Freedom with Brandon Sandén

How does movement, particularly parkour, serve as a reflection of one's mental and physical state while fostering personal growth and community connection?

Movement reveals the intricate connection between physical challenges and mental states.

"One thing I really love about parkour, and what it's been for me, is that it’s kind of a perfect mirror—I think, Dan Edwardes spoken about this a lot—but it’s a perfect mirror of who you are right now at this very moment." ~ Brandon Sandén (1:28)

The conversation explores how movement, particularly parkour, reflects one's current mental and physical state. Movement is described as a mirror, revealing the moment's truths, independent of past achievements. Parkour’s emphasis on adaptability and creativity helps individuals step beyond their mental barriers and embrace challenges.

The discussion also highlights the role of community in fostering a love for movement. Through initiatives like Sunday Jump Days, participants build inclusive spaces, transcending organizational boundaries. Teaching parkour is revealed to require a blend of structure and flexibility, reflecting the dynamic nature of the discipline. Lastly, the value of flow states, both in movement and teaching, underscores the deep connection between physical practice and mental clarity.

Takeaways

Parkour as a mirror — Movement reveals one's mental and physical state in real time.

Adaptability in parkour — Success depends on responding effectively to one's environment and circumstances.

Freedom and creativity in movement — Practices like dance and parkour offer an outlet for self-expression.

Community building through movement — Organized gatherings foster inclusivity and collaboration across diverse groups.

Teaching strategies in parkour — Effective teaching requires adaptability, engagement, and innovation.

Importance of flow states — Achieving deep focus in movement is both fulfilling and essential for personal growth.

Challenges in community leadership — Sustaining events requires coordination and shared responsibility.

Resources

Urban Jumpers @urbnjumpers — An app for parkour enthusiasts to discover spots and organize jams.

Quality Movement — A parkour organization in Stockholm focused on coaching and events.

Brandon Sandén @brandon.qmpk

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

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