The World According to Tim: My Advice for Cancer Patients & Survivors - “Go Fly a Kite!”
By Tim E. Renzelmann
Photo Above: Michaelf Finney, CYT leads a ST&BF “Tai Chi for Cancer Survivors” session as kites dance in the air!
Health writer Linda Wasmer Andrews, who holds a master’s degree in health Psychology refers to kite flying as “happiness on a string.”
“Kite flying is the very definition of sheer fun,” she writes. “For those who need more justification than that, here are five good reasons to do it” and mentions mindfulness, nature, exercise, socializing and beauty.
Read her article here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/minding-the-body/201104/kite-flying-health-and-happiness
Flying a kite does not sound like exercise, it sounds like fun... and it is fun! It is also good exercise! And you can vary the fun and the intensity of the exercise. For example, you can relax with a single-line kite in gentle winds, you can move about and fly several kites at the same time (as I like to do), you can learn the skills to become a stunt kite pilot, you can take on the physical demands of a power kite, or you can engineer your own “kite launch” device, as “Bob the Builder” Hartig has been doing!
Although I once considered spring to be the best time of the year to “go fly a kite,” in the short time that I have gotten more involved in kite-flying (this month will be one year since our first “Great Heights with Delightful Kites” outing which piqued my interest and enthusiasm), my experiences suggest that fall offers stronger and steadier winds as well as dryer conditions and more comfortable temperatures compared to the other seasons. So watch for “Great Heights with Delightful Kites” opportunities in the months ahead!
Also, consider these additional opportunities to learn more about kiting while seeing some really unique kites and meeting some creative kite makers and skilled kite pilots with the Wisconsin Kiters Club:
Kites over Lake Michigan, Two Rivers High School
Saturday & Sunday, September 4th & 5th - 11A to 4P
From the Unique Flying Objects Website:
The 16th Annual Kites Over Lake Michigan will once again be held at the Two Rivers High School. This is due to the high lake level that has left us with very little beach. We were fortunate, and very grateful, that the Two Rivers School Board allowed us to continue with the event at the high school again. There is a vast expanse of flying and viewing areas behind the school which is perfect for this. This location affords everyone the ability to see everything from where you are.
https://www.uniqueflyingobjects.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=161&products_id=3961
Check out this video by Michael Sherman, President of the Wisconsin Kiters Club, from last year’s event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilqxTizfBxE
Wisconsin Kiters Club: One Sky One World for Peace Fun Fly l Deland Park, Sheboygan
Saturday, October 9th - 10A to 3P
As we did last year, plan to enjoy a ST&BF Tai Chi for Cancer Survivors session in conjunction with this year’s “One Sky One World for Peace” Fun Fly and hope for a similarly sunny, breezy and peaceful day!
Photo Above: Michaelf Finney, CYT leads a ST&BF “Tai Chi for Cancer Survivors” session as kites dance in the air!
Here is another video produced by Michael Sherman, President of the Wisconsin Kiters Club from this event last year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1MhM9D603o&t=119s
Be sure to watch this Local Cancer Community Update and the TLC/ST&BF POP UP e-mail list for scheduled TLC & ST&BF events as well as additions and changes!