Grow strong and soft
Mariko Tagami
Celebrating the summer doyo
The waves of approaching cicadas
I feel it with my whole body these days.
The intense heat continues
What kind of measures do you take to beat the heat?
At Utsushiki, an exhibition of ceramic artist Shiro Shimizu's works will begin this weekend.
Shiro, who was present on the first day, treated us to cold tea and refreshing snacks.
Of course, it's hot in a room without air conditioning.
It's amazing how just looking at the tea leaves floating in the bowl and the small pieces of ice makes you feel as if your body temperature has dropped by 1 or 2 degrees Celsius.
When choosing tableware, be sure to keep this cool image in mind.
The exhibition will be on until Sunday, July 28th.
Well, we have now passed the halfway point this year.
Since I started helping out with Utsushiki, I have had more opportunities to meet many artists.
In recent years, I have encountered so many places and people, including the exhibition of my works.
I feel like I'm being exposed to many different worlds.
However, if you look around the world
There's still a lot of the world I don't know...
Each person has different ways of expressing themselves and their values.
The experience of discovering something new within yourself through meeting new people
I feel like it's a reward for myself.
Meanwhile,
I realized that my current challenge is to “express myself.”
By what I expressed and said
What if people think it's weird?
What to do if you are disliked
From the fear that
I can’t do what I really want to do
I felt that there were still many areas where I was not able to express myself naturally.
In a world where SNS is commonplace, worrying too much about what other people think is a problem.
I feel like my own senses and values are becoming dull.
The strength to not be obsequious and the softness to be natural
I feel like I want to learn it.
I started Aikido after being invited by the Ono family.
I participate in the event quite loosely, but I always have to be conscious of
Core strength and flexibility of the body.
It is not a visible force, but something like ki that flows inside the body.
When we successfully cultivate this strength and softness,
I'm sure my awareness of "expression" will change.
I think the way of expression will change.
At first, I participated in the practice without knowing anything.
I have come to be able to find my own meaning in participating.
Everything is connected!
I look forward to enjoying the experiences that come from various connections in the second half of 2024.
Everyone, please replenish your fluids and salt intake.
Have a great week.
