Play with Kel Glaister

How does play and movement intersect with personal growth, mental health, and the practice of Parkour?

Exploring how Parkour connects to mental health and play reveals deep personal insights.

"It's all about play. And I think that making— I love strengthening and I love building— you know, physical capacity. But in the end, that's just a couple of stepping stones towards building people's ability to play." ~ Kel Glaister (6:46)

The discussion opens with reflections on the influence of animals, like Kel's dog, on humility and how they bring perspective to human movement practice. The conversation then expands to explore the cultural and environmental factors shaping Parkour, emphasizing the unique styles and strengths fostered by different regions. There’s an emphasis on how community and environmental context influence the practice.

Kel shares personal insights about the role of play in movement and the transition from self-critical motivations to a more compassionate approach. Craig and Kel discuss the impact of mental health struggles and how this shaped their training philosophy, shifting focus toward longevity and joy in movement. The role of organizations like Parkour Earth is also examined, highlighting the importance of global representation and grassroots involvement in shaping the future of the discipline.

Takeaways

Nonhuman animals in movement — They provide perspective and humility to human practice.

Cultural and environmental influence — Regional differences shape distinct movement styles in Parkour.

Play as a foundation — Movement should be guided by joy and curiosity, not just performance.

Mental health and movement — Training can transition from self-loathing to self-compassion.

Role of global organizations — Community engagement is crucial for creating representative bodies.

Training longevity — A sustainable approach balances physical and emotional well-being.

The role of ambassadors — Advocacy and representation strengthen global networks in Parkour.

Resources

Parkour Earth — An international body aiming to represent and advocate for the Parkour community globally.

(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.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

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