Benefits of Origami

I love origami. Many people say they love origami because it makes them happy to create something by hand, and the how amazing it is that it can stay together without adhesives or fasteners to secure it.

While origami is fun and enjoyable to make, it also stirs up different emotions and expands the world in different ways, believe it or not.

Origami is an ancient paper folding technique from Japan. It's widely used around the world today as an art form, decoration, model for technological and architectural creations, tool for learning mathematics and simply as a fun gift for any occasion.

Growing up as a very shy child, it was difficult to make friends or stand out in class among the other more social children, but one thing that certainly helped me to get out of my shell was origami. Just sitting quietly and folding origami was enough to grab the attention of some children since I was able to create a lovely little tulip from two square pieces of paper.

The curiosity it stirred up in all the children led to natural social interaction as they each wanted to find out what it was and how to replicate it, and I would explain and instruct. This was also a great confidence booster since I was the one who could show and teach something interesting and new.

People of all ages can do the same thing, whether it's to gain confidence, to create a new environment, or change someone's mood. For example, when I'm out and I see random children who are cranky or sad, and quite possibly giving their parents a hard time, I try to find a scrap piece of paper and quickly fold an origami crane (traditional Japanese bird) and ask the parent if it's alright to give to the children. I've always gotten a surprised look from the parents, but it quickly turned to a smile from both the parent and child. That one piece of scrap paper not only became a quiet moment for the parent, but also a new toy for the child.

Origami is a fun and creative form of decoration around the home, for cards, gifts, and even fashion accessories. Some fashion designers use origami folding techniques and models as a base for new pieces. Just as some fashion models after origami, so does technology. Many scientists and medical technologists use the mathematical basics of origami for devices used today. Some even copy origami models exactly. One of the most fascinating models is the solar panel model used on some satellites orbiting the earth.

The benefits of origami are endless for future advancements and stress relievers in everyday life. It exercises the brain just like puzzles do and helps personalities to grow by building confidence and perfecting fine motor skills, especially with the tougher more advanced origami pieces.

Next time you're out, take a look around and you'll see origami models all around you.