Review（Meditation calligraphy お客様の声）

I can’t say enough good things about Eri’s Japanese shodo as meditation class. As both an artist and a writer, she brings a rare depth to the experience—blending technical skill with emotional awareness in a way that feels both grounding and inspiring.

What struck me most is how she teaches you to *feel* the strokes themselves, independent of any specific word. In her class, shodo becomes more than calligraphy—it becomes pure expression. You begin to notice how different emotions take shape through movement: soft, flowing strokes that feel calm and open, or crisp, deliberate lines that carry focus and control. It’s incredible to experience how emotion can live fully in the motion of the brush.

I studied shodo in Japan 20 years ago, but my training focused solely on structure and precision—the correct order, the exact form. While valuable, it never touched on the emotional side of the practice. I was never able to create true art through shodo with a kanji exhibiting meaning both through the word itself and how the brush strokes appeared on the page. Eri’s approach opened an entirely new dimension for me. For the first time, I felt what it means to channel intention and emotion into each individual stroke.

If you already practice shodo and want to deepen your connection to it, or if you’re simply curious about a unique and meditative art form, I highly recommend Eri’s class. It’s a beautiful, transformative experience.

Thank you Eri for a wonderful class!

~ Chandra P.

The workshop was a delightful experience and something I would like to continue.

What I liked:

* Your friendly demeanor and the way in which your voice and way of relating to each of us was itself “meditative”.

* All the media/materials you provided especially the different papers, rocks, different inks etc.

* Your book was a great starting point. Poems were very useful to capture the energy. Your demonstration really helped us get a feel for the flow of the movements. Your poems are beautiful and provide a poetic expression of the symbol.

* Your individual help for each participant showing us how to move etc.

I have spent some time looking at your web site and found so many useful resources. I also found your interview video on Reiki to be interesting as it helped me learn more about your personal journey to “meditative calligraphy”. It was also useful to learn a bit more about traditional Shodo and the reasons your approach really opens up a much deeper understanding of the energies involved and allows one to actually feel the energies relating to each symbol. I find that the process reminds me somewhat of Tai Chi. As a long time meditator, I also get the idea that one must not over-control the process. Empty mind don’t you know…

~ Randy S.

I just loved the class! The presentation explained what we should ‘feel’ during the calligraphy. I even started crying from a wave of emotion that swept over me.
Thank you for the opportunity and experience.
~ Cindy G.

This calligraphy session was simultaneously stimulating and relaxing. The beauty and peace the strokes revealed were lovely. I can easily understand how calligraphy can be used for meditation.
~ Kitty S.

I loved this! Eri was great at explaining how to do it, then she came around and drew it with me…I found it easier to find the feeling of the brush on the page. If I lived near her, I would take classes with her for sure. Thanks, Eri.
~ Louie L.

The meditation calligraphy class with Eri Fukase was fantastic! Such a special way to quiet the mind and to connect with the energy of the
brushstroke. It’s as if mind and body become one, expressing your soul. It was also amazing how in just a few minutes Eri was able to teach us how to paint a complex and meaningful kanji character. I can’t wait to do this again! Feeling very grateful for this special experience.
~ Maria D.

It was wonderful! I really enjoyed when you
held the brush and counted and made it
rhythmic…that helped! Thanks!
~ Helen K.

Really enjoyable and at the same time
challenging practice. Would love to continue
learning. It’s a gift to combine spirituality and
art in one stroke (not always a simple one).
Thank you so very much for a wonderful
experience.
With gratitude,
~ Jason T.

This workshop was amazing. I loved the
instruction and feel I did well with the direction
given. Thank you so much for your mastery
and care for the North American Jikiden Reiki
Congress.
Much gratitude,
~ Amanda J.

Thank you so much for the feeling of
calligraphy! Such an art and honor to learn;
and have so much attention for
everyone! Your passion is huge. Thank you.
~ Lorraine M.

Beautifully taught, and such a treat to have
such a unique piece of art to treasure.
Our class was learning to write nen in
calligraphy. It was a moving mediation, and
very enjoyable, and calming! Thank you!
~ Dottie M.

Thank you for a wonderful class. I really enjoyed
your patient instruction.
~ Anne B.

I enjoyed learning how to move my body with
the brush to create the kanji. It was very
meditative. Thank you.
~ Paul S.

Thank you for the wonderful teaching of
calligraphy. Your patience in teaching made
the class very enjoyable and helped everyone
to create a piece of art from the heart.
~ Laura C.

I liked the focus of feeling the strokes. I am
not artistic, so I feel intimidated by doing
any artwork, but Eri encouraged and reminded
us to feel the essence of ‘nen’, so I just had fun.
Thank you for the experience.
~ Dolphyn B.

It’s amazing the peace and stillness that
I felt during this activity. Best way to bring
in some zen in a relaxing and yet fun activity.
Thank you!
~ Joan N.

Thank you! We learned so much and many
life lessons! Very enjoyable and ever-lasting
experience.
~ Jeannette S.

I really enjoyed the class. Having you help
hold the brush made all the difference.
My practice sheets became better and better.
Very enjoyable! Thanks!
~ Carol D.

Eri is so great to learn Japanese calligraphy
from. It is an art I would love to pursue.
She gave excellent instructions and was
very helpful. I’m so happy I had the opportunity
to learn this meditative art. Thank you.
~ Tammy T.

Ah…I feel like I’m in a different frame of mind,
my printing here and now has that feeling of
more depth. But, at times I was close to
frustration not able to reproduce particularly
the thickness and fine points at beginning
and end. I feel the meaning of now/heart
is coming in more. Thank you.
~ Sherran P.

Eri-san is a wonderful instructor with clear
instructions. Her spirit is amazing and I want to
learn more. This was so enjoyable.
Everyone should try this!
Thank you so much!
~ Erin S.