NEW year Intention Setting with Japanese Calligraphy
Have you ever set a big goal, pursued it relentlessly, achieved it—only to feel exhausted, burned out, or realize you lost other precious things along the way?
The New Year intention-setting I teach is different from conventional goal-setting. Instead of focusing solely on achievement, it’s about creating a state of being we wish to embrace throughout the year. This state acts as an anchor, guiding our daily decisions and shaping how we live each day.
By collectively tuning in, we generate a beautiful, supportive energy. From this foundation, you can set goals that align with your inner state—allowing you to move forward with clarity and balance, rather than pressure and exhaustion.
In my Japanese Calligraphy session, we take this concept and transform it into a symbol—created together through mindful practice. This process engraves the intention in our minds, and the finished symbol serves as a daily reminder, displayed at home or in the office.
Last week, I had the privilege of hosting session at the office of ElectroRoute, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation in Dublin, organised by the Irish Japan Association.
The Power of Preparation
When I am hosting an event or teaching, preparation is 90% of my work!
Three types of paper, participants' names (also in Japanese!) packed neatly, brushes, sumi-ink, and mats ... all laid out—everything ready, ensuring everyone has everything they need for the workshop.
This attention to detail allows me to focus entirely on connection, creating more interaction and deeper engagement, ensuring the smooth operation and no single spot of ink on the table!
But beyond logistics, I love the process—thinking about each participant and how to bring out their best!
Mastering the Basics: The Key to Calligraphy
I have a signature method where anyone, even without prior knowledge of calligraphy or the Japanese language, can create a Kanji symbol in calligraphy within an hour.
We begin by correcting our posture, followed by a guided meditation to align body, mind, heart, and soul. Then comes the warm-up exercises, learning how to use our body and brush with flow and precision.
I follow and teach the three stages of mastery—SHU HA RI—a time-tested approach to skill acquisition. And it works.
The Symbol for Today's Session NAGARE (流) - FLOW
After a short meditation, I asked everyone: "How do you wish to be this year?" The answers flowed in—Energetic, Inspired, Grounded, Smooth, Advance, Evolve, Moving Forward...
As I channeled their intentions, one symbol emerged: NAGARE (流) – FLOW.
Like a river, we move forward, adapt, and evolve. Yet, within this flow, we also need grounding power—to navigate with strength and purpose.
Flow with intention. Ground with wisdom. And so, the symbol for today’s session was set: NAGARE (流) – FLOW.
Well done, everyone!
Thank you for joining and for being a part of this beautiful collective energy.
Wishing you a year of flow, grounding, and purposeful growth!
Love & Light,
Azumi
✨If you are in Ireland, consider becoming a member of the Ireland Japan Association to stay connected and be part of exciting future events. → Go to Ireland Japan Association
✨Check out the programs I offer for both corporate and individual clients, designed to support your personal and professional growth. → Learn more about my Program
✨Pre-order my latest book to dive deeper into the journey of calligraphy, intention-setting, and more. I can’t wait to share it with you! → Pre Order my Book at Penguin Random House
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