Being an older skater myself, I can really see how much of my past experiences — the things I've lived through in my life — have somehow paid forward to this moment. I don't just mean, oh, I skated as a kid, so I thought I'd give it a go again now I'm older. It feels deeper than that — much deeper!

When I really take a moment to reflect back on my timeline, I start to join the dots. 

The Early Days

Yes, I did skate as a young kid. My mum was into the idea of skating herself in the late 70s / early 80s, my older sister ice skated as a teen, then became a really good roller skater, my aunts, uncles and many of the young adults within my local community skated back in the 80s too [well the super fly ones did anyway!].

But so what?

The people around me did all sorts of creative things; sports, music, dance, art, clubbing and more! That doesn’t mean any one of those things was automatically something that I was destined to do [to excess]!

I skated a bit as a young kid, that bit more as a teen, and then much less a young adult. But that doesn’t explain why I came back to it in such a big way in my mid 40s — especially taking into account the other things that I’ve done [and enjoyed]:

✅ Bodywork/physical therapy

So the real question for me is:

Why rhythm skating? Why has it become everything to me now?

The Only Answer That Makes Sense

For me, the only answer that truly fits is:

Rhythm skating encompasses the lot [at least the 'lot' that I find myself repeatedly drawn to].

A Taste

Skating as a kid gave me an early taste of freedom. That little rush of doing something you didn’t think you could — then discovering that you actually could! It was opportunity to develop more confidence.

Those moments of breaking through fear and limitation stayed with me.

But to be fair, I got that feeling from many creative paths that I threw myself into. Art. Music. Sport. My therapeutic work.

So skating wasn’t especially unique in that sense.

Stress Outlet

In many ways — back in the day — we lived through our fair share of tough times. Back then, skating [among other things] was yet another way to play and escape lifes hard edges. It was a stress reliever, Our spirits were always lifted, it bonded us together and gave us something postive to conquer. 

Looking back now, I can see that skating still offers up those blessings, even now as a full grown adult!

Great Fun

One of the biggest reasons I love rhythm skating today is simple:

It’s such great fun.

The music. Enjoying a variety of outdoor spaces. Being part of large, diverse and vibrant cross generational community— young and old all gelling together. People supporting one another, and on a journey together. Creative expression each and everytime we hop into my skates and vibe to the music.

It honestly feels like festival energy on a weekly!

And, it's unusual to be immersed in this kind of free spirited/playful energy as an adult — for I'm grateful.

Spirituality [The Part We Don’t Talk Much About]

This for me sits at the core of what I want to express here. 

To get the best out of skating, I have to let go, only then am I fully present. I'm required to trust myself. Trust my body. Trust the moment. It's at times a moving meditation.

And let’s be real — we arn't 16 anymore and roller skating isn't without its risks!

But skating has really reinforced something important for me:

Sometimes you have to stick two fingers up to the fear and do it anyway, right?

Not recklessly. But with respect for the process and a foundation of trust — through deep listening. It doesn't pay to show up, to take the risk without this type of mindset — this much I've found to be true when I look back.

For me, skating is a practise in flow. I'm not forcing or overreaching [yup, I learned not to do this the hard way!]. It moves you towards knowing when to push through and when to soften or even let go completely.

It’s as much a spiritual endevear as any other to me — not one that disregards technique and the order of things, but one that encourages you to be connected to those deeper parts of yourself. Your intuition. Even your sense of identity/who you give yourself permission to be in this moment — especially when your getting into in middle age. There comes a point when you have to make a choice, to let go of the forced narrative, and do you. It's deep!

Different Moment - Same Remedy

It's fair to say that I've been drawn to things of a creative nature right from the 'get go' — things that feel like they get refreshed everytime you revisit them. I enjoy the challenge [just to see how far I can go with it]. It keeps things interesting and I really love the personal growth that inevitably comes as a result.

I appreciate moments that clarify my thoughts and bring balance to my busy schedule. I also find being amongst other people [from all walks of life] to be be an constant source of education, inpiration, motivation and reflector of where I am/am not at on all sorts of levels. The life of a skater is rich with opportunity!

And so — for me— roller skating and being immersed in the London skate scene ticks all of those boxes in spades. It embodies many of the things that I've gravitated towards for much of my life. 

As a dedicated skater, I'm contsantly challenged — and thrilled! I'm continually growing in physical strength, technical skill, awareness, confidence [including within my role as a community leader].

When I skate, I generally feel fully present and clearer headed [like so many other skaters]. For sure it can be a form of meditation for me. And, the big social element offers up so many opportunities for regular insight and additional levels of self awareness. 

Skating is a form stress relief and personal [or even spiritual] growth just like it was all those years ago - at least it is for me anyway.

Kelly

Cranial Osteopath | Wellbeing Coach | Roller Skate Instructor

Skate Base London

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