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.
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.
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 :)
It was at a low point in my life that I discovered juggling, staff, and poi. Even with all my troubles, I still progressed. The motion and satisfaction of getting a move down filled my heart with joy. These skills came with powerful "magic", indeed. Playing with poi and the flow arts can make "magical" changes in you too, and I encourage all no matter where you are in life to give it a go.
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 has transformed my life, in a very good way. Poi forces you to learn spatial awareness, awareness of the world around you. You learn timing, ambidexterity, focus, gain flexibility, react faster, and can begin to multitask your motions. In my opinion, it bonds your mind with your body, while simultaneously making both better.
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.