While a society shout out the importance of “productivity” as if they can price someone’s life based on “value” they produce, Sashiko stands on the completely opposite side of “being productive”. What do we want by achieving higher “productivity”, and “winning” in a capitalistic society? It is probably the “comfortable days…
Tag: Mindful
Please read what I have been writing before jumping into the conclusion that “Th
Please read what I have been writing before jumping into the conclusion that “They is so clannish & exclusive”. In fact, I am the very opposite of exclusive… aren’t I? In the previous posts, I ask you to listen to the (silent) voice of people behind the (Japanese) words. It…
Today is the 16th Live Session for the Online Sashiko Class. The live session is
Today is the 16th Live Session for the Online Sashiko Class. The live session is my favorite time since I can meet the new friends who learned the rhythm of Sashiko. In an hour of talking, some find an “Ah-Ha” moment. I love seeing them finding Sashiko “easy”, yet it’s…
I had a Live Session for our Sashiko Online Class last night. It is the biggest
I had a Live Session for our Sashiko Online Class last night. It is the biggest pleasure to see our new friends (students) stitch as we do. Their smiles while stitching are the best rewards for me. Ever since I started teaching, I came to understand that the core I…
(The video is a bit shaky. The better videos are on Youtube).
(The video is a bit shaky. The better videos are on Youtube). ☆ When I see someone improving their Unshin in Sashiko, like stitching in a rhythm with holding more than 30 stitches on the needle, I get so happy that I cannot stop writing to them (I am so…
A disciple visited a Zen Master for learning.
A disciple visited a Zen Master for learning. While he was asking for master’s wisdom, the master kept pouring tea into his cup. The master kept pouring, and the tea overflow then wet the floor. Yet, the master doesn’t stop. The disciple said, “Master, the cup is full. It is…
In Sashiko (and many other hand-crafting), the stitching (work/opus) reflects wh
In Sashiko (and many other hand-crafting), the stitching (work/opus) reflects who the stitcher (maker) is. The pieces are like the mirror of the makers themselves. I sincerely hope our stitching communicates to you about who we are, with sharing the photos & videos. At the same time, I learned that…
A LOT of things changed. Many (including myself) go through the unexpected diffi
A LOT of things changed. Many (including myself) go through the unexpected difficulty. Physically, Psychologically, financially, and conditionally, we face endless challenges in the new normal. For me, one of the most disappointing changes is that I do not see my Sashiko friends in person. Thanks to good friends in…
Witnessing a person realize the “rhythm of Unshin” in Sashiko stitching is the m
Witnessing a person realize the “rhythm of Unshin” in Sashiko stitching is the most rewarding moment in sharing the Sashiko. In 2016, I didn’t know what to share because everything about Sashiko was so ordinary for me. After studying for a few years in teaching the in-person workshops & developing…
最初は「運針ってどうやってできるようになるんですか?」というお言葉から始まり、継続する中で、「刺し子の運針は誰でもできる」という信念が生まれるきっかけになった運
最初は「運針ってどうやってできるようになるんですか?」というお言葉から始まり、継続する中で、「刺し子の運針は誰でもできる」という信念が生まれるきっかけになった運針会。約半年の空白期間を経て、7/18と今朝(7/27)とで2回のリニューアル版運針会を開催することができました。ご参加頂いた皆様、本当にありがとうございます。楽しんで頂けたという声を頂いたので、何よりほっとしています。 ☆ 「刺し子は日常の針仕事」でした。だから、運針も「特別なもの」ではないはずなんです。実際、全く特別じゃなく、寧ろ呼吸ほどの自然なものだと思っています。呼吸ほど自然に針を動かす為に、少しだけコツが必要で、姿勢やフォームを学ぶ必要があります。たぶん昔は見て覚えてたんでしょうけどね。「テクニックとしての運針」ではなく、「刺し子の楽しみ方のひとつとしての運針」を今後も伝え続けていければ良いなと思っています。テクニックって、まぁあるにはあるんですが、テクニックすら忘れるくらい針仕事に没頭できるような運針ができると、本来の刺し子の姿に近づくんじゃないかなあと思うのです。 ☆ 運針会は原則として、希望を頂いた方を中心に参加者を募集して日程を決めて行く予定です。運針会にご興味のある方は、sashico.com、あるいはプロフィールのリンクより詳細を一読頂けましたら幸いです。 ☆ – – – ☆ “Rhythmical Stitching” is one of the core of Sashiko – yet, focusing too much on the “rhythm” is not also the core of Sashiko. Do we “pay attention” to our breathing? When we have purpose, yes, we pay attention. However,…