Learning from Origami - Lessons I Took From Folding Frogs
Back in December (2017) I completed the #alphabetartchallenge by Hive account@tonyr. For "O" I chose to make an origami octopus, and I can safely say that day was the beginning of the end -
the end of a life without origami!
After experiencing the frustration fun of making an origami octopus from a sheet of notebook paper, it was time to take the next steps on my origami journey. So I acquired a package of square sheets in 3 sizes and many colors with the mindset of Fold them all! No mistakes, no worries!
These frogs were made in one sitting.
The lighter green (left) was made first, then the darker green (right).
The first frog I made has a taller stance, mostly from making a few wrong folds and before getting it right. It represents what happens when attention to detail is overlooked.
My mind was not 100% on the origami, I had one of those annoying internal voices attempting to distract me with some useless anxiety. As a result - oh no! Wrong turn.
Reminders taken from this stop on the origami journey: To avoid dismay, pay full attention to the task at hand.
I will arrive at the destination, even if I make a wrong turn along the way.
The second frog has a neater, shorter appearance thanks to its tidy creases. It represents discipline and thoughtfulness.
While folding this frog, I was focused on demonstrating improvement to myself. I silenced the unnecessary internal voice and took special care to make crisp creases.
This bit of discipline paid off. Once the second frog was finished, I remembered this: When I focus on the moment I'm in, I arrive at my destination with greater ease.
I'm happy with these frogs, and I'm already looking forward to the next origami creation!
What kind of conversations do you have with yourself?
Do you practice any rituals that help you maintain or regain focus?
. For "O" I chose to make an origami octopus, and I can safely say that day was the beginning of the end -
