I appreciate all the positive reviews on our store, about my Sashiko Classes, and on Domestika Course. I found one interesting review that made me research & think. The review stated: [The Instructor instills confidence and radiates tranquility]. Well. I looked up the words first to make sure that my understanding isn’t far from what it actually means. “Instills” is a bit scary as I feel it may tresspasses someone’s personal space… yet, it is indeed what I am fighting against now – “Establish an idea” where a majority adapt the form they only feel comfortable with. Francly speaking, I do not find my story “tranquil (calm)” much, but I am happy that my teaching can radiate tranquility to those who learn Sashiko from me. I realize, probably, my “ordinary” itself is already “tranquil” in the Western Standard. Even after 6 years of teaching, I still find how unique my experience/wisdom can be in non-Japanese culture.
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As you know, I do not like combining “Zen” to Sashiko as the principle itself goes the opposite. The outcome as “by-product” can be like Zen – focusing on Zen/Meditation is too simplifying the practice. Then, you may ask, isn’t “Zen” establishing “Tranquility”? I don’t have space to answer that here. I hope my Sashiko/Teaching will provide the answer.
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It is absolutely necessary to “stitch” for the better understanding of Sashiko as a practice. However, the Sashiko itself can go beyond the practice. The main focus of the Sashiko Story here is, of course, Sashiko. However, would you be interested if I spin-off the story of “Spiritualism” that I carry? I do not want to make it sketchy. Something very ordinary for us – yet may be something new to you? Personally, I prioritize logic, yet I feel I need to share the story of “outside of Sashiko” to describe what Sashiko is.
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暗中模索の中で始めた「刺し子を伝える」という活動なので、頂けるレビューはどのようなものでも参考にさせて頂いています。先日頂いた英語レビューが興味深く、上記で[]内で紹介しています。直訳すると…（刺し子への）自信を染み込ませ静けさを（放射線状に）広がらせる（講座）と。良い方向に解釈しての訳です（笑）。昔は気にせず前に出していたスピリチュアル。今は控えていますが、その控えた段階でも、つまりは私達日本人にとっては当たり前のことでも、時には神秘的に見えるのかもしれません。その当たり前の説明を繰り返せば少しは刺し子も伝わりやすくなるのかなと。スピリチュアル、線引きが難しいですが、少し英語圏で話してみようかと思っています。「刺し子＝禅」と雑にまとめられて変な方向に誘導されるよりは良いかなと。
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2023-12-17 01:52:44
Western culture is completely detached from process, it’s all goal oriented, and very perfectionist. So yes, I think you are right that your “ordinary” is already tranquil in comparison. Maybe for you it even feels the opposite because you are maybe less tranquil than your ordinary to do the work you do to share your ordinary? (Just a thought, I might be completely wrong)
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I would definitely be interested in your story about Spritualism.
I am always interested to learn about different layers of other cultures. It enriches me by broadening my sense of the world but also by pushing me to think about my own culture.
I am interested in your spiritualism also. From the start, as you explain things, I felt this is your soul speaking, not to be religious, but to understand it is the essence of who you are.
I would definitely be interested to hear you talk more about this 🙌🖤
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Please do talk about spiritualism
I, too, would love to learn more about your Spiritualism.
Americans seem to tack on the word “zen” whenever they mean slower pace, meditative, repetitive, and also Japanese. Notice that no one says brewing Turkish coffee is Zen, or making Alaskan Inuit baskets is Zen. I am always interested in spiritual approaches, of course. A machine can imitate sashiko, but when a person makes it, there is a different quality.
Yes
@meluitnederland
Would love to hear more of your thoughts and insights.
i do think the way that spirituality and the “ordinary” overlap in japanese culture is a novel way of being to english-speaking western folks. and i do feel some spiritual impact of what you share here. kotodama, right? you are giving breath and voice to something in order to create room for change.
I am interested in hearing the spiritual side of sashiko, or of your own perspective.