5
minute
life fixfears!
fold
away
you r
Who knew a simple sheet of
paper could be so relaxing?
M
ove over colouring-in
books, origami is the
latest mindfulness trend
to help you find inner
calm. It might have been around since
the 17th century but, in recent years,
it’s become well known that taking
part in the ancient art of paper folding
can work wonders for your wellbeing.
‘I call origami ‘yoga for the mind’ as
it allows you to stretch and exercise
the creative and artistic areas of your
brain,’ says MindFOLDness teacher
Samuel Tsang (mindfulorigami.com).
‘While folding paper you are using
your hands, eyes and mind – allowing
you to block out distracting and
negative thoughts and focus on the
present moment. There is something
beautiful in turning a plain piece
of paper into an amazing three-
dimensional object with your hands.’
Origami has so many levels, explains
Samuel, that even the type of model
you create can have symbolic
meaning. ‘If you are folding a paper
plane, your thoughts might stray to
your childhood or maybe it represents
a holiday,’ explains Samuel, who runs
his own mindful origami workshops.
The best thing about origami is it
can be a very cost-effective form of
meditation. Plus, it can be done at any
time. ‘A surgeon told me that he folds
origami just before he operates to
help focus and relax his mind,’ reveals
Samuel. ‘I personally like to fold on
my commute to and from work as it
allows me to focus out the stress that
can be associated with travelling.’5 top tips for
feel-good folding
Samuel ShareS hiS
origami baSicS...1
Start easy with the models you
know from childhood, such as
paper airplanes, fortune tellers
and boats. Think about happy
memories from those times.2
Don’t attempt the hardest
models first otherwise you will
just get frustrated and give up.3
Origami should be viewed as
a puzzle, something that you
may not be able to solve on the
first, second or even the 10th try.
But, as with a puzzle, there is
immense satisfaction when you
finally do crack it!4
As a general rule, don’t reuse
the same paper again and
again, as it will get so weak
that it will rip.5
I would recommend folding
in a quiet room with no music- which can affect our mood in
a positive or negative way – so
you can fully focus on the paper
in your hand.
For inspiration, pick up a copy of Samuel’s
book (see below) or try this plane model.
Samuel recommends you find a model
that has a personal meaning to you (such
as a crane, which represents peace).
Samuel is the author of The Book Of
Mindful Origami (£9.99, Yellow Kite)
and The Magic Of Mindful Origami
(£10.99, Yellow Kite). Find out more at
mindfulorigami.com, sesames.co.uk
or follow him on social media at
Wo r d s @mindfulorigami #mindFOLDness
Faye M Smith
Photo
Getty
try one yourself
1 234(^56)
7
Finish
1 Fold paper in half, make a crease, unfold
2 Fold to meet the centre line
3 Fold to meet the centre line
4 Fold into the dotted line
5 Fold in the dotted line
6 Fold in half
7 Fold both sides in the dotted lines and
adjust in 90°