How does one integrate diverse movement practices, personal philosophies, and life experiences to create something unique while addressing challenges like pain and injury?
Not quite fitting in can seem negative, but it is what inspired Amy Slevin to create something new. She unpacks the role movement holds in her life, and how she came to create FlowMotion Yoga. Amy discusses her thoughts on pain and injury, particularly within parkour. She shares her personal routines, habits, and what she’s been reading.
I started doing yoga— never connected with it, but I wanted it to help me. I wanted it to help me with my anxiety, with my grieving, and all that kind of stuff, and it just never did. But the physical side of yoga I really connected with, and I found it quite interesting exploring these different ways of moving my body in the yoga capacity, and seeing how that compared with parkour.
~ Amy Slevin (5:58)
Amy Slevin is an osteopath turned yoga instructor who teaches in London, UK. She founded FlowMotion Yoga to help people feel better in their bodies, while sharing her love of movement and playfulness. Amy also teaches workshops about movement, pain, and injury, and is passionate about empowering her students through both movement and mindset.
The discussion explores how movement serves as a tool for self-discovery and overcoming personal challenges. It begins with an exploration of parkour, yoga, and osteopathy, revealing how these disciplines shaped one person’s perspective on movement and pain. Key insights emerge around the struggles of aligning with the philosophical aspects of yoga while embracing its physical benefits. The integration of parkour’s playfulness and osteopathy’s anatomical knowledge into a unique practice highlights a creative approach to healing and personal growth.
The conversation goes into the broader themes of self-regulation and injury prevention within movement disciplines, particularly parkour. There is an emphasis on listening to one’s body and avoiding external pressures that lead to overexertion. Additional reflections address the mental and emotional dimensions of pain, drawing on personal experiences and professional insights. The discussion concludes by addressing how practices like reading, reflection, and adapting routines contribute to mental clarity and resilience.
Takeaways
Pain and movement — Insights into how physical practices can address emotional and mental challenges.
Injury prevention — Recognizing mental and situational patterns that lead to injuries.
Self-regulation — Emphasizing the importance of tuning into one’s physical and mental limits.
Integrative practices — Combining knowledge from diverse disciplines to create new movement philosophies.
Mindset and expectations — Exploring how shifting expectations can improve personal experiences.
Resources
Man’s Search for Meaning — Viktor Frankl’s book mentioned as influential and reflective of current times.
Diary of Anne Frank — Suggested for its perspective on confinement and resilience.
Ekhart Yoga — Online yoga platform where Amy Slevin’s classes are featured.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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