What do I love about my life? It is full of wonderful surprises!

I am on my path, doing what I’ve planned, when something totally unpredictable happens. Then, I take a deep breath, see it as a new and exciting opportunity, and I almost always seize it.

A month ago, my husband Bill and I were practising Qigong (pronounced chee-gong).

It is a lovely, ancient, Chinese movement and breathing meditation. We were in a favourite spot-on a South Shore beach. Here, we feel the energy is very pure and flows through us as we repeat the movements taught to us by masters of Qigong when we lived in Thailand.

Waves were crashing in front of us in cascades of turquoise and white foam. I was completing The Flying Bird sequence, where I slowly and gracefully lift my arms up and out, as a bird opens its wings. I visualised myself as a Bermuda longtail rising from the rocky shore to dance in the pure blue of the shimmering sky.

I turned to look behind me. Two adorable little girls, who I took to be sisters, were sitting in the sand, still as stones, watching me, engrossed. I guessed they were about seven and nine years old.

“Do you want to fly with me?” I asked with a smile.

They nodded emphatically, stood up, and walked solemnly to join me.

I didn’t explain much to them; they understood the movements instinctively. Soon, we were flying like dragons, swimming like sinuous snakes, and walking like white cranes. And we laughed and laughed.

It was my first experience practising Qigong with kids. I absolutely loved it!

They have unblocked energy and are very receptive. Children have unstoppable curiosity and endless imagination. Surprisingly, they can be patient. What I love the most is seeing their eyes open wide as they try this new and mysterious game.

This moment on the beach made me curious. I began reading research papers about Qigong programmes implemented in schools. It appears that this ancient practice proves to be beneficial for children in many areas.

For the mind:

• Promotes calmness

• Releases negative emotions such as worry, anxiety, anger, and fear

• Improves focus and concentration

• Builds mind-body connection

• Improves visualisation and boosts creativity

• Builds communication skills

For the body:

• Positively directs their flow of energy

• Develops whole body awareness

• Improves balance, co-ordination, strength, and stamina

• Corrects improper posture

For the spirit:

• Connects with nature

Parents, if you are interested, I have created Flying Dragon Qigong classes for your kids. In a beautiful spot in nature, they can try these movements in an imaginative and playful way. It is a chance for them to not only have fun, but also to learn how to be still.

By copying my movements they will calm their minds, relax their bodies, and learn to focus.

Most importantly, we will laugh together and explore our imaginations!

Flying Dragon is a fun way to exercise and feel the power of concentration, visualisation, and creativity … and meet new friends as well!

Please contact me for more information. I will be happy to teach your children something they will use their whole lives: the power of controlling their breath, moving with focus, and feeling the energy of the natural world.

Lift us up

Where we belong

Up where the dragons fly!

Nina London is a certified wellness coach, Qigong teacher and laughter leader. Her mission is to support and help cancer patients and survivors and inspire mature women to make positive changes in their body and mind. Contact her at www.ninalondon.com and on Instagram: @coachninalondon