FB: @RafeKelleyMovement - www.facebook.com/RafeKelleyMovement - Twitter: @rafekelley - twitter.com/rafekelley - YT Subscribe: www.youtube.com/user/Faelcind?sub_confirmation=1 - Become a Patron: www.patreon.com/rafekelley NIL TEISNER - Web: https://nilteisner.de/en/ - IG: @jnilteisner - https://www.instagram.com/nilteisner/ -YT: https://www.youtube.com/@NilTeisner -LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/nilteisner 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome: Meeting Nil Teisner 00:05:32 - Background and Beginnings: From Skateboarding to Movement 00:14:54 - Transition into Teaching and Exploring CrossFit 00:24:04 - Discovering and Diving Deep into Acrobatics 00:33:42 - Teaching Philosophy: Beyond Physical Skills 00:43:48 - The Evolution and Integration of Practice 00:53:20 - Shifting Focus: From Strength to Fluidity in Movement 01:03:29 - Reflections on Acrobatics and Parkour Interplay 01:13:35 - Current State of Practice and Future Directions 01:18:04 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts