HAVING to attend school every second day, because of COVID-19 regulations, most learners find it difficult to concentrate.
To “kickstart” learners’ brain activities, Grade 3 learners at Despatch Preparatory recently started with Qigong sessions to find their inner centre and start their day in a focused manner.
Asja Strydom, Head of Department at Despatch Preparatory was ecstatic when her educator assistant, Philagezwi Mrelane offered to present Qigong to the class each morning. ’Teacher P’ as she is known by the learners, used this form of meditation during lockdown to keep her calm and focused.
She struck up a conversation about it with her mentor teacher, Asja Strydom, during their preparation for class one afternoon. Amazingly Mrs Strydom had used the same form of meditation and was very keen to try it with the learners.
“My learners are already showing the benefits of the morning program, having increased mental function and focus directly after the Qigong in the mornings,” said Strydom.
Movements include but are not limited to slow stretches of the arms, legs and stomach, often awakening muscles that one is not accustomed to using daily.
The movements are easy to perform and require no previous fitness level, so young of body and young at heart are all able to refresh their mind, body, and soul with these simple daily movements.
Qigong is the practice that typically involves moving meditation, coordinating slow-flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing, and a calm meditative state of mind.
People practise it throughout China and worldwide for recreation, exercise, relaxation, preventative medicine, self-healing, meditation, self-cultivation, and training for martial arts.
“Philagezi Mrelane is a 4th year Nelson Mandela University education student and is full of energy and amazing ideas on energizing and enriching learners in the Foundation Phase,” said Strydom.
When asked where she had learnt the movements, Miss Mrelane replied that she and Mrs Strydom searched on YouTube and followed the basic instructions that were offered online.
“During this difficult time, where many young learners are nervous and unsure of themselves, this type of activity brings a calmness and release to many young boys and girls,” said Strydom.– HEILIE COMBRINCK
