Mindfulness Mondays 58: Wagasa

July 5, 2010 by dr. lam

wagasa I am reading Garr Reynolds’ second book, Presentation Zen: Design, in which he uses the design and execution of Japanese umbrellas, known as wagasas, as a metaphor for good design. He means that good design is based on simplicity that inherently can carry the rich complexity within it. We need to pare away excessive things that get in the way rather than add extra things that seem to be all bells and whistles. I think I can appreciate this metaphor for life. We can learn to let as many unnecessary things go so that we can delve into the simple aspects of our life. By doing so we can explore the rich diversity within that simple framework more powerfully. Think of a wagasa this week as you work to explore more deeply the things you truly treasure and to remove the elements that clutter your life.