Today is a full rest day as we've done a lot over the past week! I've included two different kinds of flow pole dance video for you to watch, and take notes if you like. The first video is from 2016 and includes tricks, the second video is from 2025 and is focused on moving slowly as part of the practice. I've also included my walking meditation, which is optional, but highly recommended. See the Pro tip for more on this.
Pro tip: Speaking of moving slowly, this can be a huge challenge for all of us! Below I've provided some insight as to why it's so hard to train yourself to focus on moving slowly:
Psychological and cultural factors:
Chronic stress: A hyper-aroused nervous system, often caused by prolonged stress or trauma, makes it hard for the body to shift out of a "fight-or-flight" state.
Cultural conditioning: Modern culture often equates being busy and productive with success, making rest feel lazy or like a waste of time.
Mindset: A fear of not being "enough" or a mindset of scarcity can create anxiety and impatience, making it hard to be still and slow down.
Physical and biological factors:
Control and coordination: The human brain organizes movement in a way that makes very slow, precise motions difficult, even though slower movement often makes a task easier.
Inefficient movement: When you move slowly, you may become aware of habitual, jerky, or inefficient movement patterns that require more muscle activation and effort than they would at a faster pace.
Muscle and joint issues: As we age, a natural loss of muscle strength, flexibility, and slower reaction times can make any movement more difficult.
Fatigue: Poor posture or inefficient muscle use during slow movement can lead to faster fatigue compared to using more muscles in a coordinated way.
