Ido Portal, a world-renowned expert on human movement, discusses the significance of movement and stillness, personal growth through challenging societal norms, breaking free from societal expectations, the halo effect in psychology, the power of playful learning, and the transformative power of walking.
Moving beyond physical routines to explore our true selves and embrace personal growth through the practice of movement.
Questioning societal norms and embracing weakness to foster continuous growth and self-becoming.
Adopting a practice-based philosophy of movement that emphasizes continuous learning and becoming rather than striving for mastery.
Deep dives
The Edo-Pertal Philosophy: Movement as a Way of Being
The conversation explores the philosophy behind the Edo-Pertal method, a holistic approach to movement that goes beyond physical routines. Edo emphasizes the importance of moving as a way to discover our true selves and break free from restrictive performance goals. He encourages a shift in focus from external achievements to a deep exploration of movement and stillness. By embracing the practice of movement, we can tap into our innate potential and experience personal growth.
Deviation from the Mainstream: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Edo discusses how his unconventional path in life deviated from societal norms. He shares that his thinking process led him to question the traditional education system, organized practices, and societal expectations. Through his exploration of movement and the body, he discovered a deeper sense of authenticity and truth. Edo emphasizes the importance of embracing our weaknesses and seeing through the illusion of control. He advocates for a practice-oriented mindset focused on continuous growth and self-becoming.
Movement Beyond Mastery and Specialization
Edo challenges the concept of mastery and specialization, highlighting their limitations. He argues that true growth and becoming come from a more open and exploratory approach to movement. Instead of striving for mastery in one specific area, Edo proposes a practice-based philosophy that examines the essence of movement across different scenarios. He emphasizes the importance of becoming, rather than trying to master something, and emphasizes the need for humility and continuous learning as we navigate the ever-changing nature of life.
The Power of Letting Go and Embracing Change
Letting go of our limited self-definitions and embracing change allows us to discover a much fuller and more authentic version of ourselves. By releasing the attachment to specific skills or attributes, we open ourselves up to a greater gift of self-discovery. For example, holding onto a skill too tightly may prevent us from experiencing the beauty of natural aging or exploring other aspects of ourselves. It is important to maintain a balance between valuing certain qualities and being open to the flow of life around us.
The Freedom of Mastery and Playful Learning
Mastery and playfulness are not mutually exclusive. While traditional mastery often involves narrow specializations, there is a freedom that comes from acquiring deep skill within a specific domain. Mastery opens up new possibilities and expands our range of motion in various areas of life. Playful learning and experimentation should be encouraged, as they lead to profound transformation and allow us to challenge preconceived notions. Approaching learning with a sense of playfulness and curiosity can evoke a more powerful and fulfilling mode of growth and development.
