Mindful Art I Mindful Living

Mindful Art

Japanese people have practiced art for centuries to cultivate mindfulness.

I grew up in Japan, immersing myself in the Zen arts of calligraphy, Ikebana flower arrangement, and tea ceremony.

I created Mindful Art classes with inspiration from Asian cultures I'm familiar with.

I lived in Bali for 10 years and trained in yoga and meditation in India.

Enjoy Asian art and craft activities that cultivate peace and mindfulness.

I teach Mindful Art classes at our 3-acre sanctuary in the Texas Hill Country (USA) and public venues.

(Zoom versions available)

Torn Paper Collage

Let go of your expectation and constantly renew your artistic vision while mindfully creating a collage with torn paper.

Wild Plant Ikebana

Learn about the philosophy and basic structure of Japanese floral arrangement art. Create a small Ikebana piece with wild plants and take it home.

Zen Calligraphy

Gain knowledge of the Japanese writing system and practice Japanese calligraphy with a brush and ink (or a pen in online classes).

Henna Designs

Practice drawing four basic henna designs and observe emerging feelings. Make a greeting card with your henna design.

Zen Garden

Learn about the philosophy and structure of the Zen garden and make a miniature version of it to take home.

Haiku Bookmark

Express the beauty of a season as a haiku poem and create a bookmark that features your haiku and matching image.

Zen Origami

Mindfully fold paper to create origami pieces that symbolize transformation, healing, and peace.

Sumi-e Painting

Look into your inner world, capture its light and shadow, and express it in hues of black, a combination of all colors.

Shippo Mari

Try the traditional Japanese sewing craft that symbolizes harmonious relationships that last eternally.

I have been going through a lot of things and working very hard to overcome "perfectionism." Your suggestion of letting go of the inner critic and seeing the images that show up as a part of me hit me on another level. I remembered your words and focused on each step of writing Japanese characters during my calligraphy practice. When I was done writing the same Zen words, again and again, I looked at them and observed the differences you had mentioned. I could tell how the writing came out when I was most anxious or most focused and calm.

Thank you for sharing your skill, culture, and kind words today. I felt so relaxed after the session that I was able to take a nap afterward! I am considering doing this practice at least once a week and hope to learn more Zen words in time. I look forward to attending your future classes."

- Jennifer Martinez Washington (Zen Calligraphy class participant)

Past Class Venues

Asian American Resource Center, Austin, TX
Bee Cave Public Library, Bee Cave, TX
Wimberley Village Library, Wimberley, TX
Pflugerville Public Library, Pflugerville, TX
Selby Library, Sarasota, FL
Gulf Gate Library, Sarasota, FL
Mid County Regional Library, Port Charlotte, FL
South Shore Regional Library, Ruskin, FL

and more

Booking & Inquiry

Our hands-on Zen experience at Sari’s calligraphy workshop was meditative and satisfying, even for beginners. Every part of the workshop had fascinating meaning, and we were all engaged by practicing at our own pace. “

- Kuniko Yamamoto, Origami Air Studio, Sarasota, FL