Our next meeting is on Wednesday 17th May when we're trying origami with Vanessa from Origami Party London.
Making origami can often be considered as just a novel form of entertainment and, in some circumstances, that is true. However, I believe that origami is also a powerful mental health tool when used with the purpose of helping to reduce anxiety. It helps a person to quieten and facilitates a calmer emotional state as it puts them back into their body whilst still engaging their hands and brain. And, as with other mindfulness practices, doing origami also encourages living in the moment which can provide a much needed mental break from worrying about the future or ruminating over the past. I believe that it is a very accessible introduction to the concept of a meditative practice and making origami is a skill that once learned can be accessed any time that someone may feel the need to ground themselves.
It is cheap, quick, creative, fun and also flexible. It can be enjoyed either alone or in a group setting and it works for all ages. You can also take a simple design (eg a crane) and once you have created a number of them make an art installation for your room/home/community space.
Meet in the Upper Vestry Hall of St George's Bloomsbury from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Visitors are welcome, do contact us on londonwestendwi@gmail.com or message us via social media so we know to look out for you.
