People all over the world are experiencing the power of poi, from physical to mental to emotional benefits and everything in between! Check out the amazing stories below for some intimate truths about the positive influence of poi, or click the button to share your own story.
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From standing all alone in a laboratory, looking through a microscope, constantly wiping away my tears, to dancing with fire on a huge fire space like that of the Phoenix Fire convention or djing at a Poi retreat in a beautiful French chateau. And all of this, because I ordered a pair of Poi four and a half years ago. Life is still far from easy since many other challenges keep arising, but at least I believe in my strength to push through them and persevere, even when things get tough. I truly believe that flowarts are good for healing the soul and that they come into your life for a reason, so just keep spinning.
I learnt to spin poi when I was dealing with all sorts of changes in my life. It absorbed the fear and hesitation, and gave me courage, possibility, and the thrill of something new. Since then, it’s always been something I can lose myself in, and find myself in. It’s one of the most valuable tools I have to ground my emotions, distract from anxiety, and refocus myself - a mental sanctuary.
I have a highly complex congenital heart defect called transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA). As a kid I was very clumsy, had a speech impediment and very poor fine motor skills. My hand eye coordination was pretty much nonexistent. Now after 16 years of flow arts I'm far less clumsy and my hand eye coordination is better than ever. If you get discouraged just remember it's all about taking baby steps, all those little victories will get you where you want to be.
About 5 years ago I got in a 70mph rollover accident. The roads were slick and I was late to work. Amazingly I walked away with a broken fingernail and a lesson learned. However about a month later, I realized that the mobility in my left shoulder (where the seatbelt held me down) was severely hindered. Luckily for me though, I had picked up poi the year before and knew the yoga / Tai Chi like motions could only help aid in the healing process.
Poi is definitely helping me with my Multiple Sclerosis, as it keep my brain and body active. I have muscle weakness in both arms so a daily poi workout is helping loads. I also use it as a form of pain management as I know I can feel pain, but it becomes less of a priority when you're focusing on executing a certain poi move.
My first time spinning fire happens on the shore of the Mississippi river, the moon was full and reflecting off the still waters, I'll never forget those few minutes. The flames casting shadows against the flood walls amaze me, the sound becomes the greatest song I've ever heard, and for the first time I fall into a place of peace. The world fades away and I'm left playing with the elements.