This is a series of workshops designed by Azumi Uchitani to explore Japanese culture through the art of calligraphy and language. We will meet bi-weekly, slowly moving from season to season and uncovering new characters, rituals, concepts and beliefs deeply rooted in Japanese lifestyle. Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through calligraphy practice.
This 1st winter session will focus on character 初 Hatsu (Hajime) and explore The Art of Beginning. The concept of a new beginning is symbolic and is surrounded by various practices. The start of the new year represents new beginnings to the Japanese, which signifies the best time to refresh one’s blessings, recite prayers and reflect on wishes for the coming days. Among others we will discuss Hatsumode, marking the first visit to a shrine, and Hatsuhinode, the first sunrise which represents hope and renewal, and observing it is meant to be a rejuvenating and serene practice.
About the series:
During the short meditation you will be invited to a moment of alignment between your body and soul, to find a channel through which you can listen to your inner voice. This approach helps to concentrate and sense the power of now.
This calligraphy session doesn’t have a goal to master the technique or achieve excellence in the process. Instead, what you are more likely to gain after this session is a state of peace, a feeling of wholeness, a sense of alignment.
For the more immersive experience, please, prepare calligraphy tools before the session: we will use calligraphy ink, a brush and several sheets of paper. If you already have them from previous events with Azumi Uchitani – you can continue using them. If not – you can order a calligraphy kit online or purchase items at your local art store.
We are sorry this event has ended. You can book your place for one of our upcoming events.
GUIDE – AZUMI UCHITANI
Azumi Uchitani is an Intercultural business consultant, keynote speaker, writer, artist and founder of Japanese SALON art & culture, based in the Netherlands. She is a two-times TEDx speaker, appearing Dutch TV and media and delivering talks to an international audience in Europe and in the US.
Azumi is on a mission to build an essential bridge between Japan and Europe, helping global leaders discover Japanese ancient wisdom beyond culture, teaching how to apply its wisdom in everyday life, act with inner peace and create
conscious leadership and fulfilling life. Azumi decodes the complexity of Japanese culture, tradition, philosophy, spirituality and unspoken rules into a simple essence of wisdom. She was born into a traditional spiritual Japanese family and raised with the teachings of Shingon Buddhism and Shinto. The spiritual and cultural practices, such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy have always been a part of her life, besides that, her grandmother was a kimono maker.
Her insights, a series of talks are available on her YouTube channel “5 minutes on Japanese Wisdom” on YouTube.
http://www.azumiuchitani.com
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