What we do are still “Alive” – as Sashiko/Boro still breathe. It is nice to see

What we do are still “Alive” – as Sashiko/Boro still breathe. It is nice to see Boro under the Sun, not only in the glass case in protected place (which is necessary for some Sashiko/Boro).
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5 years ago, when I was invited to “teach” about the Sashiko we practice, I wasn’t sure what I was sharing – because everything I had was very ordinary for me. I automatically expected that the ordinary (insignificant) are the same for others as “not so special”. Everytime I offer the workshop, I add pieces of surprises. Students (after the workshop, I consider them my friends) teach me how significant what I teach is: For 6 hours of stitching, the workshop became full of good surprises (both challenging & comfortable). I am keeping learning (adding) these piece of gems into my workshop.
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While finding the gems I didn’t realize, I met many people who “knew” they were valuable yet didn’t have enough confidence to speak up. Since they don’t speak Japanese natively, they wonder if their understanding may be insufficient, or even wrong. This humbleness resides in Sashiko. I say I know Sashiko – because I am teaching in the Western Culture. However, I never say I know all the Sashiko – because I only am the expert in the Sashiko I practice – regardless of decades of experience, my Japanese skill & network, it is never going to be enough to say “I researched a lot”. Meeting those who have a gem of Sashiko, yet not being sure to show it, are another pleasure to have in Sashiko Workshop: One common thing is that they like Sashiko – therefore, their ego comes very secondary or even after. They keep quiet because they respect Sashiko – and I respect them (although I think they are more qualified to publish/teach on Sashiko than anyone I know). Another opportunity for me to share a box of gems. In the box, there is a “Core & Essence” I would like to share.
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刺し子びワークショップを英語で続けていると、とんでもない人に出会うこともあります。40年近く前、私が恵子さんの背中で風車を回していたのを見ていた人。その後ずっと刺し子を続けてこられている人。今チヤホヤされているどんな英語圏での刺し子の”先生”よりも、刺し子を知っているし技術も高いのですが、本日のワークショップにご参加下さいます。彼女には彼女の刺し子がある中で、「学びが足ることはない」「あの時見ることしか出来なかった刺し子を学べて嬉しい」と。緊張が凄いですが頑張ってきます。こういう人に英語で刺し子の本を出して欲しいんだよな（と伝えておきました）。
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2022-07-25 23:55:19

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