Young New Zealand Student Starts Practicing Falun Dafa, Develops Compassion & Becomes Classroom Leader

Falun Dafa is suitable for people of all ages, including children and young adults. This month’s blog is from 13-year-old Selwyn Bredesen from New Zealand, who has been practicing Falun Dafa since he was 6 and writes about the impact it has had on his life. 

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I remember when I was younger I always seemed to have health issues, such as windburn, chapped lips, or boils and any time there was a seasonal flu, it would aways find a way to get me. Ever since I’ve been practising Falun Dafa’s mediation and exercises, I have been free from all illnesses or ailments. I haven’t needed to see a doctor for over 7 years. 

My first year at primary school wasn’t very pleasant and I often found myself in the principal’s office. My Mum and Dad were very embarrassed when they came to pick me up from school. One day my Mum came home with a thick blue book called Zhuan Falun, the main teachings of Falun Dafa. We read it every day, and that’s how I started what I call “my transformation.” 

The transformation was both painful and joyful at the same time. It included many tribulations, conflicts, and tests, but I also experienced the joy of improving myself. I would like to share a few of my stories. 

Learning from experiencing injustice at school

A while ago, my classmates and I were making fortresses with tree branches on the sports field, when one of my branches accidently bounced and hit one of my classmates. He turned around and accused me of hitting him. The other students nearby saw the tree branch hit his head and all assumed that I had hit him on purpose. To make things worse, they reported me to our teacher. No matter how I explained what happened, no one believed me. I felt absolutely furious! In the face of such injustice, I completely lost control. I shouted at everyone and burst into tears. When I got home after school, I still felt totally miserable and kept thinking about the accusing faces of my classmates and teacher. As I slowly calmed down, I realised that this was a test. Falun Dafa teaches us to look within, to constantly think of others, to maintain self-control in all kinds of situations, and to maintain a compassionate heart towards others even in the face of injustice. This understanding helped me get through this situation and see it as a way to improve myself, rather than blaming others.

Being a good influence on my friends and becoming a good leader

This year, I was elected as both our schoolhouse leader and class councillor. I knew I must use this opportunity to have a positive influence on our school campus by grounding myself with Falun Dafa’s moral values. Teenagers are very susceptible to peer pressure, both good and bad, and I wanted to be a good influence.

To be a good leader, I know the first thing I have to work on is myself, so I am consciously working on my courtesy and respect. This seems to be rubbing off on others and I’ve noticed the changes among my schoolmates when I started to talk to them more respectfully. I have also been able to help my classmates when they get emotionally down or unmotivated with their schoolwork. It’s not easy and sometimes I feel I could get sucked into their negative energy and feel depressed myself, and even bring this negativity into my family life. Fortunately, I can very quickly regain my positive thoughts after I do some Falun Dafa study and meditation. 

Part of my leadership role is to keep the school’s health and safety up to standard and add new activities. So, I am going to suggest that our school board consider adding Falun Dafa meditation as part of our school activities. I would really like to pass the knowledge and benefits I have learned from Falun Dafa to other students. 

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Falun Dafa volunteers are currently holding free online classes where you can learn the exercises from the comfort of your own home. Register for a free Falun Dafa online exercise class here or for the Falun Dafa 9-Day Lecture Series here.

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‘Learn Falun Gong—Australia & New Zealand’ is a website run by Australian & New Zealand Falun Dafa volunteers for the benefit of the general public. Falun Dafa is always taught free of charge.

Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. Information is provided as a guide only, and does not take the place of professional or medical advice.