I appreciate all the positive reviews on our store, about my Sashiko Classes, and on Domestika Course. I found one interesting review that made me research & think. The review stated: [The Instructor instills confidence and radiates tranquility]. Well. I looked up the words first to make sure that my understanding isn’t far from what it actually means. “Instills” is a bit scary as I feel it may tresspasses someone’s personal space… yet, it is indeed what I am fighting against now – “Establish an idea” where a majority adapt the form they only feel comfortable with. Francly speaking, I do not find my story “tranquil (calm)” much, but I am happy that my teaching can radiate tranquility to those who learn Sashiko from me. I realize, probably, my “ordinary” itself is already “tranquil” in the Western Standard. Even after 6 years of teaching, I still find how unique my experience/wisdom can be in non-Japanese culture.
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As you know, I do not like combining “Zen” to Sashiko as the principle itself goes the opposite. The outcome as “by-product” can be like Zen – focusing on Zen/Meditation is too simplifying the practice. Then, you may ask, isn’t “Zen” establishing “Tranquility”? I don’t have space to answer that here. I hope my Sashiko/Teaching will provide the answer.
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It is absolutely necessary to “stitch” for the better understanding of Sashiko as a practice. However, the Sashiko itself can go beyond the practice. The main focus of the Sashiko Story here is, of course, Sashiko. However, would you be interested if I spin-off the story of “Spiritualism” that I carry? I do not want to make it sketchy. Something very ordinary for us – yet may be something new to you? Personally, I prioritize logic, yet I feel I need to share the story of “outside of Sashiko” to describe what Sashiko is.
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暗中模索の中で始めた「刺し子を伝える」という活動なので、頂けるレビューはどのようなものでも参考にさせて頂いています。先日頂いた英語レビューが興味深く、上記で[]内で紹介しています。直訳すると…（刺し子への）自信を染み込ませ静けさを（放射線状に）広がらせる（講座）と。良い方向に解釈しての訳です（笑）。昔は気にせず前に出していたスピリチュアル。今は控えていますが、その控えた段階でも、つまりは私達日本人にとっては当たり前のことでも、時には神秘的に見えるのかもしれません。その当たり前の説明を繰り返せば少しは刺し子も伝わりやすくなるのかなと。スピリチュアル、線引きが難しいですが、少し英語圏で話してみようかと思っています。「刺し子＝禅」と雑にまとめられて変な方向に誘導されるよりは良いかなと。
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