On September 24, a remote workshop was held at the Ehime General Education Center’s “Komadori Classroom,” an educational support classroom. This time, we challenged students to make computer-operated toys by combining programmable batteries, blocks, and craft materials. Each time, we get to watch the students’ activities closely through the remote and learn many things from them. In December, some of the students make Christmas-related projects every year. The connection between the kids’ interests and the season is felt in the workshop.
Watching the students work so intently for the 90 minutes of the workshop, I find myself wondering if I am doing enough to stay focused for 90 minutes. I feel like I am not concentrating and thinking about other things and the future, checking my e-mail, doing other work, or browsing the web before I know it. I am not at all able to spend my time in a so-called mindful way, which is to be aware of the present moment (imakoko). Perhaps this is not only me, but many adults and perhaps even many kids are finding it difficult to focus on Imako-Koko.
It seems to me that workshops, where people can concentrate on thinking carefully, まmaking things with their bodies, and creating works of art, are an important time to regain a sense of Imakoko. It may be that the sense of Imakoko makes them more sensitive to the realizations, discoveries and learnings in the activities.
I was able to think about mindfulness and workshops, workshops as a place where we can be mindful, and mindful learning, while spending some mindful time myself during this workshop.
As I write this, I was actually halfway through when I saw the e-mail arrival notice and thought about my plans for next week. Not enough training 🧘.
