I shall write peace upon your wings, and you shall fly around the world. - Haiku written on origami crane by Sadako Sasaki
The poignant quote above was written by Sadako Sasaki, who was exposed to radiation as an infant during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. In 1955, when she was 12, Sadako was dying of leukemia.
Sadako knew the Japanese legend that anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes using origami art will have their heart’s desire come true – whether for true love, long life, good health, or world peace.
Her heart’s desire was to fold 1,000 origami cranes before she died, and send the cranes all over the world as symbols of peace.
Sadako died before she had folded all of her 1,000 cranes, but her classmates completed that goal to honor their friend’s dream. Today, a statue of Sadako with arms outstretched, a paper crane flying from her hand, stands in the Hiroshima Peace Park. Thousands of wreaths, each made of 1,000 origami cranes, are placed on her statue every year.
The art of Japanese origami – which means “paper folding” – began when Buddhist monks from China carried paper to Japan, at first to be used in religious ceremonies. Later, origami was taught in preschools and kindergartens in Europe and the United States. Nowadays, the craft of origami is popular throughout the world; artists are experimenting with intricate new designs, new techniques, and the creation of imaginative masks, animals, and other themes.
You may not wish to fold 1,000 origami cranes (although, if you do, there’s a magnificent 3D video showing step-by-step instructions at: www.origami.org.uk – and phenomenal origami animations to watch there as well). But isn’t it interesting to contemplate that the same qualities it would take to complete those 1,000 paper cranes are essential to achieve your true heart’s desire? Vision, patience, and perseverance.
We spirited women are standing on the threshold of what promises to be an extraordinary new decade. What is your true heart’s desire? What is your deepest wish, your most improbable longing? Whatever it is, you can make it happen. You can soar into the stratosphere!
Linda Jay Geldens, www.LindaJayGeldens.com
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