IKEBANA

Before leaving the oyster farm in Kumihama and heading south to Kyoto, a Japanese friend, Miho, who has an online custom-made clothing business, invited me to participate in an Ikebana flower arranging class.  I had previously mentioned to her my experience of working at a florist and greenhouse during my high school days and how much I enjoyed it.  The next thing I knew I was in a class with a renowned Ikebana designer who had actually traveled to England to arrange a floral display of Ikebana for a special event.

The philosophy of Ikebana flower arranging is grounded in Japanese aesthetics. They emphasize simplicity, understated elegance and a respect for nature. Look at the Japanese flag- a red dot on a white background. You cannot get much more understated or simple as that. It is the Japanese way, finding beauty in imperfections, learning that less is more and appreciating nature. My name is written all over the “beauty in imperfections” and “understated elegance”.  

 Years ago, I bought Maria Kondos book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. It was a game changer and I credit her with being able to travel for months at a time with just a backpack and a small carry- on suitcase. She emphasizes only keeping things that deeply spark joy. She helped me throw out my bathroom scales which sparked no joy, daring me to get on and weigh in each day.

The flower arranging is done is absolute silence and is slow, appreciating each flower or stem as it is before placing it in the container. The empty space in the arrangement is as important as the space with flowers. Generally, you have three lengths of branches to work with, which are all symbolic. The longest branch- heaven, medium length -humanity, the shortest branch- earth.

One must take their time and listen to the flower to understand where it wants to be placed.  I know, I was doubtful too that a flower would “talk “to me, until it did!  And no, we did not drink any sake before the class!

Life in Japan reflects all of these principals, at all levels. There is no eating or drinking on the streets. Why, because you should sit still and focus on enjoying whatever you are eating or drinking. There are signs posted suggesting you not walk and eat . There are no trash containers on the streets or near shops, but also no trash anywhere to be seen. If you should have any trash you are to take it home with you and put it in your container.

I bought a cold, fruit popsicle on a terribly hot day and of course had to eat it before it melted. I received numerous disapproving glances, prompting me to quickly search for a seat to sit and finish the popscicle before proceeding on my walk.  And of course, I put the wooden stick in my purse and carried it  back to my room.

Signs on the train state “Please turn cell phones off and refrain from talking on them.  If you must speak, go to the enclose room designed for talking.” And, shockingly everyone obeys these rules.  In fact everyone seems to obey all the rules.  

In my next life I want to be Japanese. This is an easy culture to accept and acclimate to. So peaceful, orderly, and serene. And I adore the customary bowing to one another, it makes me feel very humble.  

Humbly yours,

Tamara

 I think I will start using this to sign off, it makes me feel very – humble!

My Ikebana instructor and friend Miho and my first floral effort

I hope to be this good someday

Reminder to not walk and eat – “prohibited”

Japanese pedicure, the fish eat the dead skin off. It tickles and they did a great job!

Mango Popscicle with chunks of mango!

Fairly typical street scene

Ramen, they took a blow torch and cooked the meat in the dish! It was delicious!

My friend Miho- check out her Instagram, beautiful linen and she re-designs kimonos and ships to the USA