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Published on October 7, 2007

There is a lesson in mindfulness in the subtle art of flower arranging as taught in classes offered by the Life Science and Art Institute, which are as relaxing as they are simplified - no foam, no tape, no wire.

There is no colour theory, nor any specific rules, for that matter, in the koringha style that's taught.

A pair of scissors, a piece of cloth and a piece of paper or a plastic sheet are all you need, and, of course, a flower or a branch and a container to place it in.

The first step is to assess the environment in which the arrangement will be displayed. This includes the surroundings, the colour of the walls, the table on which it will rest - everything that contributes to the presentation.

"If your arrangement will be near the stairs, you need to consider how people going up and down the stairs will see it," says instructor Sirion Chindaladdha.

Next, you fold yourself in stillness, consciously dispelling any lingering worries, and enter a feeling of peace. Then, pick up the cloth and choose a flower from the many kinds available.

"The first moment you see flowers, appreciate them as they are," says Sirion. "Don't have a favourite in mind, or any particular arrangement style. This trains us to see things as they are without jumping to judgement."

Select a flower that attracts you and place its stem in the cloth so that no water drips on the floor.

Next you must see every detail of the flower. Turn it around to find the angle at which it seems most beautiful, as if to ask the blossom, "Which side would you like to show off?"

"A flower has its own life energy," Sirion points out. "It grows from the soil with water and sunshine, all of which radiate natural energy."

Put the flower down and choose a container that matches its proportion. Turn the container around, as you did the flower, to decide on the best angle of presentation.

Filling it with water is also an exercise in mindfulness. The volume has to fit the presentation as well.

Now the flower has to be examined again to confirm that its "show-off angle", once placed in the container, is in balance. It has to be held in place firmly and be in no danger of toppling over.

The stem needn't be vertical, which is why foam bases aren't essential. It can rest at any angle as long as there is balance with the container.

"The balancing point is where it likes to be," Sirion says, stressing the natural beauty of a bloom in the garden. "Don't arrange the way you would like it to be. The arranger is only the co-creator."

Once the balance seems appropriate, trim the stem as needed, and if it's thick, peel away some of the outer layer at the end to let it absorb water more easily.

If there is ample space left in the container and the flower "needs a friend", add another blossom or some leaves.

"The last step is to appreciate what you have created," Sirion says.

Arrangements utilising just one flower represent the basic level of flower arranging in the koringha style, as found in the sangetsu school of ikebana developed by Japanese artist and spiritual leader Mokichi Okada (1882-1955).

Okada's three principles for healthy, happy lives - flower arranging, natural farming and energy healing - are propagated by the Mokichi Okada Foundation and its local arm, the MOA Thai Foundation.

"A bloom can show its beauty to the fullest, while too many blooms will not be as interesting," explains Sirion, a master of the form who credits the philosophy with bringing calm and mindfulness to her daily life.

"We observe everything at each step," she says. "This has helped me be more mindful, for instance pausing before speaking."

It also teaches you to think "outside the box", she adds.

"If you have a certain style in mind prior to arranging and then can't pull it off, you'll end up feeling frustrated. But when your mind is open, you'll find there are more beautiful opportunities awaiting - and thus more joy to life."

If you'd like to learn more, call (02) 641 1185 or visit MOAThai.com.

Aree Chaisatien

The Nation