Fly a Kite Day on June 15 honors Benjamin Franklin’s kite flying experiment and his discovery that lightning was electrical in nature. On Friday, June 14, Brookhaven Retreat invites all clients and staff to celebrate Fly a Kite Day. It will provide kites to all who want to participate and experience the mental health benefits of kite flying.
Successfully flying a kite requires focused attention to the present moment. Mindfulness has been proven to be a powerful tool for improving mental health. It reduces anxiety and depression while increasing self-compassion, which is crucial to the healing and recovery process. Mindfulness also alters areas in the brain associated with memory, emotion regulation and perspective, which can help women become happier and more positive.
Kite flyers benefit from time outdoors. Time outside has been shown to reduce levels of stress, anxiety and depression while improving mental health. Kite flying also promotes socialization, and contact with others reduces feelings of isolation while also helping women form a group of supportive peers. Above all, watching a kite soar across the sky is a beautiful sight that uplifts the spirit. It is a relaxing, joyful activity that boosts optimism and strengthens mental wellness.
Jacqueline Dawes, owner and founder of Brookhaven Retreat, flew kites therapeutically every day during her recovery process. Time mindfully flying kites on the beach helped her find wellness, she says. Finding engaging activities is part of the recovery process and helps each woman create a safety plan for long-term wellness. Brookhaven Retreat is excited to celebrate Fly a Kite Day and enable clients and staff to enjoy the mental health benefits of kite flying.
