Catalyst Lab: Tiny Sparks. Enduring Insights.
Never Unlearn How to Begin
Catalyst [ kat-l-ist ] - A person or thing that precipitates change
Are you looking for a spark? An edge? A catalyst? In the lab, a catalyst is the substance added which initiates or speeds up change, without being used up in the process. In life, the catalyst merges upward aim and forward orientation, providing the spark of hope through a lens of meaning and movement. That is precisely the purpose of The Catalyst Lab: to provide brief, yet lasting insights precipitating lasting, meaningful change.
Our vision is to provide fueling for better. Better work… better play… better lives. And, in the process, help - in some small way - to make this world a better place. Preview #3 of our vision for this resource is provided below. If valued, please subscribe (free) and share with others who believe in better.
Explore
“One can grow old without ever becoming old if one has not unlearned how to begin.”
Those words of Martin Buber may initially seem confusing. But revisit the keystone concept: “if one has not unlearned how to begin.” Begin refers to remaining open to true encounter, meeting the world afresh each day - striking up conversations you don’t need to have, trying ideas that might fail, letting yourself be surprised instead of pretending you already know - retaining the capacity for wonder and a whole being engagement. The alternative is retreating into spectatorship, safely and securely watching from the sidelines with no intention of ever stepping onto the field… and aging begins long before the body follows.
Discover
Creatine has historically been a (legal) go-to source for gym rats and those looking to boost their overall strength. In recent years, however, it has garnered significant attention for benefits across the lifespan, including reduction of muscle loss and cognitive decline in older adults. This study even indicated benefits to cognitive performance when sleep is hampered before a big day. We don’t provide medical advice here, but if you’re not already integrating (very inexpensive) creatine monohydrate into your daily routine, it might be worth considering.
Leverage*
What if the research indicated there was an inexpensive breathing exercise device that, if utilized about 5 minutes/day, could significantly reduce blood pressure and also improve exercise performance? Resisted breathing – or what the science refers to as “inspiratory muscle strength training” – or IMST - isn’t new. But the research from scientists like Dr. Daniel Craighead on devices like PowerBreathe (which I’ve been using the past six months to improve running performance while friends are using to improve blood pressure) makes it easy and inexpensive.