Origami for mindfulness: How folding paper can help kids stay calm and focussed

A few years ago when Origami – the traditional Japanese art of paper folding – saw a sudden spike in popularity, it was compared with the growing interest in adult colouring books which is believed to promote emotional well-being. Origami, on the other hand, is often associated with Zen-like calming qualities. Health experts around the world have attested to its various benefits - like improving hand-eye co-ordination, sequencing skills, maths reasoning as well as attention, mindfulness, creativity and patience. 

Origami has its roots in Japan… or China? 

A quick Google search will tell you that Origami traces its roots to 17th Century Japan. However, there also seems to be enough evidence to verify that the paper-folding tradition was long prevalent in China. Etymologically speaking, the term origami comes from the Japanese words ‘ori’ that translates as ‘fold’ and ‘kami’ meaning ‘paper’. Mind you, the ceremonial origami in Japan is referred to as ‘origata’ to distinguish it from origami, which is mostly considered a recreational art form. The craft involves deftly folding paper in various shapes and sizes - from geometric models to planes, birds, elephants, flowers, puppets, masks and more.

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Mixing mathematics with elegant paper motifs

US physicist Robert Lang advocates a new scientific approach to origami that dovetails the principles of maths and engineering to fold ‘mind-blowingly intricate designs that are beautiful and, sometimes, very useful’.

Keys tactics of origami

Origami employs a mix of folds - including valley, mountain, reverse and squash - to reimagine and create a plethora of motifs. Its key tactics comprise wet-folding for soft curves, modular origami with multiple units and specialised folds for complex shapes. Here’s a closer look at the techniques:

• Basic folds: Valley (v-shape), mountain (^^ shape), reverse (inside/outside), pleat (concertina), crimp (pleat on edge), squash (flattening a flap), petal (forming wings/petals) and sink (pushing a point inward).

• Bases: Preliminary, bird, water bomb and square bases.

• Wet folding: Dampening paper a bit to get soft, rounded and sculpted forms.

• Modular: Putting together several identical folded units into a larger structure.

• Diagramming: Making use of the universal Yoshizawa-Randlett system of symbols (lines/arrows) to display folds. 

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How practicing origami can benefit your child

Who knew turning and folding colourful pieces of paper can boost your child’s emotional well-being and mindfulness! Origami can be therapeutic for young people who struggle with focus, anxiety and motor skills. Its key benefits include:

• Reducing stress and anxiety: The rhythmic and repetitive practice of folding paper can help calm the mind, boost attention to encourage kids to be present at the moment.

• Building patience and consistency: The step-by-step process motivates children to be imaginative, be patient, overcome mistakes and be consistent at the task.

• Improving concentration and self-esteem: Following details and trusting the process can foster mental clarity as well as instill a sense of accomplishment, positivity and empowerment in children.

• Promoting creativity: Imagination takes centre stage in origami. Its many folds, shapes and motifs mean that the child is constantly motivated to imagine, create and master the craft.