A fun and creative technique that is incredible for your physical health and emotional well-being.
What is Poi
Originating from the Maori culture of New Zealand, poi involves swinging weighted objects on strings in various patterns and rhythms.
While it may seem like a simple physical activity, poi spinning offers numerous benefits that extend beyond mere entertainment.
The more adventurous practitioners sometimes advance from poi spinning onto fire spinning.
In this blog, we explore how poi can enhance emotional wellbeing and provide a unique avenue for self-expression, personal growth, and stress relief.
The Benefits of Poi: Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing
Self-Expression and Creativity
Poi spinning allows individuals to express themselves creatively through movement and rhythm.
As the poi dancer weaves intricate patterns and performs fluid movements, they engage in a form of self-expression that transcends verbal communication.
This creative outlet provides an opportunity to release emotions, thoughts, and feelings that may be challenging to express through conventional means.
Engaging in poi can foster a sense of liberation and self-empowerment, enabling individuals to explore their emotions and connect with their inner selves.
Mindfulness and Flow State
Poi spinning requires focused attention and concentration, leading to a state of mindfulness.
As the poi dancer becomes fully absorbed in the rhythmic patterns and the sensation of the spinning poi, they enter a flow state—a state of complete immersion and energized focus.
This state of flow has been shown to enhance mental well-being, reduce stress, and promote a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
By engaging in poi, individuals can achieve a state of mindfulness and enjoy the present moment, allowing worries and anxieties to fade away.
Stress Relief and Emotional Release
Physical activities, such as poi spinning, have long been associated with stress relief.
The rhythmic movements and repetitive patterns of poi can have a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.
As individuals spin the poi, they may find themselves naturally releasing tension and negative emotions.
The process of swinging the poi in various directions and patterns can be cathartic, providing a healthy outlet for emotional release.
Poi spinning can also increase the production of endorphins, the body’s natural mood-enhancing chemicals, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.
Body-Mind Connection and Coordination
Poi spinning requires coordination and synchronicity between the mind and body.
Practicing poi regularly can improve hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and overall body awareness.
By cultivating this mind-body connection, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-confidence.
As they gain mastery over the movements and flow of poi, they build a positive relationship with their bodies, fostering a sense of self-acceptance and appreciation.
Social Connection and Community
Engaging in poi spinning can lead to the formation of supportive communities.
Poi enthusiasts often gather at workshops, festivals, and online forums to share their experiences, learn from one another, and celebrate the art form.
Being part of a like-minded community can provide a sense of belonging and support, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The connections made through poi can contribute to overall emotional wellbeing by fostering social interaction, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose.
How to Make Poi at Home
Making your own DIY poi at home is a fun and cost-effective way to start exploring the art of poi spinning. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own set of poi:
Materials Needed:
- Pair of socks or fabric
- Pair of tennis balls or small bean bags
- Scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- String or cord (nylon or cotton)
Instructions:
- Select your socks: Choose a pair of socks that are long enough to reach your desired poi length. Crew or knee-high socks work well for this purpose.
- Prepare the weights: Take your tennis balls or small bean bags and place one in each sock. The weight of the balls will provide the necessary momentum for spinning the poi.
- Secure the weights: Tie a knot at the opening of each sock to keep the balls securely inside. Make sure the knots are tight so that the weights don’t slip out during use.
- Measure the cord: Measure the desired length of your poi. A standard starting length is approximately the distance from your fingertips to your shoulder. You can adjust the length later based on personal preference.
- Cut the cord: Using scissors, cut two equal lengths of cord according to your measurements.
- Attach the cords: Take one end of the cord and tie a knot around the opening of each sock. Make sure the knots are tight and secure.
- Customize the handles (optional): If you prefer to have handles for better grip and control, you can attach them to the other end of the cords. You can use items like wooden dowels, PVC pipe pieces, or even old bicycle handles. Secure them by wrapping the cords around the handles and tying knots.
- Adjust the length (optional): Once you’ve completed the above steps, you can try spinning the poi to see if the length feels comfortable. If you prefer a shorter or longer length, adjust the cords accordingly and re-tie the knots.
- Test your DIY poi: Find an open space where you have enough room to swing your poi without hitting anything. Hold onto the handles or cords and start spinning them in different patterns and directions. Experiment with various movements to get a feel for the poi and discover your own style.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques to improve your poi spinning skills.
Enjoy the process of creating and spinning your DIY poi, and have fun exploring the world of poi spinning!
