Green Living 04.08.21
Our Q&A with Origami master, Michael Wong
Our Q&A with Origami master, Michael Wong
We caught up with meditation guru and author Michael James Wong to celebrate the launch of his new book, Senbazuru. Senbazuru is a Japanese term that refers to the achievement of having folded 1,000 paper cranes and the lessons to be learned in each fold of paper. There are many similarities to be drawn between the art of folding paper and the act of growing plants and caring for them. Both processes encourage us to slow down, appreciate the present, and allow ourselves to flourish (a bit like our plants) through nurture and concentration.
"Meaningful things take time. Plants grow with love and nurture"
Q:
What is Senbazuru about and what do you hope readers will take from it?
Senbazuru is a book about hope, healing and happiness, a chance to slow down be take time appreciate doing less. Within the book you’ll learn the 12 steps to folding a paper crane and the path to folding one thousands. Everything within is a practice of mindfulness.
Q:
What similarities can you draw from the act of caring for plants and the art of folding paper?
Meaningful things take time. Plants grow with love and nurture, they’re delicate and require a gentle touch. This is the same as folding paper. When caring for plants and folding paper, your full attention and a non-striving attitude will serve you well.
Q:
What advice would you give people to help them slow down in their everyday lives?
Do less, well. Too often we try to do too much, we spread ourselves thin and try to show up for everything and everyone. Reduce your attention into things that matter and practice the art of gracious refinement. When we do less well, things change for the better.
Q:
How can the art of meditation help us to grow, a bit like our plants?
Meditation is the practice of self awareness, and self-awareness is the seed for growth. From this seed we are able to be open to learning, expanding and becoming better people, more connected and available for meaningful relationships and interactions. This too is the same for plants.
Q:
How do you think our connection/relationship with nature affects our wellbeing?
Nature is our greatest healing tool. The more time we spend in nature and green space, the most we find ease, rest and safety. As we have evolved, we have become more discounted with nature, so our greatest opportunity to heal is returning to natural places and spaces.
Q:
What is your favourite house plant and why?
