My first reaction is “stop searching for it” instead I would recommend trying to understand it and become aware of what activates your flow and the actions you can take to achieve the state.
Join the 21 Day Hoop Flow Challenge
To truly get what you want it is vital to know what you are aiming for.
Dr Csíkszentmihályi, a Hungarian psychologist who created the concept of flow, describes the state as “being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.”
Ultimately when a hooper asks, “how do I find my hoop dance flow?” they are asking how to attain the feeling of focus, be immersed in continuous action, feel enjoyment, make the most of the skills they have and overcome the challenges.
So “how” are those things achievable?
- Set aside a designated, distraction free time and space.
- Enter the practice prepared by being hydrated, ready to play and with a positive frame of mind.
- Set an intention for the play time or goals for the practice.
- Gently witness your emotions, allow them, shift them if needed but stay focussed on the intention or practice.
- Keep going, take action, MOVE into flow.
Below are 11 practical ways to actively feel hoop dance flow. Action is key. Watch the video examples and try them out for yourself. Or you can join me on the 21 Day Hoop Flow Challenge and unlock your hoop dance.
Warm up your body and soul by giving yourself the luxury of a single focussed hoop time. Waist hoop. If you cannot yet waist hoop keep trying for the length of one whole song.
A video posted by Deanne Love 💜 Hooplovers.tv (@deannelovexo) on
Create shapes with your hoop, set this as your only intention for one whole song. No need to worry about nailing tricks or remembering sequences simply fall into the flow of painting pictures and creating shapes with your hoop.
Take your focus into your body, specifically the muscles that make your movement. Focus on particular muscle groups and how they are moving or take your attention to the muscles that are moving your hoop.
Create a short (or long) hoop dance sequence that you are familiar with and practice it to different types of music. Make yourself a varied playlist.
To enhance focus by practicing the method of “trick restriction” for one or two songs.
Celebrate your mistakes. Don’t let drops and mishaps with the hoop shatter your flow and focus, continue to move and creatively dance while rescuing your hoop, make it part of the flow.
Celebrate your mistakes!! Keep dance alive in your hoop practice by celebrating with a full body explosion of unbridled disco dance floor action every time your hoop goes flying. Good ju ju. Keep the vibes high!! 😛 #celebrate #dance #flow #hooplah #hooping #hooplovers Hoop from @superhooperorg A video posted by Deanne Love 💜 Hooplovers.tv (@deannelovexo) on
Create playlists that motivate your moves, fill them with songs that inspire you to dance.
A video posted by Deanne Love 💜 Hooplovers.tv (@deannelovexo) on
Pick up your feet as if on hot sand, feel a sense of weightlessness. Create patterns or freestyle with your footwork.
Other ways I play with adding dance to my hoop practice…a “game” called Hot Sand. You know when you decide to go bare foot on a scorching Summer’s day and it is far too painful to touch the sand/road with the soles of your feet?? Ha!! That feeling. Pick those feet up, get some air, try shifting from the ball to the heel or other parts of the sole of your foot! Just play! Don’t worry too much about what your hoop is doing in this game just let it roll with you. #play #hooping #dance #hooplove #flow #practice A video posted by Deanne Love 💜 Hooplovers.tv (@deannelovexo) on
Find your inner fierceness. Take charge of the moment and hold strong to your intentions.
A video posted by Deanne Love 💜 Hooplovers.tv (@deannelovexo) on
Dare to take up space. Whether you have a small practice space or a wide open area utilise the space, move into it, be bold and deliberate with your expression.
Stop searching for it. Flow is not a destination, it is a way of feeling that requires action and letting go of resistance.
A video posted by Deanne Love 💜 Hooplovers.tv (@deannelovexo) on
How do you embrace your hoop dance flow?
Share your break throughs and brilliance with me on Instagram @deannelovexo #hooplovers
Some other ideas that you might like if you are in a dreaded hoop rut or need some new hoopspiration:
30 ways to get out of a hoop rut
Creating Hoop Dance Flow
Never fall into a hoop rut again