day 56 - self-sufficiency

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

- Theodore Roosevelt

Self-sufficiency is providing for myself, and trusting that I can work with what I have.

I have folded the masu box so many times I know the sequence by heart. Still, it never ceases to amaze me. 

The folding pleases me because it feels so elegant and efficient. 

Plus, the uses are practically endless — from biodegradable bone-catchers destined for the compost bin on wing night, to pretty desk organizers and gift boxes, I can no longer imagine my life without knowing how to make these. 

There's a quiet confidence in knowing that I can turn almost nothing into something useful — that I can meet a small, real need with my own hands, and that I have the ability to customize the measure of what that needs to be.

The paper I chose for this box features the traditional Asanoha pattern which represents the hemp leaf: vigorous, resilient and able to meet a multitude of human needs.

Today I'm practicing self-sufficiency by affirming: I can produce what I need, measure what is enough, and carry it myself.

day 22 - mission

"My mission is to create a world where we can live in harmony with nature." 

- Jane Goodall

At the heart of non-violence is a mission. A practice of returning to what matters, again and again. 

In yogic philosophy, one's mission may be referred to as svadharma, the specific, unique duty of an individual based on their nature. It is one's personal "right way of living".

Today I'm clarifying my mission by asking myself, what core belief is at the heart of my practice of nonviolence?

Heart Pendant by Fumiaki Shingu

day 6 - simplicity

"Our life is frittered away by detail... simplify, simplify." 

- Henry David Thoreau

Simplicity asks me to remove what isn't needed. To proceed one sheet, one module, one fold at a time. 

Today I'm practicing simplicity by letting this be enough.

Rectangular Frame designed by Kamikey, Hearts by Origami Club

day 5 - believing

"Despite everything, I believe people are really good at heart." 

Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Believing doesn't always mean certainty. 

Sometimes it's a choice to continue even when you don't know for sure and the outcome isn't clear.

Today I'm practicing believing in myself and the power of community by sticking with this Season for Nonviolence project.

Easy Heart on Origami Club

#initforallthelove, enemies

 

Day 11/14, Corner Hugger Heart Bookmark (Origami Club)

Oh... where do I even begin?

This excerpt from “Soul Friends” by Stephen Cope says it better than I ever could. Please excuse me, I’m going back to practicing.

There is no greater misfortune than feeling 

“I have an enemy”

For when “I” and “enemy” exist together

there is no room left for my treasure 

Thus, when two opponents meet

The one without an enemy will surely triumph

- Lao-Tzu

#initforallthelove, lovers

 Day 4 of 14) Masu Box (traditional) and Origami letters (Origami Club)

Today I offer ardent, amorous love and hot-blooded appreciation to my lovers, crushes and flames, past, present and future.

Romance and intimacy are such a gold mine for deep connections, awakenings and alchemical collaborations that I can’t imagine my life without them.

I am smitten with you, thank you for sharing that sense of aliveness and pleasure with me.  

diy friday: magical mushrooms

Q.  What did one mushroom say to the other mushroom?

A.  You're a fun guy!  (Get it?  Fun-guy?  Fungi?)  Hahahaha!

Ok, I admit I learned that joke way back in elementary school, but I still think its cute. 

And so are these origami mushrooms!

You can make your own "fun guy" with any paper you like. 

Some origami papers work really well, but I also love the unpredictability and uniqueness of magazine ads. 

Makes the origami 'shrooms look a little... well... magical!

What you need:

Mushroomy looking paper.

What to do:

Follow one of these diagrams on origami club. Or these on paperkawaii.com.  Or look around, there are so many out there to forage for! 


Warning:  Do not eat - wild mushrooms can be toxic! ;-)

diy friday - origami love notes

Want to let someone know you care? 

Don't be shy, spell it out!

Fold a message for your sweetheart, your mom, your kids, your self... 

After all, who doesn't love a love note?

What you need:

Origami or scrapbooking paper.  Select solid colors rather than patterns for clear contrast.

What to do:

1. Choose your message.

2. Fold each letter using these diagrams at Origami Club.

3. Leave them where your loved one will be sure to find them!