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.
Send an email to [email protected] with the following information. Kate will read it over and send you a confirmation email before posting it to the website.
With all my formal training and education in neuroscience and the mental health field, what has interestingly become one of the most powerful tools in my toolbox for personal healing and transformation is something I would have never expected – the Flow Arts, specifically the art and practice of dancing with poi, the hoop, and with fire, dancing being the key word.
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.
Poi has improved my overall physical, mental and spiritual health and I am inspired to communicate these benefits in all poi's creation diversity. My passage into the Flowart of Poi has been beyond motivational; the ability to spin various poi types provides me with the required rehabilitation to maintain long term physical zen.
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 was introduced to poi by my friend, and quickly understood the movements as I noticed a correlation between martial arts and poi. A year and a bit later I have started doing performances with poi and have been opened up to an array of arts including juggling, staff and fire breathing. It's really inspired me and helped improve my mental and physical health as well as helping me become more fluid and technical in my martial arts.
Feeling the poi create its path as a new extension of your body, it opens up your mind to be more aware. More aware of your own body and the muscles needed to complete a move. Also more aware of my immediate surroundings. I had found a way to escape this confusing world and enter one that made complete sense to me. I felt in control, and this feeling gave me confidence. As a shy kid, I couldn't speak in public or give a speech, but put some poi in my hands and my fears dissipated.