When Your Soul Longs for White Birches — Find Yourself Among the Poles

Muah, pats, and hugs! 🫶🏽 LUV to all and everyone 🥰

Well, time flies, huh? Feels like it’s been a week already (okay, it’s not — but my inner graphomaniac is on high alert! 🤫).

Anyway, let’s swing back to that pole dance thing, shall we?

So, what’s the deal with me, right? Architect, pole dancer, life coach?

Btw, I’ve shared more about my pole dance coaching journey and some emotional milestones along the way here:

Pole Dancing: When My Student’s Success Hit Me Harder Than My Own

Yikes, it’s a lot, I know! And that’s not even counting my occasional ‘look at me, I’m behind the camera’ moments — oh, and don’t forget, I can look pretty darn good in front of the lens too. 😋 So, who do I wanna be when I grow up? A public speaker, of course! In a few languages if we’re being ambitious — gotta brush up on my Japanese and French (because let’s be real, my language skills are about as stable as my Monstera #11’s survival rate — and we’re all just trying to keep it alive, right?).

So yeah, let’s get into the whole pole dance thing.

Like most of my life’s random yet perfectly timed events, pole dancing showed up out of nowhere. But it wasn’t random — you know when something just clicks? Like, ‘Oh yep, this is my jam.’ I felt it when I landed in Tokyo (long story, we’ll get to that) and then again about two years ago when I first grabbed a pole (which, fun fact, has been the only grip I’ve held onto since, but hey, that’s more on personal development — spirituality aside for today). It felt electric, like finding that missing puzzle piece you didn’t even know was lost.

Out of all my wild chapters, pole dancing has been the biggest plot twist — more than any degree, job, or big milestone. It’s not just about nailing tricks; it’s about reclaiming my body, which, let’s face it, I’d ghosted for way too long. Through pole, I started feeling my body again, and let me tell you, that opened up a whole can of emotions I didn’t see coming. You think you’re just learning a spin, and then suddenly you’re upside down having a ‘why am I crying?’ moment. But don’t worry, I always bring it back to the floor before the tears hit.

The pole has this insane way of bringing everything to the surface — every struggle, every win, every bit of joy and pain. It’s like living your boldest dream, but with bruises and a whole lot of grip strength. There’s nothing like landing a move you thought was impossible, and nothing humbles you faster than the fails along the way.

For me, pole dance isn’t just about fitness; it’s a conversation with my whole self. It’s how I connect with the power, the grace, and let’s be honest, the badassery that comes with every climb, drop, and spin. It’s a reminder of what my body is capable of, and that’s something I’m never taking for granted.

And look, I get it — finding the drive, the time, or just the courage to start something new can feel like a mountain. But trust me, everything you need is already inside — it’s just buried, like that fabulous outfit at the back of your closet you forgot you had. Pole dancing made me dig deep, and every time I show up, I find parts of myself I didn’t even know were there.

So whatever gets you moving — weights, yoga, or dancing like no one’s watching in your living room — it’s all about finding that spark, that little something that makes you feel alive.

Ahahaha, I’ve definitely lost myself in those poles — why did I even start talking about this? Anywho, maybe I’ll remember next time. 😂 But honestly, for me, pole dance isn’t just a sport; it’s become a part of who I am — it’s my mental. And trust me, I’ve still got a lot more to say, but not today — I’m already out of my breath.

Btw, caught that bit about birches? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Pats,
Anya on the Pole 🫰🏽

Still with me? Here’s some more you might like. 👇🏽

From Fear to Freedom: My Ayesha Moment and What It Taught Me About Life

Muah! 😘