包結道 — What Furoshiki Has Taught Me About Self-Development

Wrap. Tie. Center your mind, every day.

As I spend time with furoshiki, I have come to realize that it's not merely a skill to master.
The forms and spirit of sado (the Way of Tea), the small daily lessons I learn through business, and the quiet moments I share with furoshiki — these have all become treasures in my life.

Layer by layer, they have come together to guide me toward a new way of living.
I call it Hoketsudō(包結道） — the Way of Wrapping and Tying.

Furoshiki as a Path

In Japan, there are many arts known as "dō"（道） — sado (tea ceremony), kadō (flower arrangement), kendō (the way of the sword), jūdo.
Each is more than a practice; it is a way to polish the heart and enrich one's life.

There is growth hidden in the quiet repetition of everyday actions, even when it seems like nothing is changing.

I have come to feel that furoshiki, too, carries this quiet spirit of the Way.

Lessons from Tea Ceremony

As humble practitioner, away from the noise of the city, in the stillness of the tea room, I follow the forms of the tea ceremony step by step, centering my mind in the process.
I feel deeply grateful for the experience.

But, there are small challenges too.

My Struggle with Seiza

I once underwent ankle surgery from the injury, and as a result, I have difficulty sitting in seiza (formal kneeling position) for long periods.

During temae — the tea-making procedure — there are moments when the numbness in my legs distracts me, and I find my thoughts wandering.
Sometimes, I even catch myself thinking, "I wish it would end soon..."

When I begin to fidget, my teacher gently reminds me:

"Don’t force yourself. Fix your posture properly, and stand up when you need to."

These words have always been a quiet salvation for me.

The Art of Acceptance

I used to ask myself whether it was the pain that kept me from focusing.
But over time, I have learned the importance of simply doing what I can, with all my heart.

There are days when pain comes,
days when things don't go smoothly.
All of it is part of who I am.

Accepting myself, as I am, and facing each moment sincerely —
this is one of the most important lessons sado has given me.

What Business Has Taught Me

Just like in tea ceremony,
in business, I collaborate with many people to create something meaningful.

I can’t help but think:

"Maybe it could be even better."
"What if we added this small touch?"

I love things that are rich in detail —
a cake piled high with colorful fruits,
or a shōkadō-bento filled with many beautifully arranged dishes.

Variety, craftsmanship, and care — these always capture my heart.

Naturally, in my work too,
I find joy in encountering ideas and creativity that go beyond my own imagination.

Learning to Let Go of Expectations

Yet, not everything turns out exactly the way I envision.

When that happens, I remember the lessons from sado:

Rather than expecting too much from others,
first, quiet your own mind.

Do the best you can.
And then, let go, and accept what comes.

"Put your heart into what you can do today."

When I focus on that, somehow, only good things seem to happen.

Hoketsudō（包結道）— The Path I Am Walking

Opening a furoshiki, wrapping an object, and tying it carefully.
In these simple motions are hidden
concentration, care, and mindfulness.

With each repetition, little by little,
I polish my heart and refine my hands.

I call this way Hoketsudō —
The Way of Wrapping and Tying,
and the quiet art of living each day with care.

Hibi Kore Furoshiki （日々是風呂敷♡）

It’s okay to fail.
It’s okay when things don’t go as planned.

What matters is to put your heart into what you can do today.

Hibi Kore Furoshiki（日々是風呂敷 ♡）
Every Day is Furoshiki （for me!）

I will continue to walk quietly and steadily on this path.