Mindset to Keep in Mind Before Starting Ikebana

Preparing your heart to connect with Flowers.
In Ikebana, it is said that “how you approach the flowers with your heart” is far more important than technique or sense. In the life of Hawaii, spending time with flowers can be a small, gentle moment of healing that quietly organizes your day. For those who are thinking of starting Ikebana, today I would like to gently share some mindset tips to keep in mind before you begin.

Allow Yourself the “Space” to Connect with Flowers

Lesson time is a precious moment to step away from everyday life and reset your mind. Before picking up your materials, take a deep breath. Just that simple act can surprisingly calm your heart and even change the atmosphere of your arrangement. The relaxed pace of life in Hawaii blends beautifully with ikebana. By approaching flowers with even a small sense of “space” and presence, your arrangement naturally develops a gentle character.

For me, I always start with tidying up. I place my scissors gently on a clean cloth, put away anything unnecessary, and then quietly sit down before picking up the flowers I will arrange. I also make a point to move as quietly as possible. In Japanese culture, silence itself is considered an art. When even one person in the room moves quietly, everyone around naturally respects it.

Show Respect for Nature

The flowers we use in Ikebana are living things. Just a change in angle or direction can completely alter their expression. In Hawaii, especially, you can encounter tropical flowers and branches that have unique personalities very different from those in Japan. Approaching them with an attitude of “accepting their individuality” is what reveals the profound depth of ikebana.

Ichigo Ichie — a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Even flowers of the same kind are never exactly the same in nature. Cherish the encounter with the flowers that have come to you, and find the place where they look most beautiful. Arrange them in a way that allows the life in your hands to shine to its fullest. Many flowers in Hawaii are very expensive in Japan, which is another reason why Hawaii is such a wonderful place to learn Ikebana.

Tips for Easing Beginners’ Concerns

"I might not have a good sense for this…"
Don’t worry. Ikebana has clear techniques, or “tips,” that can be learned.
In lessons, I carefully guide you through these tips.

"Is it difficult to prepare all the tools?"
All tools needed for the lessons are provided.
If you wish, they are also available for purchase.

"It looks difficult…"
We progress slowly from the basics, so you can participate with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Even just a little preparation of your mindset before starting ikebana can make your lesson time calmer and more fulfilling. You shape your “heart” into form and see it with your own eyes. Then, you share it with others and receive their words. As adults, opportunities like this become rare, but I’ve realized that it’s a very important way to nurture your true self. At first, don’t focus on creating a perfectly beautiful arrangement. Instead, experience the process of “shaping your heart.” Beauty will naturally come with the flowers’ help.

Take your time, enjoy the moments with your flowers, and approach them at your own pace.

Next time, we’ll walk you through “The First Steps to Starting Ikebana”, making it simple and easy for beginners to begin their journey.