The Beautiful thing About Ashes

[fartdoggity]

you know what, bless you. Most people don't understand the black cloud that is depression. Good for you that you were able to lasso that cloud and ride it to the end of the tunnel. I wish others were able to. May you be an example to us all.

[roconofx]

no, you are awesome

[Ketastep]

ive been a fan of yours for some time and aspire to achieve talent close to ours. thank you, your words helped me :)

[unkpass]

you are a amazing spinner and a beautiful person. thank you for sharing your experience

[saminsmith]

you have such a beautiful soul, this video made me feel loved and excited. i aspire to be able to spin as well as you one day and this video encourages me to stay with it. :D

[mwitty100]

Maybe you need to start comparing yourself to the beauty that is yourself!

[sethnnam190]

i envy your mentality friend .. thank u so much .. this is the reasone i started spinning .. plus it tends to calm me and put a smile on my face ^_^ .. stay happy nick you have a beautiful soul and you are the best spinner iv seen .. u feel the beat and your smile is infectious lol .. much love from the USA .. keep spinning my friend

[blueclanlifestyle]

I'm gonna practice really hard so I can be as cool as you!!!!

[atthelake16]

okay for real, you are beautiful. all of your videos are so inspirational. you have amazing flow with your poi it truly is an art!

[anya1811]

I love this video. It's helped me a lot not only with my poi spinning, but also with my general state of mind. THANKS for that! The song got stuck in my mind since I've played this video a lot lately. What song is that?

[MadameRx]

You know, someone may have stolen the show, but without you it wouldn't have been as incredible. <3.

[bohun28]

Wow, I just linked into this from a video of AUNA from the MrKalvinKalvus channel...there is so much amazing talent out there, I could go from one video linked to another all day long!!

You have great skill and I really appreciate the story you told, I relate!!

Stay happy and keep spreading the joy!!

[bohun28]

@bohun28

Ajuna that should read!!

[kimfraczek]

Wow! I just started spinning poi almost a year ago, and was just checking out videos on youtube, came across yours... and you are *incredible*, and I am really touched at the story that you shared. Thank you for trusting us with that. Tres, tres cool.

[MintiBlueFrog]

Thanks for sharing your story, you're poi skills are stunning!! Its to easy to think the people we look up to could never feel down.

[tuesdayblackmon]

:o) GrOOOVYLICIOUS THANQ for the SPIRITUALness (o:

[lynchy803]

Tool

[1loveandlife]

WOW not wat I was expecting lol....while reading this I was about to cry lol This is such a beautiful video.....the poi and the message thank you

[GlowingGenetLoki]

Where do you get your pants, dude? I want a few pairs. xD



[AFROFUZZ1]

EY BROTHER BEAUTIFUL ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL MY NAME IS EFRAIN AND I LIVE IN MEXICO WELL ACTUALY IM TRAVELING ALL OVER MEXICO AND I ACTUALLY PLAY WITH POIS TO SURVIVE AND CONTINUE MY TRIP I WAS WONDERING IF YOU HAD ANY TIPS FOR ME OR SOOME INFORMATION THAT CAN HELP ME ADVANCE IVE KINDA BEEN STUCK FOR A WHILE AND IM REALLY GETTING FRUSTRARATED WITH MYSELF.

[buttaloveification]

damn, get dowwnn! shit's nice (:

[rambusdrtihlav]

I know this story too well. But sometimes we have to fall down to ashes to be reborn like the phoenix does. I love this rebirth and poi spinning always helps me to manage it. Thank you for all your videos, Nick :)

[KleinKaramell]

thank you for your sweet words... somehow it feels better....

[IKeyLay]

I have to say that Nick is one of my biggest inspirations in my stringing. He is so full of positive and loving energy and he is such a great person all around. I would love one day having the honor of having a conversation with him or just seeing him perform in person.

[frenchfriedwacko194]

you are the person we should all look up to !!!

man,you are my biggest inspiration!!!

[VJGijaRamo]

wow love this

[fuegoygraciaTX]

BEAUTIFUL!!

[RedTearsBlackWings21]

Such a lovely and touching story with an amazing message.

The part that spoke the most to me is when you say that it's okay to forget how beautiful we can be, it makes me feel as if I'm not to blame any more.

[Doombiker666]

Thank you



[Medusaquetzalcoatl]

Thanks so much for sharing! It helped me a lot.

Greetings from Mexico.

[hawaiienflirt]

I'm petty sure you just love the attention, fire poing is always good regardless of the cause... I'm glad you could find some peace and warmth.

[pinkslyberry]

I want to say thank you for posting this with your beautiful words. I can relate to the whole depression thing. I agree, we never give ourselves as much credit as we deserve, but it looks like you finally found yourself again. Im glad. I also think you need to keep up with the fire spinning, it seems like a really healthy escape. =)

Take care. You hold a great talent! I was looking into getting into this and hooping. Any tips? How to start?

[glitch113]

In my experience the light inside is never dull, its always burning, its always bright, its always warm. It is simply our awarness of it that ebbs and flows.

Your expression of that light is awesome and and it helps awaken awarness in those that are lucky enough to experience it.

thankyou

peace

[urchinbox]

i feel you man.

[ninanai]

your comments in the video are great... i do the same thing. when i love and appreciate everyone else even more i find it is easier to believe in myself, too... this is an amazing video. i want to learn to do it. c':

[AlternativeRobbie]

You're so awesome! <3 <3 Cute too!

[angelictigress]

As a begining level poi spinner that was amazing, I love how you looked like you were in slow mo and what I can only describe as half revolutions where you would stop it in mid air and whip it back in the other direction was really neat looks (want to learn!!!) You are awesome! <3

[KinkyPet]

The first time I saw this video I was so depressed... and it made me feel so much better! Thank you for this very touching and meaningful story.

[PoiLover419]

Your videos are an awesome inspiration in my journey of poi. Thank you for posting!

[blondekitty666]

Can anyone tell me the name of the song?

[YouCanFlow]

Treat love like an epidemic, clap louder, smile brighter, and love with a passion that will crush mountains, let it fill you up and burst forth in flames of joy and brilliance! Lets keep the love flowing!

[flowingconlavida]

Thankyou Nick for the honest account of a dark place in which so many people feel lost. In finding myself through the "flow"... poi, surf, skate... I can accept that I am... Everyone finds their own flow through their own channels. Those of us that can find the courage to share our experiences really can help others through. Love your flow brother... You've a big heart.

[martiglow]

i never comment on anything, but this gave me chills. thank you* for sharing your story :)

[threetoedotter]

I feel sad for you Zebrajones 01. Nick I love you you're beautiful! I'd rather watch you than Banyon anytime! You got flow Banyon has show. I'll take flow over show anytime! Thanks for all of your videos, thanks to you I'm getting better and better!

[Micakintyre]

That video is very inspiring. Poi is my way of calming myself and finding my center again. Any time I feel down or unequal I stand outside and spin a three beat and turn around left and right and I just stand there for an hour spinning and it brings me back to the light again ^_^

[Kestsloan]

If you think you have seen better then you have missed the point, that's very sad Zebra.

This brother shines with a bright light... that's what you should be looking at. The light of love that he show freely shares to those with open hearts. I am truly blessed meenik has allowed me to see this.

[Kestsloan]

If you think you have seen better then you have missed the point, that's very sad Zebra.

This brother shines with a bright light... that's what you should be looking at. The light of love that he show freely shares to those with open hearts. I am truly blessed meenik has allowed me to see this.

[ZebraJones01]

I've seen better, wish the camera was on Banyan

[Kaztwl1]

1 word......... AMAZING

[ShayloCray]

You know, Nick? Right from the get-go, you've always been my favorite spinner <3 Not to say that I don't love the rest of the crew too, because I do, but you're indeed my favorite. I love watching you have fun in all of your videos, and I love learning from you. You make it all about the fun, and not about the effort it takes to actually learn a new move, and I love you for that. You're all together to make something beautiful as friends, not to compare yourself to others. For the Flow! <3

[whitemonk92]

NIck, I strive to meet you, Banyan, and all of the other simply incredible people I've seen on this channel. This video perfectly describes my emotions currently and has helped me almost a dozen times in the past. I really can't help but laugh, cry, and smile when i watch this. Thank you so much for showing us back to the flames that unite us all and make us remember why we love to laugh, grow, and flow together!

[Rammstein2720]

Yay I'm view 16,000 lol. Nick, it was amazing to meet Pali on her venture into Detroit. Truly an amazing person and I wish that I could meet you in person :) That would make my life right there haha. I would hope to have enough money in the future, considering the profession I'm working towards, that I would be able to travel some with you or if you're not at the time, come visit or venture on with future poisters :-)

[SchneggeMaya]

I love you for this video, thank you so much!

[xshotgunweddingpatdx]

thankyou so much for this :)

[jennntasticc]

<3 just what i needed

[HorrendousFlights]

That was a beautiful video. I can see where you have touched others with it, as well as through your poi. I've had my boughts with depression, myself. I think everyone goes through at least one. Thank you so very much for sharing your story.

[TeamNewExperience]

Idk how you could be depressed man like i know you got your reasons but damn your flo is amazing and you got your head in the right place too

[passion8unity]

just wanted to say - you can only see in others what is already in yourself.

that being said - the higher I fly the further I fall. thanks for sharing are I was falling right now, you brought tears to my eyes... love and light

loving the poi :)

[seer5]

Everytime I start to feel inadaquet or like I dont burn brightly enough. I remember that even the great Nick Woolsey feels inadequate at times. Then i feel like i can rock it :)

[foxinsocks506]

You're an amazing person, Nick. So many people admire you for who you are and what you do. If ever I slip back into depression, I'll be returning to this video and your advice.

[kkentert]

Beautiful video.

[AdaraMarkz]

Absolutely stunning....

[anasazzii]

I happy to see this video back up, it's one of my favorites!!!! Thanks for sharing this again!

[erosgr]

loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee this vid :))))))

[ZeApeKing]

how bad to i expect to burn myself if i wasnted to start fire poi?

[vansskaterd]

@ZeApeKing err.... u dont start with fire poi. u start with poi, then move up to fire... but if u can do at least 2 minutes with regular poi without messing up, u can start fire IMO

disclaimer: i am not responsible to any property damage or damage u cause urself or others :P

[jayboog763]

nicks the man, damn good as always

[Vanynessa74]

Amazing!! Beautiful job :o)

[dragoscazacul]

Thank you. I need to hear this validation that 1) I am a beautiful person soul 2) it's ok to forget it and be where I am at, and 3) that I will remember that again and like you said be in the flow.

[SilverBlaze15]

Thank you so much for this. I came across this video at a very opportune time; it was the pick-me-up I've been needing for weeks.

[estyron27858]

@SilverBlaze15 I agree

[trubillo]

I had to clap after i saw this.....great message and feeling with this video. Great spinning which inspires me and i love how nick gets tangled at the end adding a nice touch to show that everyone gets tangled sometimes

[terrafovea]

Thanks for making me cry at my desk., my boss doesn't think I'm nearly insane enough as it is. For reals. This video is BEAUTIFUL and so are you. I'm going to think about you the next time I spin. :-D

[DemonaReadman]

on a night like tonight i want to thank you for this video, i smiled and cried all at the same time. keep doing what you are doing your amazing,

[333Fraggle]

This video and what you said about it was sent to me in a time of great need for me. Thank you for being so beautiful. Thank you for inspiring people to inspire me. Hating myself, I saw this and forgot my misery. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!

Mad Love,

~Fraggle

[chesireTac]

wow.. im astonished :] you really know how to put your soul into that.. im actually thinkin about goin to bali march 9 - 22

[lovedragonflies]

Your words really hit home for me...thank you...and such beautiful movements...

[Ivka272]

i think you are the best banyan, i learned almost every trick i know from you. You look like very cool and funny guy ;-) so dont be depressed. I can only hope i will learn all that stuff with fire and than maybe spin with you hehe..

[Lrussel5]

Your dancing is beautiful! This video brings tears to my eyes. It's like it brings up emotions held deep inside that just come bubbling up and out as tears. Thank you.

[Victoria91701]

wow amazingly enough that brightened my day :) thank you for the little story. i was able to really connect with you on what you were feeling right then.

[DJRockIt1x]

i like that you wrote "& that's ok" Nick, you understand the temporary blindness of it all, you are where you are in that moment and sometimes that's all that consumes you. I find it odd that the BE HERE NOW metality can both trap & release you in exactly the same manner.

[DJRockIt1x]

alot of people have amazing, true advise. unfortunately for those who sometimes struggle with depression (or Bi-polar disorder, like me) when your in that low mind set, your words sound true but our own self doubt leaves us not believing it, "your just being nice", "you have to say things like that, your my friend"..a million excuses go through our head. your just totally incapable of breaking out of that funk when your that deep sometimes.

[DJRockIt1x]

incapable meaning without outside stimulus, llike poi/friends/art etc. can't believe in all that jibbering i forgot to mention POI saved my sanity. but i think after 70 some-odd responses you got the idea already :)

[CsLillith]

Hey, I thought this was pretty and pretty sexy. Nothing lame about it.

Thanks for sharing your feelings as well as your gorgeous performances.

Shed a tear thinking as self-consciousness stiffs my creativity sometimes.

Thanks for inspiring me.

[PeaceWings]

... beautiful! happy 2010! thanks for all your videos!

[kalanasse]

I first saw this video a year or two ago when I was first starting to spin poi. I was fighting deep depression, and seeing you burning bright helped me pull out of it. Thank you. ~Kala

[elliottfamily07]

Nick. Out of all of your videos this has always been my favorite. Keep up the awesome work!

[phiaB11]

im so glad this is back up! i used to watch it to cheer myself up, or get general inspiration, and link my friends to it when they felt down too :)

thank you, xxxx

[chromeNRG]

You are just beautiful!!! I look up to YOU and aspire to YOU! I love this channel and keep up the spirit and the flow and the passion of all the good things :))) LIKE: POI :)

[chromeNRG]

I think your focus was on him too much, not on how much YOU love to do what you do. If you can get into what you love to do everytime, just get into it, selfishly, all by yourself, whatever is inside of you, all that passion, all those human emotions, will clense .... you will learn lessons as a human being. It's fine to envy. It makes you better. It doesn't not mean you are absent of love. It, like love, makes you grow. There are many different ways to grow as a person.

[chromeNRG]

thank you for that story. the whole effect of the video and the story, I completely know where you were and can relate. And that depression was because you forgot that you have to be yourself and shine in your particular way, and your friend, he shines in his way. They are different, but both special.

[skaterkingpin]

Poi and the flow arts helped my dad out of his mid life crisis, helped me get over my recent breakup, helped me get my life back on track

thank u nick for all you do

[argosxilow]

Flow, especially hooping, helped me get over my depression. When I got into learning poi, your website, videos, pictures, and tutorials helped to me continue seeing the light. I thank you for that/

[luffarn2000]

This is the clip i watch when i need inspiration , not lame at all i promise you man.

[ZuchinniOne]

Thank you!

[IggyZadr]

Man I would totally love to hang out with ya folks.. Gotta get the money to meet up with you on your trips.

[SupaFlyBassoonistGuy]

This video is amazing. I am a musician who spins poi as an escape and I'm currently going through the same kind of thing with my music. Your words have moved me and helped re-ignite a passion that was dwindling. Thank you so much and keep doing what you do!

[Darthvanger]

This track is too psychodelical)

[FireWeaverSophie]

Nick, it's inspirational how you open you are. Thank you for sharing yourself. Sending you love and light from Canada.

[hoolamonster]

I'm in tears after watching this... please don't take this video down again. It's important and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[4leggedspirit]

Thank you Nick!! So glad this video is back... Your words mean a lot!

[pieisforlovers]

This is a great video. I didn't even know you could do hand wraps with fire poi! Learn something new every day.

[theempathogen]

Good to know you acknowledge when you're being silly.

[Birdiecam]

Thank you.

[VirtuousDance]

you are so amazing, you've left me mesmerized!!

.:*Virtuous Luna*:.

[desertfirefly]

I'm so glad you put this back on! I've missed it. Thank you for sharing with us.

[timothytrout]

This should be called the beautiful thing about meenik - You've been an inspiration to my spinning for years. Keep up the wonderful playtimes!

[FiveAcesDealt]

Thank you for sharing that, it helped a little...

[XsullenX]

@3:15 that is some nice stallin :D

[wirbelfeuer]

he thanks for these beatifully words.

;o)

[tattooedpixie1981]

You said what a lot of us think and never say out loud x

[snoeren46]

Nick, you 're wasting energy, problems are what you make of it,..(?)

Greetz, your Dutch student :)

[kimbrgsm1]

i love to watch this video - not just for the amazing spinning - but i love your story. you are inspiring in more ways than one. Thank you!

[thorinodin]

meenik. DUDE you are awesome, I think the best spiner. Keep it up.

[anirexy]

that was fantastic!

[janca1958]

Great video and story. Glad things are better now!

[tmblweed72157]

this is so beautiful

[stickynono]

thank you nick.

[sephiroth87932]

how do u do that move at 2:53? is that a butterfly ?

[fusion29]

It seems to be a split time butterfly weave, but contiued on around to the other side and back

[sephiroth87932]

thatnk you and wow

[Deadtigers]

wanerwere You're an idiot and have no idea what you're talking about. Depression is a real disease that affects everything in your life. It may give someone a warped self-perception but it doesn't always come from that.

[derobos]

its not a disease. its a mindset. certain mental problems can cause depression, but this is not to say that people without mental problems cant be depressed.

[vansskaterd]

incredibly perfectly timed for how i've been feeling... thanks for sharing...

it is crazy how someone so far that doesnt even know me can influence my life so much without even trying. you saved me this night.

[sorapyper]

im glad you put it back up. this is one of my favorite videos of yours. especially because of the story :)

[dragade101]

thanks for the repost and the story Nick.

[wanderwere]

depression is not an affectation of the brain... it is a disease within self-perception. it causes everything to go dark. when we cannot perceive ourselves as we like, look without and find the stardust you left behind

[runwiththepack]

V.V wow thank you so much lifted my spirits high :) i want to say that you have been a big insperation in my spinning so graceful and at ease. the crowd i hang out with spins fast never slowing down you showed me that by slowing down feeling the flow taking time to savor the preformance that it only gets more beautiful and lets your heart and soul come out in you preformance

[Zacdunn2022]

I can't tell you how much this video helped me when i was first getting into poi. I was about to give up because i felt like no matter how much i practiced, i would always look stupid doing it. After seeing this for the first time, it was as though something shifted, i started to significantly improve and i never thought to give up again. You've inspired so many people, you put more so much more into it then just body movement.

[charliep121]

Thank you so much for this Nick. It couldn't have come at a better time (though I am now crying slightly!!) Its so hard to remember that i'm not the only one who feels like this from time to time. The spinning and other expressions will always help to come back to the highs in life. Peace and love to the world xXx

[lacishae]

Ahh! Goodness. You were such an inspiration to me before I even saw this video. But now, you inspire me just THAT much more. I love your videos, and your attitude and the free/strong spirit you carry in your presence. This video definately brightened my day. Probably my whole week. I just want to thank you so much for having the attitude and the love you do for people and everything else in this world. It makes me smile to know that people actually do care. You rock! Keep coming with the videos!

[TwistedHoop]

Beautiful video~ Your so right about everything you said. I can relate to you.

Thank you for sharing .

Stay well~

Hoopnosis

[KarunaCompassion]

thanks..its cool how the things the Universe wants us to be reminded of can come when we least expect it...

[PSycH0Tant3]

I love this video, its exactly what i needed right now. Made me smile :) Thank you, you are an amazing person.

[Siddhin]

So happy you are able to put it back online! I was looking for it some time ago and missed it right. *goes back to enjoying the clip*

[gsccharl3y]

repost?

[kaaliifire]

thank you for this!

good timing, too! :o)

[Fackelphilipp]

Nice spinning....keep it up. Spinning makes me forget my troubles as well...it´s a great way to relax :-)))

[qroxxy]

This is so awesome. The message is an important one and I love that you're sharing it in such a beautiful way.

[DieMirimaus]

I love this video!!!! =D

[OmgThisGuy]

you've gotta stop letting banyan go before you again, lol

[globalj420]

Great vid and wonderful message!!! Well done man :D

[Zandee69]

Thank you for posting this story. I am currently finding my way back to my light.

I just want you to know that your light is bright and beautiful. I watch your videos and aspire.

[nibargerswife51482]

very very awesome.... congrats on a great show. Ya know it's amazing what we do or say when our emotions come out.

[chichung941]

i'm glad i'm not the only person out there that uses poi as a way of letting out emotion and stress. as what some people do with cutting or drinking or doin drugs, we use these lights, these fires, to light our way to happiness. They relight our spark in our times of darkness. Thank you so much meenik, if it werent for you, i would only have very few ways of letting this be my de-stressor

[queenofcrows]

Your poidancing is such a beautiful, therapeutic, and inspirational way to express yourself, to storytell and work through the challenges of the human heart and soul.

Congratulations on who you've blossomed into, into all you've achieved over the past decade. My heart explodes with joy.

Hugs,

Su' Cormier, of the ol' Bukowski's crowd

[TrippWaLk]

Nice. It's good to know that even someone as awesome as you feels bad sometimes too. This is an awesome video. Thanks for the reminder. ^_^

[sailormesha]

I like this video its very inspirational as all your other videos are. I have to say we all do sometimes find ourselves thinking dark thoughts at times with depression in the mix and I must say that alot of ur videos I know which ones to watch because they put a smile on my face wen im feeling down in the dirt. POI does make me happy and I will always turn to it to help me clear my head. Thanks Nick your an awesome amazing person :) just remember that.

[neonemu]

I am so glad this is back. I love this video.

[Lovebattallion]

Thank you. Beautifully expressed, all of it!

[LadyTigerLily]

This is one of my all-time favourite videos from you, Nick. You're inspiring. Keep the flow, friend.

[sephiroth87932]

his was your previous song on it i thought it was something different but i have bad memory so thanks for putting it up again and thanks for uploading more videos i can't believe you met burning dan again

[BloodRedRavenTCM]

Wow this is awesome. Very well done. :)

[carolinesimone]

respect ... we all return to the light, we all return to love :)X

[rccrazer]

its been many days and nights sence i have remembered. thaank you for the reminder. poi has been one of the only reasons i am still alive.and i want to thank you for that. it has tought me many lessons in ways that many other things haven't thank you. efveryone keep on spinning.!

[jitpunkia]

a huge inspiration . i myself am facing dark times . and like all the others out there . im sure we just have to hang tight . brighter days are ahead

[Senorboombox]

soo glad this is back

[Isaley87]

I really love this video....

[maankindj]

thanks man,

this means much to me!

[silenttiger77]

Thank you for this. I hope I can remember soon.

[SublimeLife]

Beautiful story and beautiful spinning. You will always be a huge inspiration for me. Keep up the amazing work.