Hello Downspike fam! I want to get your opinions and/or experience regarding Kendama as a way to help people suffering from mental health conditions. Of course, it isn't a perfect substitute for professional help, but personally, I think it does help. In fact, some friends who are Sports Scientists have told me that engaging in physical activity is seen now as a sort of "First Aid" for mental health patients. Personally, I find myself suffering from some symptoms of depression (undiagnosed though), but kendama has helped me cope with these relatively well. Anyone else have similar experiences? Feel free to chime in!
Friend of mine has developed light depression and strong anxiety etc. I gifted him a ken which he liked and he said that it helped calm him down if he got anxiety attacks
Nice! I love how kendama can become someone's therapy for mental health, and I hope it gains significance as a way to combat depression and anxiety.
Check out Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience". Or watch his Ted Talk: Basically its about "flow" and how it can give happiness and meaning. Kendama is a simple, old game. But it doesnt matter how insignificant or lighthearted something appears, if you can delve deep into a subject, and achieve a flow state, it becomes meaningful. Its not the subject, hobby, or interest, but rather the depth one goes into it that makes it meaningful. Finding meaning, even for brief moments, can give such a strong boost in happiness and mental well being. Now taking this flow concept from kendama and applying it to the rest of your life (work, school, cooking, playing music, running) is next level! Cheers, t
Here's a short article on the benefits of kendama, not just in terms of mental health but for character building.