Pole dancing and the Huna principles

The 7 Huna Principles are a great system for creating a happy and abundant life.  They have helped me immensely in my life overall, and on recent reflection I realised they can also been applied to my pole dancing journey.

1. The World is what you think it is
If you think you can or think you can’t, either way you’re probably right.
A few years back my much younger niece, Bec, invited me to start pole-fit (pole  dancing for fitness).  I was looking for a fun and engaging way to improve my fitness and this sounded perfect.  I was also chuffed that I’d have a chance to spend more time with Bec (win/win - thanks Spirit).  I had lousy upper body strength so was somewhat reluctant, but agreed to check it out in a  “taster” class. I have to say I didn’t really like it much.  I had expected it to be hard and it was.  Perhaps if I’d expected it to be easy it would have been...

2. There are no limits
Because everything is connected, anything is possible.
Despite my ambivalence I signed up for level 1 (mainly to hang out with Bec), but by this time she was starting level 2.  Our classes were on at the same time in adjacent studios so we would chat before and have dinner after but in 8 weeks that would end.  So, at twice the age of the average student, with arms so weak they tired when I did my hair, I set my sights on catching up.

3. Energy flows where attention goes
You get what you focus on.
In addition to my class I started going to an extra practice session a week (when my arms weren’t too sore).  I called the studio and asked if I could try level 2 and was told I couldn’t.  Hmm.  A few more weeks passed, I kept practicing, then I called again - I was determined to join Bec’s class.  This time I got the studio director.  I put my case to her, promised I wouldn’t waste the time of the teacher or any students, and that I would keep practicing.  She agreed to let me try a level 2 class.

4. Now is the moment of power
Live in the present moment.  Let go of thoughts about your past that have a negative influence.
Despite being a few weeks behind on choreography, 8 weeks behind on strength training, and those few decades ahead on age, I knew now was my only chance and that I couldn’t wait until I was fitter or stronger.  At the end of the level 2 class I spoke to the director again.  “Sure”, she said, “you can do level 2, but you’ll still have to finish level 1 in order to learn the right technique”.  I’d passed the first hurdle but doing two courses at once?  What a challenge!

5. Aloha (love) means to be happy with
Praise is much more powerful than criticism.  Use praise to foster love and growth - especially with yourself.
So here I was, about 5 weeks later, doing 2 classes and 1 or 2 practice sessions a week.. Classes with Bec were much more fun, and watching the advanced students at practice felt a bit like being backstage at Cirque du Soleil.  I was getting stronger and fitter, seeing lots of my niece, and really enjoying the studio atmosphere (some practice sessions I had a whole studio and sound system to myself).  I was having a ball and it made me glow. 

6. All power comes from within
Power comes from your authority over yourself, not from other people.
By the end of week 8 I’d finished levels 1 & 2 and we both signed up for level 3 together.  I had never worked so hard at any form of exercise.  Jumping that level had meant making time, getting organised, and psyching myself up for open practice sessions knowing I would be the worst one there, but now I was internally motivated by something I wanted for me (not by anything I thought I was supposed to be doing).  

7. Effectiveness is the measure of truth
The results you achieve reflect the intentions you used to get there.
Having achieved a goal I hadn't thought possible I was really happy with myself.  Climbing the pole became less of a challenge and heaps more fun (despite the bruises).  I was now in the habit of going 2 - 3 times a week and as I enrolled for level 4 I set my sights on level 5 and going upside-down!

It’s been a few years since I started pole-fit.  I'm now in level 8, having repeated a couple of levels (some more than a few times), but there’s no rush as I'm still having heaps of fun.

These days I consider the challenge of pole-fit to be fun rather than difficult (the world is what you think it is). I'm stronger and fitter than I ever imagined (there are no limits).  I know when I apply myself I can master any move (energy flows where attention goes).  I no longer see my age as a barrier to any physical activities (now is the moment of power). My happiness comes from trying to learn new moves, not just when I get them (love means to be happy with).  I’ve stayed motivated for over 2 years doing something just for me (all power comes from within), and I have more than achieved what I set out to do - establish a regular, interesting, fun fitness practice (effectiveness is the measure of truth) and I also have a much closer relationship with my niece.

If there’s something in your life that you’re trying to achieve, be it a goal or a state of mind, try reviewing it with the 7 Huna principles in mind and you’re sure to find a way to overcome any obstacles you might be facing.

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