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 was a way to give my brain a break and get my body moving in between writing sessions. They were small, compact, and easy to use (at first). Little did I know that Poi was going to completely alter my life. It has allowed me to openly express my emotions, heal from a number of mental scars, and live a happier life.
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.
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.
Shortly after I started spinning I began to notice changes in my mood. I would find myself feeling positive about life and my place in this world. I found myself playing sometimes for hours with no signs of exhaustion. I no longer suffer from depression and my anxiety problems have also greatly improved. I also have noticed my hand eye coordination has improved greatly. I have now been spinning faithfully everyday.
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.
The doctor/surgeon said I would never be able to spin poi again after they cut my sternum open for heart surgery but they were wrong. I started spinning as soon as my chest didn't hurt any more in the nursing home physical therapy room. The physical therapist there saw my progress and let the elderly spin bean bags as well if they wanted to try what I was doing. It greatly improved their progress because they were having fun. Some even came to my room outside of p.t. time to get lessons.