Enso of Effortlessness

Exercise: Enso – Choice Awareness Calligraphy

(if new to this post-series, check Circle of Choice first)

Jung wrote: “It is not that something different is seen, but that one sees differently” (1958, p. 546).  Enso is “zen” for “moon circle.”  The moon circle, in Zen Buddhism, is a symbol of enlightenment and is a frequent subject of calligraphy (Austin, 2001). 

“In the hand of the enlightened person, brushwork transforms into brushplay” (p.  577).  I invite you to practice choice awareness calligraphy.  Try drawing a circle with one “easy sweep.” 

Unlike in the circle-drawing exercises, choose not to choose.  That too is a choice. 

Make one “easy sweep” and accept the outcome of your calligraphy for what it is, regardless of whether your enso is full moon or half-moon.