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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Poi is my life companion for over 15 years now and it still brings me joy every day. I believe it is a unique form of meditation, a challenge for the brain, a dance partner for the body and a magic tool for group work - all in one! It also gives me total freedom in combining different art forms including visual arts and dance. Another very important reason is that it makes me feel good and relaxed.
There's not been a single day that I haven't wanted to be poiing. Its taught me how to hold my posture, flow to music, given me something to give back to the world, helped me meet and become friends with hundreds of other people who spin, shown me a confidence in myself that helps in any other situation, and brought a harmony in my household because now we're all spinning :)
Being a graphic designer, I appreciate how even clumsily playing poi relaxes my wrists and fingers that spend a lot of time wrapped around a computer mouse. I can feel that I relax when playing poi, thinking about the poi itself and how do I get to do with it what I would like to do with it, which is mightily relieving and mind-detoxing. So far I am pretty clueless about what I am doing, but I am learning by doing and it's been a lot of fun!
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.
A few years ago, in my early 50's, I had a horrid case of pneumonia that lasted for months; I'd also injured my knee, which took weeks to heal. I was getting very depressed. I believe that poi was an important healing force for me. It wasn't too physically demanding, yet it let me get range of motion and coordination at my own pace. It was always exciting to master a new weave. It got me off the couch without hurting me, it cheered me up, it gave me a chance to laugh at myself a lot, and it was great for my confidence and mood. And SO fun.
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.