How do personal practices in movement, mindfulness, and creativity interconnect and influence an individual’s approach to life and challenges?
At first glance, Adam Echa is a jack of all trades, but all of his practices and interests are connected. He shares the role of music in his life, his interest in photography, and his experiences riding bicycle deliveries in New York City. Adam discusses his parkour training, flips, cross training, and filming. He unpacks his personal mindfulness practices, and reflects on where and why he wants to travel.
I love the filming aspect of Parkour, like by yourself, just filming the line. […] I think I have more fun figuring out how I fit in the frame doing movement than like going from point A to point B.
~ Adam Echa (19:00)
Adam Echa is an athlete, musician, videographer, and overall creative human. As an athlete and a coach, he works to balance his training and develop in both areas. In addition to parkour, Adam plays guitar, writes music, and occasionally performs.
The conversation examines how the interplay of physical movement, creativity, and mindfulness shapes personal growth and perspective. Key topics include the nuances of Parkour and its mental and physical demands, the relationship between personal art forms like music or photography, and the grounding influence of mindfulness practices. These pursuits reveal how discipline in one area can inform and complement another.
Adam reflects on experiences of minimalism, personal transitions, and the importance of authenticity in creative and physical practices. Discussions touch on concepts like control—whether in movement, artistic expression, or life decisions—and how moments of vulnerability can lead to breakthroughs in both performance and personal understanding. The emphasis is on finding one’s path and defining success in ways that align with internal values rather than external pressures.
Takeaways
Parkour as mindfulness practice — Movement creates an opportunity to be fully present and self-aware.
Yoga as personal discovery — Practicing yoga goes beyond imitation, requiring one to explore what works individually.
Photography as self-expression — Personal photography can serve as an evolving reflection of one’s identity.
Control in movement — Fixies and Parkour alike teach the importance of direct, unmediated control.
Creativity’s iterative process — Repeating small steps helps solidify both artistic and athletic skills.
Resources
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ