Flow Over Force with Anthony Trahair: A Playful Take on Mental Health and Creative Recovery
Are you a creative professional or movement teacher feeling the effects of burnout or distraction? In this episode of Movement Is My Constant, I talk to movement artist and wellness coach Anthony Trahair about how playful practices—like juggling, mindful movement, and daily rituals—can help restore mental clarity, support neurodivergent minds, and rebuild your connection to joy. We discuss how urgency feeds the ego, why phone-first mornings sabotage your nervous system, and the power of creative flow as a daily discipline.
Whether you're navigating ADHD, looking for sustainable creative focus, or just ready to feel more grounded in your body, this conversation offers a fresh, embodied perspective.
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
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