R.brings calm and concentration because it allows you to focus on something else and take some time for yourself. In addition to allowing you to express yourself. The ancient Japanese art of Ikebana is a real cure-all, not surprisingly we talk about Ikebana Therapy: create a minimal floral composition and at the same time discover something about yourself.
Ikebana, from the 15th century to today
Although the first evidence dates back to the 15th century, the Ikebana philosophy is very old, almost millenary. Considered a real therapy, given the particular times you are experiencing it could prove to be an excellent ally against stress, and in the end beautiful floral works are created. At the base of this ancient art of arranging flowers a simple thought: develop your own introspection through concentration and the creation of a floral composition.
The Ikebana in fact tells, through a minimal nature, themselves. A very Zen philosophy that helps you find your balance but also the time, essential to perform a composition. Not only that, but ikeabana is also the celebration of life, in all its forms, from birth with the bud opening up to death. And in this historical moment, when anxiety and depression seem to dominate, focusing on other things, especially nature, seems like the solution for many.
Man, heaven and earth: each composition is a triangle
The ikebana creations are made with cut flowers. At the base, the use of sen“Lines” in Japanese, gods kaior “blocks” and of shiki, that is, of “colors”. These are the three components of the ikebana philosophy. Branches, flowers, herbs and leaves, as well as small vases, are the essentials of these compositions that always form a hypothetical triangle: usually there is a longer branch that represents the sky, the shorter one the earth and the middle one the man. The composition therefore represents the universe and behind the philosophy, man’s search for a balanced life between heaven and earth.
For this reason, to create these compositions, it takes calm.
Ikebana Therapy, the benefits of meditation
Ikebana from Epidendrum and var.plicatum (Getty Images)
Despite being a creative practice, behind Ikebana there are meditative principles. First of all, concentration is required to create a composition of this type. It also takes time, not only physical but also mental: problems must be put aside and we must focus on what is happening, which is neither immediate nor fast.
It is also a journey of knowledge of oneself, of how one relates to the divine and the surrounding world. Not surprisingly, ikebana also has its roots in ancient religions. In fact, it was born following the affirmation of Buddhism that has in meditation its instrument of spiritual elevation and uses flowers as a gift to the Gods. The elements chosen in the compositions also follow the principles ofhanakotoba: each plant has a precise meaning, the elements of the composition must always be of an odd number to avoid symmetries which are hardly not present in nature. Furthermore, the choice of flowers and plants must follow the seasons and come from the surrounding environment to pay homage to the spirit of the place. Also being a tribute to life, unripe buds and flowers must be chosen.
Where to practice Ikebana
In Italy there are many courses in different cities. L’Ukigumo Association it is open to all, the Moribana and Nageire styles are taught, as well as freestyle compositions with the aim of creating real compositions also for exhibitions or theatrical sets.
Even the Japanese Cultural Center organizes ikebana courses with weekly lessons and even seminars while the Garden Club Milanhome of the Ikebana Ohara school in Tokyo, provides ten lessons a year with seminars and visits to parks and gardens.
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