One of the most ancient and universal symbols is the circle. With no beginning and no end, it represents the sun, completeness, eternity and the soul. With movement, circles become spirals, a shape that is seen everywhere in nature. In the symbol of the spiral we can see how incremental change is possible with the return of repeating cycles. If you look closely, you may see something similar happening in your relationships and work - we do the same things over and over, but eventually we end up somewhere completely different and unexpected. This is the magic of spirals in effect.
A growing group of people all over the world are taking this symbolic form and using it as a tool of artistic expression, meditation, fitness and unadulterated fun. They call themselves hoopers or hoop dancers, and have an online bible at Hooping.org. They can be found swirling their hips lazily in the sun at summer festivals, dancing with passion and precision in nightclubs and parties, and working up a sweat in fitness classes.
Hula hoops were once the playthings of children, but new, larger hoops are now made just for adults; their added weight and circumference makes it easier to keep the hoop spinning around the body. This means that even if you think you won't be able to hoop, chances are good that you'll catch on quickly with one of these new-style hoops.
Like yoga, there is a meditative mental space that can be discovered within the circle spiraling around you. Hooping also tones the core, hips and pelvic floor muscles, increases cardiovascular strength, and is practically guaranteed to put a grin on your face. Want to give hooping a whirl? Check online for a hooping group near you at hooping.tribe.net, order an instructional DVD and premade hoop from Hoopnotica.com, or gather a few basic materials and make your own hoop (see instructions). Hooping is low impact and irresistibly enjoyable, so set your inhibitions aside and step into the spiral.
