Sheila Schumacher, Graphic Design Professor

One of the most profound things I have learned about myself in the past year is that my art needs a purpose outside of myself. As an artist and a person, the study of Shodo with Halada Sensei has moved me to a higher spiritual and personal level. I know the need for focus and discipline, and that when I prioritize these things, the rest of my life flows easily.

The shifting that happened within my own life allowed inner strength and abilities to surface, moving me on to different and challenging artistic projects that I couldn’t have done before.

In the past, I was caught up in the importance of the final printed or published product. Now the process is more valuable to me. Getting to know my audience really well and being willing to allow the project to grow out of what I discover in that time is an exciting and refreshing way to work. My life and practices are significantly changed and I am better because of it.

"Shodo": a picture report by Sheila Schumacher
Beautifully describes her experience with Sensei's private sessions.

Jennifer

Jennifer, 17, was struggling with some strokes at her shodo lesson; she just could not get it right even though she had been trying over and over again. However, she worked very hard on her spiritual homework exercise, which was rather challenging material for her, and she accomplished it. Next session she had a breakthrough and was able to do the strokes right. She was thrilled and felt much more confidence in herself. During this time, Halada Sensei was also giving her some spiritual guidance to bring more awareness and quality into her life.

Soon after, Jennifer was able to apply what she gained spiritually into her dancing.  She was able to dance freely from her self consciousness and did a incredible job in her dance performance. She was now very alive, beautiful, confident and expressive, whereas before she used to worry more about how other people would see her dance because she was feeling inferiority complex.

Navajo Elementary School

I am writing to recommend “Solana” Yuko Halada's Japanese Calligraphy program for your school. Ms. Halada's program offers students a chance to better themselves through learning the technical aspects of Japanese Calligraphy and the spiritual components of Zen. Her methodology is geared toward those who may not be familiar with Japanese cultural elements.

Through various exercises, Ms. Halada helps students gain happiness, inner peace, and self-confidence. These traits help students gain a more positive and peaceful outlook on life. Furthermore, the experiences students have in Ms. Halada's program help them  become more thankful, compassionate, respectful, and positive.

As an art teacher at Navajo Elementary School, I noticed a positive change in the attitude and overall behavior of students involved in Ms. Halada's program. Other teachers were also amazed and appreciative of the positive turnaround students experienced as a result of Ms. Halada’s program.  

Beyond the spiritual outcomes of Ms. Halada's program is the beautiful and artful Japanese Calligraphy that her students create. However, the impact of this art reaches far deeper than an image on a piece of paper. Evidence of her program's success is abundant in her students' own records of their spiritual progress.

Ms. Halada's program offers a higher level of consciousness and a better quality of life for all of those who participate. I highly recommend her program for your school.

Carolyn Pertuit
Art Department
Navajo Elementary School