Lightness with Sam Govindin
What does it mean to find freedom and self-awareness through movement and how can that be applied to personal growth?
Movement becomes a metaphor for life, showcasing resilience, mindfulness, and adaptation.
“I don’t have any goal when I go out to move. I just want to move and to enjoy it.” ~ Sam Govindin (7:00)
The conversation begins by exploring the concept of movement as both a physical and mental discipline. Same reflects on the importance of being present and adaptable in their practice, emphasizing how energy levels, emotions, and focus shape their approach to movement. He discusses how mindfulness influences the experience of flow, and how setting aside expectations allows them to enjoy the process without frustration.
A key topic is the balance between freedom and structure, particularly in dance and parkour. Sam shares insights into how they aim to let go of control while maintaining composure. Personal anecdotes illustrate the journey of finding confidence and authenticity in public and private settings, highlighting the interplay between external judgments and internal self-awareness. The idea of smiling as a cue for readiness exemplifies their thoughtful approach to movement and life.
Takeaways
The importance of listening to one’s body — Adjusting movement practices based on energy levels and emotions enhances safety and enjoyment.
Avoiding the trap of competition — Prioritizing personal growth and enjoyment over external validation prevents burnout and injury.
The power of mindfulness — Using techniques like visualization and smiling fosters calmness and focus in challenging situations.
Freedom in movement — Embracing unstructured, spontaneous actions leads to greater self-expression and creativity.
The role of community — Finding meaningful connections with like-minded people enriches the experience of movement.
Balancing technicality and artistry — Exploring ways to transcend rhythm and technique brings unique insights into dance.
Resources
Sam Ultima @sam_ultima — A collection of videos and photos showcasing movement and dance practices.
(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!
My personal mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. And Movers Mindset is one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.
The Movers Mindset project grew from conversations I started having as part of my personal journey rediscovering movement. The project started late in 2015, and it was initially simply a web site that shared others’ writing. The project grew, and in 2017 I started the podcast. I’ve worked extremely hard, but none of this would have been possible without so much help from so many people.
Thanks for listening!
ɕ
