A little “whale” goes a long way
January 24, 2010
Zen masters for centuries have said when you are troubled; busy yourself with simple tasks….. so when I found myself sinking into “a funk” having just relocated to a new town (on a new coast) during a major national economic crisis, with the holidays fast approaching…that’s just what I did.
I had been half-heartedly looking for a volunteer opportunity for weeks when I “lucked” upon the Origami Whale Project. I say “luck” because I just happened to walk outside my front door when my neighbor was on her way to an origami whale folding and stitching gathering and asked if I would like to join her. I was literally still in my pjs at the time on a beautiful Southern California Saturday and feeling like a total recluse, so I dared not turn down the offer. Besides it was for a good cause, “Saving the Whales” and one that I was passionate about. But needless to say this is not what I thought I would be doing when I woke up that morning and quite honestly, I wasn’t really sure I could fold an origami whale, let alone stitch one. Did that involve sewing? I went anyway. When I arrived and after deciding which job would produce the least anxiety, I set to task folding whales amongst the group of strangers. So it was on that day and several more over the season, that instead of the usual holiday shopping, cocktail parties with friends and time spent with family, there I sat alongside Peggy Oki and other volunteers in impromptu workspaces, amidst piles of colorful paper, folding and stitching long strands of little whales.
Peggy Oki, founder and coordinator of The Origami Whale Project (OWP), is an all-around impressive female skateboarder, surfer, entrepreneur, artist and environmental activist dedicated to the protection of marine mammals. In 2004 Peggy initiated the Origami Whale Project in response to the urgent need to raise awareness concerning the ever-increasing threat by whaling nations towards the return of commercial whaling. With small local beginnings and growing to global participation, Peggy leads with compassion and gratitude, inspiring collaborators, volunteers and classroom students to join her in this effort. Since its inception, thousands of paper origami whales have been folded in proportion to the growing estimated number of whales that continue to be slaughtered by nations such as Japan, Iceland & Norway. Each tiny whale is hand folded using recycled paper pieces and then painstakingly stitched into a large colorful curtain. On exhibition, the curtain is a powerful and moving visual statement. It not only serves as a memorial for those whales that have been slaughtered, but it also as a call to action to help halt the further slaughter of these magnificent creatures.
As I sat and folded the origami whales that first day, I felt the anxiety of “not doing enough” and the aloneness that I had been feeling so acutely begin to lift. First of all, yes, I could indeed fold an origami whale (most first graders can) and what do you know, I could stitch them too. And while I did, I noticed that my mind became clear for the first time in weeks. I didn’t think about mounting bills or my job search even once, and when I did, it was with renewed focus. Physically the tedious repetition seemed to calm my body in an almost Zen-like way; I truly think my pulse rate slowed. Secondly, as I sat with these women fastidiously working on their whales and listened to there stories, from personal histories and experiences to what they were going to make for dinner that night, a feeling of connectedness that had been waning since my recent move returned. More than that, I was inspired by the tireless effort and committed compassion of Peggy Oki and moved by realization that each little whale I folded and stitched represented a giant gentle creature that had been brutally killed. And although it is a difficult and even heartbreaking subject, we did it anyway. Volunteering for the OWP strengthened my global consciousness, and ultimately, the opportunity to contribute in even a small way to help end their suffering and ensure their survival was undoubtedly good for my own soul.
Last week I helped Peggy pack up the Origami Whale Curtain; there were 12 large freight boxes in all containing an incredible 34,000 whales! A little whale from each volunteer had gone a long way. As I closed the final box and the lid came down, I spotted one of the little whales I had made and wished it well on its mission. That little “whale” was going a long way too. This year the curtain is headed for Maui where it will be on public exhibition during “Whale Day” on February 20th 2010. Hopefully, those who view it hanging among the sobering numbers of other origami whales will feel compelled to do their small part and could go a long way in support anti whaling legislation. Later, as I reflected back on my most recent volunteer experience, I was reminded of how much we get in return for what we give. So next time you find yourself caught up in your own circumstances, I encourage you to spend a little time volunteering for the greater good and for your own mind, body and spirit….. A little really does go a long way.
“Never doubt what a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has!” -Margaret Meade
To find out more about Peggy Oki and how you can support or get involved with the Origami Whale Project, please go to www.Peggy-Oki.com.
Adrienne Russo
West Coast Contributor
