Three Things Thursday - Introduction

I figured I would use the trend of “Three Things Thursday” that I have read on other people’s blogs to explain what I am planning to write about on my blog.

 
1. FOOD --- I use to love to cook – in the past you could often find me in the kitchen, but lately I have just not been that passionate about it.  I thought maybe writing about my adventures in the kitchen would help motivate me to create nutritious and delicious meals.  But I am interested in more than just providing recipes, pieces of knowledge about allergies and photos of my creations.  I want to explore the psychology of why I eat, what underlies the decisions I make and try different techniques to really appreciate and enjoy food again.

2. MOVE --- Well each year I think that I will actually get my butt moving more and help get in better shape.  I know I feel so much better when I am active, but just haven’t been able to find consistency.  I have realized though failing each year and watching others fail or succeed that the secret appears to be finding an activity that one enjoys.  I will be exploring different types of activities in search of one that makes me forget that I am working out and feels more like play time.  This will likely involve some dance classes, activities that can be done outdoors and perhaps I will even give jogging another go.  I am also working on building my support network to make moving my booty more fun. 


 3. FLOW --- I want to bring more flow into my life; therefore I need to figure out ways in which to get my life flowing with more ease.  Although I am not exactly sure what topics I might explore through the notion of flow, the topics of meditation and yoga are bound to appear here.  Perhaps I will start to gain insight into when things seem to be flowing in my life and when I feel stuck.  I plan to celebrate my successes and explore my challenges.    

 

This blog is really about my exploration – finding the passion for food, the love of movement and the joy of a life that flows.  In return I hope that I can meet others exploring the same aspects of life in order to inspire and gain inspiration.  And although I have a plan about what I think this blog might be - the reality is, I am simply on a journey and thought I would share the adventures with others virtually by my side.

Introduction to Hooping Class

One of the things I want to find this year is exercise and activities that I will have fun doing and that I will love participating in.  I also just really want to try new things and perhaps take a few risks along the way.  This has started me on a journey of finding what activities will allow me to get a workout and have a blast.  I thought that if I took the time to write about my little adventures, my successes, my challenges, it would help me to continue to try new things and find some new passions.

So last night was the start of a new class for me - trying something I have wanted to do for a number of years but hadn't gotten around to yet.  Last night was my very first official hooping class!  Yes, hooping, as in hula hooping!

I grew up taking dance classes - I love to dance, to move, to flow and back in the day, I loved to perform.  In university I got away from taking structured dance classes, but jumped at any opportunity I could to go out and dance.  The reality is I still love to dance, but wanted to find a way to learn new things instead of just rocking out in my living room. 

My first experience with hooping was during the summer of 2008 when I was working as a research assistant.  The research team went to visit a co-workers sister who was a hooper and before the end of the night we were all trying our best to keep the hoop in motion.  I thought it was so much fun and was so intrigued by all the tricks that could be done and how fluid the movement seemed.  At the end of the summer I moved from Alberta to Ontario and I wasn't able to find a class or people that hooped in my new town.  Although I thought about hooping since then, I never made the thought a reality.

Then, this past December, I came across information about "World Hoop Day"  and realized there was going to be an event held in Calgary.  I decided that even with no real experience, no one to go with and no hoop, I would show up to the local event.  However, to make myself feel a bit better I contacted the organizer and offered to volunteer with whatever needed to be done.  I arrived mid-morning and finally had to force myself to leave around 4pm to make it to my work Christmas party.  I had a blast and ended up hooping for about 4 hours that day, learning from other hoopers, taking workshops and just playing around with different hoops.  I was so hooked that I bought my very first hoop before leaving for the day.

Yesterday, I got to experience my first actual hooping class.  There were around 25 people all learning to hoop, each person helping those around them when help was needed.  It was an interesting experience to see the range of people brought together by a simple hoop.  As I tried new things and rolled my hoop into the people around me, there were no judgements and no one seemed to get upset.  As hoops wandered free from their owners there might be a giggle and an exchange of a comment, but there was an overwhelming sense of support within the group.

The verdict of my first hooping class?
I had so much fun - though there were moments of frustration;
I didn't realize how much I was using my arms - it is a good workout; though my right arm is more sore then my left (apparently I use it more for arm spins then my left);
My hands are bruised;

BUT ..... most importantly ...... I cannot wait to go back next week!