Origami as a Meditative Practice

Following a recent trip to Japan I was inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding; Origami. Though it may be seen as a simple craft, origami holds a deep and symbolic significance particularly in Hiroshima through the story of the paper crane...

After the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, a young girl called Sadako Sasaki was facing radiation sickness and she began folding paper cranes with a wish for healing. According to Japanese tradition; 'Senbazuru' folding 1000 paper cranes will grant your wish for healing or peace. Today paper cranes are an international symbol of peace and of remembrance and hope. I felt the parallels of how meditation in yoga like origami teaches us that what we do with our hands can shape the intension in our hearts.

When approached mindfully any craft such as origami can become a powerful practise of patience and reflection, as you fold you can set your intention for gratitude etc. Origami requires patience and practise and like yoga and meditation it teaches us to slow down and create something with meaning and care.