Cranes plus 2

Here are some more crane mandalas, 100 cranes per mandala in the following four photos.

Thanks to Lake meditation group who created these cranes which have been made into a mandala using a mix of origami paper

and some pre-used wrapping paper

Telling Stories - fact and fiction

Just before Christmas, words reminiscent of the build up to the Iraq war started rearing their ugly head in the media, only this time the country being targetted was Iran, and remains so. William Hague announced imposing sanctions against Iran for similar 'beliefs and opinions' to the case made for war against Iraq, WOMDs, weapons of mass destruction. Once more there are no substantive facts.
Instead the same WOMDs (words of mass deception) mantra is being recycled all over again, it would be good to see our Government and media taking an active role in calming the situation, not pouring oil on troubled waters.

So here is a rose, a rose for Iran. Which leads to a story, and like all good stories that enchant us, they also unite us, the reader and the writer connected. Here is a story from http://www.theflowerexpert.com/ found whilst searching for a rose, it reads like this:-

In an Arabic legend, all roses were originally white until one night  when the nightingale met a beautiful white rose and fell in love. At this stage nightingales were not known for their melodious song they merely croaked and chirped like any other bird. But now the nightingale's love was so intense that he was inspired to sing for the first time. Eventually his love was such that he pressed himself to the flower and the thorns pierced his heart, colouring the rose red forever.

This story is of course fiction, but there's an even more intriguing, and true story about roses on another website http://www.jadidonline.com/ a documentary film called 'Lady of the roses'. The site  also contains a wealth of fascinating videos, music, and culture illuminating the lives of ordinary people living in Iran and Afghanistan at different times in history.
A source of wonder and enrichment that brings a deeper understanding and empathy for the people of these ancient lands. A site of balm on the wound of the Middle East. Please pass this link on.

Thich Nhat Hanh 'Cooling the flames' tour

A chance to experience the peaceful teachings of the Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh (peace activist, poet, teacher, monk and author) who will be coming to the UK in March, and spending time in London to teach mindful living, he will also be holding a peace walk in central London on 31st March. For more information you can call 0844 745 5334. From 5th-10th April, he will be in Nottingham, where the university will be holding a retreat.

To book a place on one of the venues on his tour in March and April go to :http://www.mindfulnessretreats.org.uk/.

If you're unable to attend any events on TNH's tour, but would like to know more, you can search http://www.youtube/ for a selection of different teachings, and the retreat in France called Plum Village.

Peace Routes meeting

A date for your diary, on Thursday 26th January 2p.m.-4p.m. at the conference suite in the Co-Operative funeralcare centre on the corner of the Fairway, Sandown. There will be an informal meeting, looking at different ways of promoting peace, along with a chance to learn about the 'One Million Peace Crane project' and how to get involved. The centre has kindly offered community groups free use of the facility, which is a very pleasant and welcoming place. If you wish to find out more please contact me via the blog. Please note that meetings will continue on the last Thursday of each month, until further notice, you are welcome to join at any time.

Mandala style crane displays

The first three cranes (red, blue & brown) made by donor of first £3 for 300 peace cranes
shown in these three photos

These cranes were formed from  mix of pieces of the Radio Times, Christmas wrapping paper and some

pre-cut origami paper for the larger models.

Money collected will be added to the funds donated to Greenpeace at the end of this month.

How to make an origami peace crane

How to make a peace crane

If you're new to origami (paper folding) its wise to start with a pre-cut square of paper no smaller than approx. 130cm to begin, as you get more practice it will get easier to make smaller models which look more delicate and beautiful. Although you can use most types of paper, the thicker and softer it is the harder it will be to achieve precise and crisp folds. Thin wrapping paper, and magazines work well, (but watch out for print stains if you're folding lots & lots) once you have gained some experience you will want to try using all sorts of different papers, from paper bags to receipts and wallpaper. Try to be ecological and re-use as much as you can, challenge yourself to make them in all sorts of situations, on a long car journey, in the doctors surgery - it makes for an addictive and peaceful hobby that you can pass on to anyone willing to spare you the time to learn. Enjoy making new friends and spreading peace.

1.Start by breathing in slowly and deeply to feel calm and relaxed - it helps, as it can be challenging at first.
2. Think about the lovely thing you are about to make, and what the peace crane stands for.
3. Take three pre-cut squares of paper, (not compulsory, as you will only need one piece of paper for each crane, if you repeat each action with the other two pieces of paper it will help you to remember how to make them.)
4. Watch the video for step by step instructions
ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXPfkl2ttzg&list=HL1325966130&feature=mh_lolz

5. Check the written instructions with diagrams if you get stuck.

6. Enjoy.