(MM from Yamaguchi Prefecture/80s/Female/Housewife)
When my husband was hospitalized, I started making some origami. I showed him neatly folded small origami box that I made. He said, “You should teach ladies here how to do origami. They have so much free time here.” So I started teaching them how to do origami. “It is so much fun. Teach me again!” Their reaction was a surprise for me. We started gathering and making origami together.
The Circle Became Bigger and Bigger
I was an introvert, but since I met origami, I met so many new people. The president of a neighborhood community asked me to teach how to make origami for the neighbors. Moreover, I was asked to open a class of origami in the senior day care center and started volunteering.
I wanted them to enjoy, so I bought a book about origami and practiced making origami next to my husband; dolls, carp streamers, flowers, and so on. He said “You are a blacksmith in a village,” and sang me the song.
Feel the Happiness in Their Smile
I went to senior day care service with origami papers. I kept in mind to enjoy the time with them rather than making origami beautifully. They talked a lot while making origami; they talk about family, food, and so on. Once they finished making origami, they gave big smile saying “Look at this!” I receive energy from their smile. As time goes, they started saying, “Yay! We were waiting for you!” There was a lady making origami happily right next to me, and a lady who said “My son decorates a room with the origami I made.” I was so happy to be with them.
My husband listened to the story happened in the class with a big smile. That was the happiest moment. He was given a year to live, but he stayed with me and my daughter about three years. It was a precious time. After he passed away, what was left in my mind were the fun memories of my family.
I always talk with my daughter, “Your dad liked this.” I feel like my husband is always here with us with a big smile.
Thank Kami Who Gave Me A Chance
Recently, I made origami crane and origami turtle for my neighbors. I’m glad they liked them, “The origami brightens my room up.” “It is beautiful. I feel the changes of the season.”
Thinking about my original personality, I think it is miracle that I can positively get involved with people. I’m sure Kami(*1)gave me a chance to enjoy my life through origami. I’m over 80 and still feeling happiness to be useful. I am so grateful about this.
Heeding the Shinji(*2) to Understand the Reasons for the Joys Experienced
Shinji
Meaning and purpose of life—the movement of kokoro(*3) sprout as you deepen tie with people.
Happiness—the movement of kokoro you experience when you continue to connect and spread your encounters.
The true rich kokoro is a figure filled with meaning and purpose of life and happiness.
If you live each day with Kami, your life will blossom with richness .
*1 Kami: Great power above named Ōyamanezunomioto, the source of all life.
*2 Shinji: The principles and teachings that are the word of Ōyamanezunomikoto and given to us through Shisha.
*3 Kokoro: The heart, the mindset; the thoughts and emotions that constantly move between the soul (unmei) and the physical body (jittai); if the kokoro isinfluenced by our temperament and other physical predispositions of our jittai, itbecomes unbalanced; if it becomes one with our unmei, the kokoro becomes balanced and anchored.