The Art of Mindful Origami extends the concept of mindful, art-therapy coloring using 15 origami projects, ranging in difficulty from basic to complex, as tools to develop mindfulness. In recent years, interest in mindfulness has exploded and it is now a part of popular culture. Increasingly, creative pursuits such as coloring are being used as a way for people to focus and enter a mindful state. Each project starts with a brief description and background to the model. Subsequent pages give instructions for folding the particular model. For difficult exercises, the book details ways of staying focused and calm and using mindfulness to deal with frustration or distraction. This is an important part of mindfulness and leads to a range of benefits for well-being and performance. Once each model is folded, the book then outlines various related exercises that can help to further develop mindfulness. For example, after folding the paper boat, readers are encouraged to lie down and place the boat on their belly and watch it rock up and down on the "waves" as they breathe. This helps them develop mindful breathing, which is a powerful tool for relaxation and focus.
High-quality patterned origami paper or coloring sheets, which can easily be torn from the book, are included to make this the ultimate gift for anyone wanting a calmer, more stress-free life and a useful, restful home project to do alone or share with others.
About the Author
Dr. Richard Chambers is a clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert in mindfulness. He has published two previous books, Mindful Learning, with Shambhala and Mindful Relationships, with Quarto/Exisle and numerous journal articles. He is regularly interviewed by mainstream media and consults for a growing number of businesses, sports clubs, healthcare organizations and educational institutions. Richard is spearheading a world-first, university-wide mindfulness initiative at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He is also one of the developers of Smiling Mind, a free mindfulness app with over 1 million downloads.
Industry Reviews
"I found that Dr Richard Chambers combined the art of origami and mindfulness in such a masterful way ... I highly recommend this book for all that need support setting time aside to engage fully in the moment, or to use as some great fun activities to do as a family around the table."
Wellbeing Magazine
"Written by clinical psychologist Dr Richard Chambers, this book features 15 origami projects with simple step-by-step instructions, as well as some mindfulness exercises for you to practice. It is a great way to unwind ..."
In The Good Books
"Extends the concept of art therapy colouring to the Japanese art of paper folding, promoting peace-of-mind and well-being"
"Chambers brings valuable expertise to the mindfulness element of this book, and both the guided exercises and the origami projects themselves are ideal for crafters exploring mindful living.”
House and Garden
