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Thinking about crafts... I feel a little saddened at how much origami I used to do when I was younger. Where did that passion go? Think I just grew up?

It's natural to feel a bit wistful about past hobbies, especially ones that brought us joy. Our interests can change as we grow, often shaped by our life circumstances, responsibilities, or even evolving passions. Maybe you just need a little nudge to rekindle that love for origami. Sometimes, reconnecting with an old hobby can bring back a lot of happiness and even offer a new perspective on it. Why not try picking it up again and see how it feels now? You might find that the passion is still there, just waiting to be rediscovered.

I see. I guess schoolwork, exhaustion, and then work just completely shoved it all away. Pretty sad, huh? Many people lose little quirks of who they are just to survive and may even throw it all away or completely forget. I do have a lot of origami paper, but there's this gut feeling saying I should just leave it in the past. Why?

It's understandable to feel that way, especially when life's responsibilities seem to take precedence over everything else. The feeling that you should leave it in the past might stem from associating origami with a simpler time in your life, making it seem less compatible with your current situation. Or, it could be a form of self-protection, fearing disappointment if the joy it once brought doesn't immediately return. However, it's also possible that revisiting origami could serve as a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, a way to reconnect with a part of yourself that you've missed. Sometimes, our hobbies and interests offer a unique form of expression and relaxation that's hard to find elsewhere. If you have the origami paper and even a sliver of curiosity or nostalgia, why not give it a try? You don't have to dive in with the same intensity as before. Maybe just start with something simple to see how it feels. It might surprise you how much joy or calm it can bring back into your life.

Haha, that's a funny coincidence, "don't have to dive in with the same intensity as before". I used to love making bouquets of sato bara and kawasaki bara which are insanely complicated. I forgot how to do them all... I probably don't even remember how to do a simple flapping crane.

That's a beautiful coincidence indeed! Sato bara and Kawasaki bara are quite intricate and represent a deep commitment to the craft of origami. It's perfectly okay not to remember how to fold them, or even the simpler models like the flapping crane. Skills can become rusty when we haven't practiced them in a while, but the beauty of origami is that it's a skill you can always return to. Starting with something simple can be a gentle way to ease back into it, without the pressure of needing to achieve perfection from the start. Remember, the joy of origami often lies in the folding process itself, not just the final product. Allowing yourself to enjoy the simplicity of folding paper, watching a piece come together bit by bit, can be very meditative and rewarding. Who knows? As you start folding again, you might find those old patterns and techniques coming back to you. And even if they don't, you'll be creating new memories and perhaps new designs of your own. Why not give it a go? It could be a lovely way to reconnect with a pastime that once brought you so much joy.

Thanks for the encouragement, you're right about the journey. I used to always feel good and proud WHILE folding, and the end result would be nice no matter what since I worked so hard to get there. Even if it took an hour to make a sato bara, having to draw some guidelines on weirdly large paper and cut the perfect pentagon...

Absolutely, that sense of pride and accomplishment you feel during the folding process is really what it's all about. The time and effort you put into each piece, especially with something as complex as a sato bara, turn the process into something deeply personal and rewarding. It's a testament to patience, precision, and creativity. And those moments when you're fully immersed in your craft, figuring out each fold and seeing your progress, can be incredibly fulfilling. The fact that you remember those feelings so vividly suggests that origami holds a special place in your heart. Cutting out the perfect pentagon, drawing guidelines, and dedicating an hour to create something beautiful—all of these steps are part of a journey that's uniquely satisfying. Even if you start with something simpler than a sato bara, you might find that journey just as rewarding now as it was then. It's a wonderful way to bring a bit of peace and accomplishment into the day-to-day. Plus, it's a chance to celebrate your skills and maybe even share them with others. Who knows? Your origami could bring joy not just to you, but also to those around you.

I don't know why, but I still have that gut feeling and blocker that I shouldn't even try anymore and leave it in the past. How can I mentally ease myself in again?

It's natural to have those feelings, especially when you're contemplating revisiting something that used to be a big part of your identity. This blocker might stem from fear—fear of not being as good as you remember, fear that the passion won't reignite, or even fear of facing the nostalgia head-on. To ease yourself back in mentally, consider a few gentle approaches: 1. **Start Small and Simple**: Pick an easy origami model that won't take much time or effort. Success with a simple model can boost your confidence and encourage you to try more. 2. **Create a Relaxing Environment**: Make your origami practice a form of self-care. Play some calming music, make a cup of tea, and sit down in a quiet, comfortable spot. This can help turn origami into a meditative and stress-relieving activity. 3. **Set No Expectations**: Approach origami with the mindset that there's no goal to achieve or standard to meet. Enjoy the process without worrying about the outcome. It's okay if the folds aren't perfect or if you don't remember everything immediately. 4. **Reflect on Positive Memories**: Think back on what you loved about origami. Was it the creativity, the focus it required, or the satisfaction of completing a project? Reminding yourself of these feelings can help overcome the blocker. 5. **Invite a Friend or Family Member**: Sometimes, sharing a hobby with someone else can make it more enjoyable and less daunting. They might be new to origami, giving you a chance to teach what you remember, or they might be experienced, allowing you to learn together. 6. **Be Kind to Yourself**: Understand that it's okay to have mixed feelings about returning to a past hobby. Your value doesn't depend on being able to pick up right where you left off. Taking small, pressure-free steps can help you rediscover the joy of origami at your own pace. Remember, it's perfectly fine to take it one fold at a time.

Can you decide for me? What "small and simple" models would be a good idea as to not be overwhelming?

Certainly! Starting with small and simple models is a great way to ease back into origami without feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few suggestions that are enjoyable and won't require too much time or intricate folding: 1. **Traditional Crane**: Even if you've forgotten how to make it, the crane is iconic and has relatively straightforward steps. It's a beautiful model that symbolizes peace and healing. 2. **Paper Boat**: This is one of the simplest models to fold, yet it's incredibly satisfying. It's a quick and easy project that can rekindle the joy of transforming a flat piece of paper into something three-dimensional. 3. **Jumping Frog**: Making a jumping frog can be fun because it's not only about the folding but also about the playful action it performs after you've completed it. 4. **Masu Box**: This is a classic origami box that looks elegant and is functional. It's simple to make and can be used to hold small items or as a gift box. 5. **Butterfly**: A simple origami butterfly can be delightful to fold. It's straightforward and can be made colorful by using patterned paper. Starting with these models can help you regain confidence and familiarity with basic folds and techniques. Each project offers a sense of completion and satisfaction without requiring a significant time investment or complex skills. Enjoy the process, and let it guide you back to the joy of origami at your own pace.

Do you think jumping straight back into kawasaki bara would be too much for me?

It might be a bit ambitious to jump straight into folding a Kawasaki bara, especially if you're feeling hesitant or out of practice. The Kawasaki rose is known for its beauty and complexity, and while it’s a rewarding project, it can also be challenging if you haven’t folded in a while. Starting with simpler models can help rebuild your confidence and refine your folding skills, making the transition to more complex projects like the Kawasaki bara smoother and more enjoyable. However, if you feel a strong pull toward making a Kawasaki bara and are prepared for the patience it might require, there’s no harm in giving it a try. Just remember to be kind to yourself and patient with the process. It’s okay if it doesn’t turn out perfectly on the first try. Origami is as much about the journey and the learning experience as it is about the end result. You could even see it as an experiment to test the waters, with the option to step back to simpler models if it feels too overwhelming. Listen to your instincts and go at a pace that feels right for you.