"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will."
- Charlotte Bronte
Integrity asks for alignment between what I intend and what I actually do.
On paper, each fold shows immediately whether I was paying attention or not.
Today I'm practicing integrity by matching my care to my intention.
Bird card by Jeremy Shafer
"Gratitude turns what we have into enough."
- Melody Beattie
Gratitude isn't something I summon to put myself in a better mood - it arrives spontaneously when I see what's supporting me - the chair, the roof over my head, my family, the luxury of time and good health.
I thank my lucky stars for so much in life.
Even on a "bad" day, tea with a friend or a cuddle with the cat, or a strip of paper twisted around my fingers and tucked into shape can evoke that feeling and transform my perception.
Today I'm practicing gratitude by noticing and naming what's holding me up.
" Awe produces a state of reverence, a feeling of respect and gratitude for the things that are given."
- Dacher Keltner
Reverence doesn't necessarily require ceremony in the traditional sense.
It's about seeing the sacred, yes - and also about recognizing the sacred in the ordinary.
This eight-piece modular form feels to me like part flower, part compass, part mandala. I am awed by the beauty of geometry, folded and fit together in such a pretty - but modest - medium.
Today I'm practicing reverence by noticing symmetry, layers, and the depth of detail I only truly appreciate when I pause.
"Humility is openness to new learning combined with a balanced and accurate assessment of our contributions, including our strengths, imperfections, and opportunities for growth."
- Brene Brown
Humility reminds me that my work belongs within a larger conversation.
This elegant pleated form has been folded by many hands before mine, and it will surely be folded many times again.
Today I'm practicing humility by seeing myself as a link in the chain - neither first nor last; present, learning, and connecting.
"The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."
- Sylvia Plath
Creativity isn't always about inventing something brand new. Sometimes it's the thrill of noticing patterns - like constellations in the night sky - and exploring the spaces between them.
I love repeating favorite folds. Each one lets my ideas orbit, spin, and collide, letting sparks of inspiration light up in unexpected ways.
Today I'm practicing creativity by following curiosity, intuition, and emotion, trusting that even the smallest spark can become a guiding star.
"Practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to over time, without break, and with earnestness."
- Patanjali, Yoga Sutra 1.14
Groundedness is stability and presence made steadfast through consistent attention.
This Sonobe Cube requires six identical modules that fit together precisely - without glue - to form a sturdy, three-dimensional platonic solid.
Any small imbalance in folding or misdirection in the creases can compromise the whole structure.
Today, through this modular design I've folded many, many times before, I am practicing groundedness: cultivating geometric harmony and connection through a habit of precision, and attentive presence.
"There is no way to peace, peace is the way."
- Mahatma Gandhi
Contemplation is not an escape from the world; it is a way of cleaning the lens of the heart. It transforms nonviolence from a tactic into a way of life. It fosters the emotional and spiritual resilience needed to resist injustice without resorting to violence.
Contemplative practices like meditation help activists cope with stress and prevent burnout, turn anger into "creative fire" that can be used for constructive, nonviolent change, and keep methods consistent with goals - ensuring peaceful goals are not pursued through violent means.
Folding gives my hands something to do while my mind settles. Folding cranes, a symbol of peace, is a creative meditation that lets my intention find form through breath, paper, and focused attention.
Today I'm practicing contemplation by folding peace cranes.
