Useful Possibilities
Promoting quality content that cracks open the mind and sparks curiosity.
Standing Cyclist presents Useful Possibilities (UP), spotlighting extraordinary teachers and leaders, athletes and activists, researchers and writers, filmmakers and engineers, and their groundbreaking projects.
UP recognizes individuals and teams who raise awareness and drive innovation in areas such as health and wellness, environmental science, spirituality, personal growth, and human rights.
We celebrate those who promote unity, tolerance, respectful collaboration, mindful living, and the [responsible] use of technology, social media, and modern marketing tools.
Honoring people and content that inspire us to be the very best versions of ourselves.
Categories
- Adventure
- Adventure Travel
- Athletes
- Bikepacking
- Books
- Climate Change
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Contemplative
- Cycling
- Documentaries
- Environmentalism
- Exploration
- Healing Trauma
- Heroism
- Human Interest
- Inspiration
- Meditation
- Mental Toughness
- Mindfulness
- Motivation
- National Geographic
- Nutrition
- Ocean Adventure
- Pain Management
- Peacekeeping
- Personal Development
- Philanthropy
- Physical Training
- Podcasts
- Running
- Spirituality
- Wellness
Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold: Pushing the Limits for Future Generations
Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold combines thrilling Arctic climbing with a powerful environmental message. Follow Honnold as he tackles icy cliffs and highlights the impact of climate change. The film explores his Honnold Foundation, which funds solar energy projects for underserved communities. With breathtaking visuals and inspiring stories, it’s a must-watch for adventurers and environmental advocates. As Alex puts it: “Climbing is about finding harmony with the natural world. Protecting it is the least we can do.” That’s the spirit of Arctic Ascent, and it’s why this film is such a standout.
Mission: Joy - The Dali Lama and Desmond Tutu Taking on a Tough World
Mission: Joy is a heartwarming documentary that brings together the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, two beloved spiritual leaders, to explore the essence of joy, resilience, gratitude, forgiveness, and connection. Inspired by their bestselling book, The Book of Joy, the film combines their profound wisdom and playful friendship with captivating visuals and inspiring global stories of finding happiness amidst adversity. Their intimate conversations and shared laughter make the film both enlightening and entertaining, offering a powerful reminder that joy is not just an emotion but a state of being that can be cultivated, even in life’s most challenging moments.
Gino Bartali: Legendary Athlete and Wartime Hero
Discover the inspiring story of Gino Bartali, one of cycling's greatest athletes and a courageous hero during World War II. Famous for winning the Giro d’Italia three times and the Tour de France twice, Bartali's legacy goes beyond his victories. During the war, he risked his life as a courier for the Italian resistance, smuggling forged documents in his bicycle to save Jews from Nazi persecution. His heroic acts and cycling achievements are beautifully detailed in the book Road to Valor by Aili and Andres McConnon and the documentary My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes. Bartali’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance, humility, and the quiet courage of doing what’s right.
Michael Pollan May Change Your Mind
Discover the transformative power of psychedelics in Netflix's docuseries How to Change Your Mind, hosted by renowned author Michael Pollan. This visually stunning series explores the history, science, and potential healing benefits of substances like LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline. Each episode delves into their use in treating mental health issues such as PTSD and depression, blending compelling personal stories with cutting-edge research. With its focus on possibilities for healing and self-discovery, How to Change Your Mind is an enlightening exploration of the human mind and its untapped potential.
My Octopus Teacher: Snorkeling Your Way to Wisdom
Explore the transformative power of connection and nature in My Octopus Teacher, a critically acclaimed documentary. This emotional story follows filmmaker Craig Foster as he discovers solace and self-discovery through a unique bond with a wild octopus in South Africa's kelp forests. Through breathtaking cinematography and profound life lessons, the film highlights themes of resilience, adaptability, and the interconnectedness of all life.
The Rescue: A Riveting Film Filled with Hope, Humanity, and Heroism
Explore the gripping documentary "The Rescue," directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. This National Geographic film recounts the daring mission to save 12 boys and their coach trapped in a flooded Thai cave. Combining raw tension, human resilience, and international collaboration, it’s a breathtaking story of hope, ingenuity, and unity. A must-watch survival tale!