Entry #17: But We Were Getting Along So Well...

Have you ever had one of those days where everything flowed so impeccably perfect?  Almost as if you had left this plane of existence and entered a realm of pure, sublime beauty. Where you were so connected to your poi, to your music, to the natural world around you, that you could almost reach enlightenment?  That sure as hell was not today.  Aside from the lovely pressures of upcoming shows, I chose to enhance my practice by picking apart one of our pieces and refining as well as adding new homework to my studies.  All of which, explained thoroughly, and would aide in fine tuning the piece.  One important detail I had dare forgotten.  Poi:  r e m e m b e r,  Bam! Smack! ::insert the word fuck in 4 different languages:: And of course, no matter what you are practicing, no matter where the range of motion, the poi will always hit the same two spots.  Those spots, of course being two of the most sensitive points on your body.  "Ok.  Stop.  Take a moment.  Breathe.  Put down the poi before someone gets seriously hurt.  Ummm, what are you doing with that kni--"... "I think we're good for tonight." "Agreed."

The bottom line is, practice is just that--practice.  We talk about achieving a state of flow, and how for most of us, it is the driving force, the adrenaline rush, the fulfillment that keeps us practicing.  But no matter how in tuned we are with the universe or how spiritual our lifestyles may be, there are always going to bad fucking days.  Days where you can't even execute the most basic of moves.  Days where those who started 3 years after you are nailing moves that you still find difficult.  Days where you say fuck it, I don't want to do this anymore.  But these are just moments.  Moments that come and go like a flash of light.  And one bad day is not the be all and end all of your connection to your general practice.  I cannot express enough how true this is and how much myself and everyone around you has to remind themselves of this.  It is so easy to get discouraged, to get thrown off of your track, and most times, it's even harder to get back on.  And yet, you do.  This is the difference between loving something and loving the idea of something.  It is through the intense moments where you learn the most about yourself and how strong your connection is to your art.  Falling in love is never easy.  But true love lasts a lifetime. (Thank you,  Mikie & Drex, for always making me feel all of my frustrations are normal.  That everyone goes through this, and that no, just because you had a bad day, you don't suck. ^_^)

**Disclaimer/Note by the author:  The past few days had been particularly rough in general and therefore I believe had an adverse effect on my practice.  However, hurting poi in any way is never an answer, as I am not advocating violence on said poi.  No poi were [seriously or permanently] hurt during this photo session.  That being said, the occasional semi-beat down is always good therapy and should be executed as often as one sees fit.  Remember, you do it because you care...