Mind and Spirit

GlitterGirl on Poi & Flow

Through ongoing education and practice, the Temple of Poi supports inspirational creativity, multi-dimensional complexity, meaningful distinctions and unending possibilities for each artist.

For me, poi is the single most powerful way I access flow. Flow emerges when I relax and open my body, being with things as they are, not as I might want them to be. Generating flow is especially important when I experience discomfort, fear, tightness and closure. When I am flowing, I simultaneously experience my body, mind and spirit connecting and creating the unique manifestation of my Self expression.

While working with students and poi artists, I seek to create an environment in which each person, regardless of skill level, can safely, comfortably and confidently explore their learning process. I facilitate the development of artist's Self expressive style while guiding them toward the unending possibilities present in the poi meditation. Inevitably, as the practice, expression and style crystallize, the artist gains deeper and more consistent access to flow.

Immersed in the marriage between the body and poi, flow blossoms within the artist. When the artist experiences flow, their poi become an extension of their spirit, connected seamlessly through the mind and body as the movements unfold almost effortlessly.

As artists access flow with increased consistency, their performances rely less and less on thought and more and more on unconscious movements that are so well practiced as to be as automatic as breathing.

I invite you to join us at the Temple of Poi where I gratefully live my purpose by cultivating increased body awareness and sustained flow.

- GlitterGirl

Dancing with the hoop facilitates centering , for when one hoops, one is always at the center of the dance. Centering is a practice of finding the place of power, strength, and balance within oneself. Life is change and motion for we live in the spiraling dance of the universe. Centering is a meditation for finding balance within oneself and creating a calm and focused mind.

The hoop creates a sacred circle encompassing the body. In spiritual traditions worldwide, people have created sacred circles for rituals, prayers, meditation, protection, healing, and trance. The circle represents wholeness, birth, life, and transformation.

The center of the hoop is where one begins and ends. Stepping within the circle of the hoop, acknowledge how you are feeling and your interactions with the world encircling you. Inhale love, and exhale gratitude. When you begin hooping, feel your feet solid on the ground, energetically rooted to the earth, drinking in the warmth from the center of the planet. Imagine your spine stretching toward the sky and your head rising, so that it feels as if it floating at the top of the spine. Feel your body undulate to your unique rhythm, as the hoop whirls around you. That motion comes from your center, feel the dynamic balance within your body. .

Now dance from within your center. Dance with the hoop as your mind stays focused, aware of the present. Stretch and swirl, spiral and pulsate, slowly and then faster. Feel your feet gently and lightly dancing on the ground sensing the earth energy. Dance within the hoop allowing all movement to arise from the center. Breathe with your movements. Notice where the hoop touches the body, also notice the empty space that is within the hoop and where that touches your body. Dance.

When the dance slows and your senses are fully awake, rest your hoop upon the earth, and sit in the center. Lay your hands upon your knees or press your palms together in front of the breastbone in prayer pose. Breathe deeply, expanding the diaphragm and the belly. Exhale completely. Inhale deeply feeling the belly, lower ribs, and low back muscles expanding. Practice the belly breathing. Feel how your body is energized, and your mind is calm and focused. Inhale love. Exhale gratitude.

Vinn Marti, creator of Soul Motion , refers to the center within ecstatic dance as, " Standing in the Hoop , to indicate that centered secure point or reference to all that is swirling and curling around in our everyday dance". He writes that, "Standing in the center of The Hoop is a peaceful and powerful place to occupy. The ground is shifting and sifting among the waters of Creativity and each of us has the oars to navigate through all kinds of turbulence." written by Kara at hooping.org

Rituals and mantras

This is a chant or ritual that I like to say before I light up my fire toys. It was told to me by the most amazing fire hooper I have ever seen. "Earth my body, Air my breath, Water my blood, Fire my spirit." Submitted by Brandon.

Do you have something special that you do or say before you light your fire toys? Please share it with us, send an email to brandon@thespinsterz.com

Things to think about as you go along from day to day.
Courtesy of Daily OM