A Road Toward Equanimity: The Practice of Ikebana by Brooke Pohl

An infinite variety of arrangements can be made using the exact same materials.  As you observe change, you might notice the subtle shifts in mind and body as you react to judgement, preference, attachment or rejection.

Honing one’s skills in the practice of Ikebana allows one to face many obstacles.  Conquering obstacles is a matter of relaxation.  One’s heart opens.  You can see that even viewing a work with attention can even have a similar effect.  The practice of Ikebana can be a road toward equanimity as one listens to nature and opens to the realm of possibility.

What sets Ikebana apart from other art forms is that one creates with live material.  To notice and expose the essence of a branch or flower is the art of joining nature with heart and mind.

Much of the practice and delight of Ikebana is to collect materials from one’s environment and make a small expression of what one finds.  This implies that ikebana is seasonal by nature.  To do a floral exhibit in the dead of winter presents a challenge.  To meet it, I chose to let containers and some dried materials become my inspiration for these arrangements.  I then chose flowers that would complement and give life to a structure.  The goal in making any Ikebana arrangement is to find unity in all the parts and allow them to harmonize and speak to each other as in a good conversation.

I invite you to listen and explore the art of Ikebana.