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The Way of Flowers: Exploring Ikebana as a Mindfulness Practice

Live Sessions

Saturdays: June 29, July 13 & 20

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET

I don’t think you learn dharma art, you discover it; and you do not teach dharma art, but you set up an environment so it can be discovered.  

True Perception by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

 

Join us as we explore ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, as a contemplative dharma art exploration to enrich your meditation practice and experience mindfulness in everyday life. 

For all skill levels. No artistic experience required.

Note: Some ikebana equipment is required. See list below. You should have most items at home already that will work, but may have to purchase a kenzan, as most people do not already own this item.

What you will take away from this course:

  • An introduction to, or reconnection with, meditation practice
  • An understanding of how to connect with the qi (life force energy) of a flower, and invite its wisdom into your home and meditation practice
  • Instructional demonstrations on how to create an ikebana arrangement, interwoven with contemplative dharma art, Buddhist, and Taoist teachings
  • Between classes, participants are invited to create their own flower arrangement to photograph and share in class
  • Practical learning and tips on ikebana equipment, where to purchase, and how to use it
  • A greater awareness of nature, the environment, and the world of flowers
  • Connection with other meditators and people that love flowers and contemplative arts

Live sessions include:

  • Guided meditation instruction and sitting meditation
  • Teachings on flower arranging
  • Demonstrations on flower arranging
  • Discussion and Question and Answer periods
  • Opportunities to share your flower arrangements with the group (sessions 2 and 3)

Ikebana Equipment List

  1. Ikenobo Flower Arranging Shears / Ikebana Scissors: Option 1 / Option 2 / Option 3 OR any 5-8” regular scissors will work, for example
  2. Ikebana Suiban style container with a minimum 10” diameter x approx. 2-3”high, for example (inexpensive plastic option good for travel). Purchasing an expensive container is not recommended. You may also find a serving dish that meets these qualifications. For non-beginners: you could find ceramic vases, or smaller in diameter. Also there are various shapes if you look online, at etsy.com
  3. Kenzan ($16 and up) Suggested: 3-4” diameter x approx min 3/4”high needles, metal. Example 1 (on the small side, but it will do and is inexpensive) / Example 2
  4. A small towel 
  5. Also recommended, but not required: Garden Scissors, for example / what Anjie uses

About Anjie

Anjie Cho is a feng shui educator, licensed practicing architect, and Shambhala Art teacher. She has studied ikebana since 2015 and is a Kakyo Level 9 Assistant Professor of Ikebana, 3rd Grade in the Ikenobo School. She’s the author of three books: Holistic Spaces, Mindful Homes, and the forthcoming Mindful Living. Anjie is also the owner of Anjie Cho Architect PLLC, co-founder of Mindful Design Feng Shui School, and co-host of the Holistic Spaces Podcast. 

See her ikebana arrangements at: https://www.instagram.com/anjie.ikebana/





2024-10-11 00:59:23