The Way of Flowers: Exploring Ikebana as a Mindfulness Practice

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Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024 (14:00 -16:00)
Saturday, July 13, 2024 (14:00 -16:00)
Saturday, July 20, 2024 (14:00 -16:00)
Price per person: $149

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/





PLEASE NOTE: Prices are in US Dollars . Request a discount before you register to allow for exchange rates or other discounts.

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