by Franklin Y., a volunteer with the Edgemont Youth Press
Origami is a form of Japanese paper folding which uses a single piece of plain or patterned paper, without glue or any other adhesive, to create art, including elaborate, complicated structures. Origami is a practice that aims to create beautiful designs ranging from simple frogs or cranes all the way to detailed dragons and other complex shapes. It requires patience, hand-eye coordination, and precision.
Learning and practicing origami can lead to many positive benefits in your life. Firstly, practicing origami can increase one’s hand-eye coordination and precision. Origami is a craft based on both these skills, so exercising your ability to do so is highly beneficial. Secondly, origami can be used as a tool to improve your mental health. Practicing repetitive and calming motions, such as the folds found in origami, promotes calmness and mindfulness, while helping you calm down and de-stress from the busyness of life. Finally, if you want to just learn more about Japanese culture or traditions, origami is a great way to do so and explore. Learning about another’s culture can be both delightful and eye opening, encouraging the development of empathy and understanding.
Overall, origami is a great and easy habit to start. Not only can it help develop or improve your motor skills but doing it every day can serve as a mental break, or as a moment to refocus. Origami is also a great way to learn more about the beauty of Japanese culture.
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