Enso Painting
Supplies:
Fluid sumi ink, sumi brush, rice paper, a piece of felt for under the paper to absorb excess ink.
This is a practice of integrating body, breath, mind and ink. Sit with the paper on the felt in front of you and take a few breaths, grounding/connecting, becoming present. Carefully dip the brush tip into the ink (just the tip, these brushes are very absorbent) and allow excess ink to drip off the brush before moving it away. Holding brush vertically, bring brush toward awaiting sheet of paper. Use the hand that is not holding the brush to steady paper. Reconnect with the present moment. When you feel the integration of body, breath and mind, inhale deeply into the hara and belly. When you are ready to exhale, at the beginning of the outbreath, allow the brush to make contact with the surface of the paper. As you are exhaling, pay complete attention as you draw a circle while synchronizing breath and brush stroke, using your whole arm, not just your hand or wrist to form the circle. At the end of your breath, lift your brush. put the brush aside to rest on a paper towel or cloth.
Observe the circle for a moment, trying to see without judgement. Just practice noticing. You have created a document of a singular breath.