Navigating the folds

Musings on Life

Repetitive fold structures in nature and art

Lately I am contemplating the parallels between the natural world and ourselves. Folds and the process of folding is present in the exterior and interior environments. It really is an ongoing natural process. Plants and animals have evolved to use the techniques of folding-flowers inside buds and insect wings in a cocoon.There is plenty of hypotheses on why this occurs ranging from sensitivity to stimuli to more sophisticated intelligence on preservation and growth. Now,I am not venturing to rank the merits of said hypothesis but rather to point out they do in fact, fold. Turning to landform, and instances of linear folds that are characteristic of mountainous regions or strata occurring from compressional forces acting on the earths surface, resulting in what I deem to be amongst the most striking scenery. As a living, breathing person you have biological proteins that have to fold and unfold to keep you alive. Without delving into the complexities which are beyond my aptitude, it's simply fascinating to me that this happens. On a more readily perceptible level, your fingerprint - this unique, identifying pattern is essentially comprised of folds (or ridges) of the outer layer of skin. Folding has been adapted for problem solving, for example, addressing space constraints in rockets by folding essential systems/equipment for rocket launches.

Lastly, but certainly not least of all, there is origami, the art of transforming a simple sheet of paper into art. Each crease tells a story of trial and transformation. Origami, often lauded as an illustration of precision, however much we savour precision , often our lived experiences lack this quality. So then why not invite the fullness of our feelings- get curious, process, soothe?

Folding

It is okay to fold

Into ways or feelings unfamiliar

Lay all the parts together

Tracing along the fold - a hollow, a wilderness or a stickiness

The season may be long and the end untold

You don’t need to turn cold

You can emerge anew

Strong

Bold

Soft

She folded and said- I release

-Metja Matlala

What can emerge if you have the courage to fold? To feel your feelings fully, embracing each crease of joy and pain?

I hope you give yourself permission and I hope you have a community that can hold all your folds, witnessing both your unfolding and the beauty shaped within.