“Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being.”
– Eckhart Tolle
Poledance: A Journey of Transformation and Connection
Poledance has been a transformative experience for me—a chance to step away from the familiar paths of societal and personal norms and embrace something entirely new. It’s about moving consciously and being fully present in the moment. For me, “conscious” symbolizes a range of abilities: perceiving inner states, managing behavior, and discerning stimuli. It’s no longer about what others expect from us but rather about what we deeply desire in our hearts—about the essence of being human.
Awareness Through Connection to Nature
Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often forget the value of our connection to nature. We get caught up in fleeting moments of pleasure and overlook the beauty and significance of the natural world around us. Yet, when we open our senses and become mindful of nature’s wonders, we can feel a deeper connection—a bond that not only inspires us but also encourages us to act sustainably and harmoniously.
At the heart of this connection lies awareness, which inspires and guides us. Nature holds answers that propel us forward and show us the way. Its innate wisdom empowers us to protect our environment and improve life for everyone.
My Experience with Poledance in Nature
Setting up my pole outdoors was a big step for me—no protective walls to shield me from curious eyes. Before I bought my first freestanding pole last spring, I knew one thing: it had to offer me the freedom to explore how different locations feel while dancing. When I finally set it up in my garden, I began dancing—without music. I felt the wind on my skin, the warmth of the sun, and the soothing green surroundings grounding me. For the first time, I truly connected with myself through movement.
Without music, I discovered my own rhythm and entered a state of deep connection and gratitude—a feeling I had never experienced during traditional poledance classes. I was present in the moment, focused solely on my immediate environment rather than distant houses or thoughts about strangers watching me. This focus helped me let go, sharpen my senses, and intuitively understand how to push or pull into certain moves. I surprised myself with unexpected movements, as my mind grew quieter and more peaceful—even when a move didn’t work perfectly, I simply wove it into my choreography without frustration.
Lessons from Trees
On the surface, poledance seems simple—you need a pole, some grip aid, and comfortable clothing that allows movement while providing support on the pole. But have you ever stopped to consider how these items impact us?
Nature is not just a source of self-connection; it’s also an incredible teacher. Take trees as an example—they show us how sustainability works. Trees rely on other trees for support; a lone tree on a clearing may be deeply rooted in the earth and stretch its branches toward the sun, but if its surroundings aren’t right, it becomes vulnerable to external forces like storms or erosion.
Similarly, monocultures make trees susceptible to pests and diseases because they disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems. When pesticides or chemicals are introduced to combat these threats, they destroy underground fungal networks—the trees’ communication system—and harm soil health.
What can we learn from this? Diversity is key: just as forests thrive with varied species living in harmony, poledance thrives with diverse studios offering unique styles and approaches; sustainable manufacturers creating poles, clothing, or grip aids; and mindful practices that minimize harmful chemicals or wasteful production methods. Just as old leaves are decomposed into humus to nourish new growth in forests, we can adopt a mindset of “reuse before replace”—choosing durable poledance outfits that last until they’re truly worn out rather than discarding them prematurely.
Even small contributions matter—every flower, bee, or insect plays its role in supporting trees. Similarly, each person has the power to make small yet impactful choices that actively shape their environment for the better.
The Art of Decision-Making
Making choices for ourselves, our environment, and nature is an art—one that requires courage and mindfulness. The key is choosing for something rather than against something; embracing new challenges while remaining committed even after setbacks.
Just as you may have made the bold decision to start poledancing—defying societal conventions because you knew it brought you joy—you can apply this principle to other areas of life. Remember: life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.
Looking Ahead
True sustainability goes beyond considering materials or chemicals used in our gear—it encompasses everything from nourishing our bodies with proper nutrition to practicing poledance moves safely to avoid injury while fostering self-confidence in our physicality. It also includes reflecting on how products reach us and under what conditions they’re made.
Future blog posts will dive deeper into these topics—for instance, exploring which grip aids are most eco-friendly. If you’d like to stay updated on these insights, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter!
Warm regards,
Riva
