This instructional and hands on Ikebana workshop explores the contemplative practice of flower arranging. Flowers have magic. Their color, shape, scent, and whispers of the seasons and time passing connect us to the natural world and the beauty in it.

Ikebana, translated the Way of the Flower, rooted in a century’s old Japanese tradition, is the contemplative art of flower arrangement that can teach mindfulness, discipline, confidence and self-awareness. If we ‘listen’ to a flower, we connect with nature and can express our heart and mind through the creation of a harmonious arrangement. It brings our creative inspiration together with the play of form and space. Chogyam Trunpa Rinpoche, founder of Shambhala, and a master in the Sogetsu school of Ikebana, encouraged the practice of this contemplative art form. You will often see arrangements at our Shambhala Center.

This program is open to newcomers and experienced Ikebana practitioners alike. You will leave with flower power and your flower creations.

Friday evening, instructor Brooke Pohl will offer a free talk and slide show explaining the history and practice of Ikebana. This program will be offered in person and on zoom.

Saturday will be an in-person, hands on workshop working with the basic forms of Sogetsu Ikebana including the structure and contemplative aspects of flower arranging.

Sunday will be an in-person, hands on workshop deepening practice and expanding the bounds of creativity.

Students attending Saturday and Sunday’s programs are asked to bring a flat container (something like a round cake pan can serve) and ikebana shear or clippers, and kenzan pin frog if you have them. Flowers and branches for arrangements will be provided. The Center will have some containers, clippers and kenzans available for use. Brooke will have clippers and kenzans for purchase.

There is no pre-requisite for the Friday night talk or the Saturday program. However, those participating on Sunday will have to have been in the class on Saturday.

Brooke Pohl lives in Lexington, Kentucky and has practiced and taught Ikebana in the US for nearly 25 years. Her journey with this contemplative art form started with seeing Ikebana at a Shambhala Center. Brooke studied Sogetsu Ikebana for 30 years with Master Sensei Noriko Fields in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has given demonstrations, taught workshops and classes throughout North America and created arrangements for the Lexington Symphony, the Japan America Society of Kentucky, meditation retreats, various restaurants and other public and private venues. She regularly participants in the Art in Bloom fund raising exhibitions at the University of Kentucky Art Museum. Brooke remains a member of the Cincinnati Sogetsu Branch. She continues to teach and is available for commissioned work. To see some of her work: http://www.lotusinthepalm.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ktWGoWprNY