Folding Away Stress

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Discovering Mindfulness Through Origami

Between work, school, family, a social life, and all the other added stressors of our lives in this face-paced world, finding moments of inner peace and tranquility can seem next to impossible. According to one study, 89% of American workers have reported experiencing burnout within the last year and it’s not hard to understand why – the constant hustle and bustle of life’s many demands can spread us thin in the pursuit of answering the many calls that pull us in opposite directions. We’re here to offer you a simple and rewarding answer, one you probably have heard of many times – mindfulness… with a twist. There’s a serene art form that has been quietly offering solace to those seeking stress relief through mindfulness – origami. So, how can this ancient practice be used as a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness, and what benefits does it have to offer? The Ancient Art of Origami Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, dates back centuries and carries with it a rich history rooted in tradition and spirituality. Beyond its beautiful end results, origami is a practice that encourages us to be fully present in the moment.

• Focus and Concentration. Origami demands our complete attention. As we meticulously fold paper to create intricate designs, our minds become absorbed in the process, especially as a beginner. Concentrated effort on following simple instructions allows for us to clear our minds of what may be weighing on us. Focused attention on one specific task allows for us to enter a flow state, reduce rumination, and distract us from negative emotions.

• Mindful Breathing. Engaging in origami provides an opportunity to incorporate mindful breathing, a fundamental aspect of mindfulness practice. As you fold, take deliberate breaths, syncing your inhales and exhales with the movements. This deepens your connection to the present moment. Mindful breathing techniques have also been linked to improved sleep patterns, better decision making, and an enhanced mind-body connection.

• Embracing Patience. Origami often requires patience, especially when tackling complex patterns. By embracing the slow and deliberate pace of origami, we learn to accept imperfections and setbacks – a valuable lesson in mindfulness. “Patience is a virtue,” isn’t just a phrase used by our elders when they want us to wait for them – it actually has long-term benefits for your personal well-being and professional life. Patience is a key ingredient in building and maintaining healthy relationships, studies have shown that people with higher distress tolerance (more patience) are better decision makers because they allow the time necessary to gather information to reach an optimal solution to a problem. What better place to begin developing patience than by fumbling folding paper a few times?

The Mindfulness-Origami Connection Origami becomes a mindful practice when we engage in it with intention and awareness, and is accessible anywhere, anytime, as long as you have a sheet of paper. Studies have been conducted on using origami as a tool for children to develop spatial and perception skills, learn mathematics, refine hand-eye coordination, and improve concentration. Origami can teach us a lot more than just folding paper, too, as it has been shown that individuals that use origami as a mindfulness or meditation practice have an easier time letting go of self-judgment and perfectionism. Here's how you can incorporate origami into your mindfulness routine for stress relief in 5 simple steps:

1. Create a Sacred Space. Set up a tranquil space for your origami practice. Dim the lights, play soothing music, and remove distractions to create a calming atmosphere. If you’re at work or on public transportation and this isn’t possible, try listening to calming music or visualizing a scenic place whilst folding.

2. Choose Your Paper. The selection of paper is an essential aspect of origami. Consider using colors and patterns that resonate with your emotions or mood, enhancing the mindful experience. They can be as big or as small as you’d like. In general, less thick/stiff paper tends to work better, so something like lined paper or a post-it note works great! You can also purchase specific origami paper at most craft retailers, and even big-name stores like Amazon and Wal-Mart. (Here’s a link if you’re feeling inspired to start)

3. Practice Mindful Folding. As you fold, pay attention to the sensations, the texture of the paper, and the precision of each crease. Let go of any racing thoughts and immerse yourself in the process.

4. Breathe and Reflect. Incorporate mindful breathing. Inhale as you prepare to fold, and exhale as you complete each fold. Take breaks to reflect on your emotions and thoughts, allowing any stress to dissipate.

5. Embrace Imperfection and Find Joy in the Journey. Accept that mistakes can happen. Origami is a practice, and every fold is an opportunity to learn and improve. We can learn to appreciate the journey it takes to reach proficiency and understand that age-old saying, “Nothing easy is worth having.” Approach imperfections with patience and self-compassion.

Origami is more than just a craft; it's a gateway to mindfulness and stress relief. By embracing the ancient art of paper folding, we can find solace in the present moment, cultivate patience, and develop a deeper connection with ourselves and others. Whether you're new to mindfulness or seeking a creative way to manage stress, origami offers a beautiful and accessible path to inner peace. You can even practice your paper folding skills in this game on our website. So, why not pick up a piece of paper and start folding your way to a calmer, more mindful you?

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