Some refer to this practice as “anarchist calisthenics” (there are books about it, lmk if you want recs) and much like regular calisthenics, the muscle gets stronger when you work it consistently.

Don’t overdo it, but view it as a muscle worth growing. Let’s all get stronger together.

Maybe you live in a rural area. You know all the spots, all the intersections.

Look around and try to find the things that don’t quite make sense, any tradition or pattern with the justification of “well, that’s how we always do it.”

Take that tradition and figure out what it’s really about.

Is that against the rules? Yeah, but what’s going to happen?

THAT is the question you need to train yourself to ask through small acts of defiance toward your normal frame of thought.

Look for local small businesses — go on a walk and find the ones that aren’t on Google Maps.

If you don’t like billionaires but still find yourself shopping through Amazon because you see it as the only option, pause. Analyze the thought. Assess its accuracy. Consider alternatives. You need a big thing of Q-tips, maybe you work something out with a friend who’s a Costco member…

When I say start small, I mean…

If you’re someone who always follows the recipe, add an ingredient. Swap one out. See how it feels.

If there’s a book that’s banned, read it. Try to figure out why someone thinks the book is dangerous, and you can discover what the ruling class is afraid of.

Once you start looking, there are “rules” like this everywhere, things you’re not “supposed” to do. But who made those rules? Why did they make them? What happens if you follow them? What happens if you don’t?

Start questioning things and considering where you can start (safely) breaking the rules.

If you’re at an intersection and no cars are coming in either direction, would you:

A. Cross when the sign switches from a red hand to a walk sign

B. Cross the streets one at a time

C. Cross diagonally

If your answer is A or B, why is that? What invisible rule are you following, and why?

A lot of people on my TT were asking ways they can resist. I’m going to keep posting about this, but here’s my first tip: train your breaking-the-rules muscle. 🧵

Baby’s first Bluesky post! Anyone want to be friends? I want to connect with people who are creating positive change in their communities — suggestions welcome!!