Created at The Foggy Goggle Winter 22/23
Excerpt from my Billion Dollar Notebook
Comments, questions, criticisms, and concerns please email me
I'm Polishing My Ball of Dirt
Cant wait to start the next one. Who knows when 🤷
Hikaru Dorodango (光る泥団子), which translates to "shiny mud dumpling", is a Japanese art form where soil and water are molded and polished to create a smooth, shiny sphere.
Think of it as taking ordinary dirt and, through a patient process, transforming it into something beautiful and almost magical.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
* Forming the core: You start with basic soil, removing any rocks or debris. Sometimes sand is added for better consistency. This soil is slowly formed into a ball, adding water bit by bit to create a moldable consistency.
* Adding layers: Fine particles of soil are sifted and added to the core in layers. Each layer is carefully dried before adding the next, slowly building up the sphere.
* Polishing: This is where the magic happens. Using a cloth or even your hands, the Dorodango is polished to a high sheen. This can take hours of gentle rubbing to achieve the desired shine.
The result is a surprisingly beautiful object that looks like a polished stone or even a ceramic piece, despite being made entirely of earth.
Why is it significant?
* Simplicity and Beauty: Hikaru Dorodango highlights the beauty in simple things and the potential for transformation in even the most basic materials.
* Patience and Mindfulness: Creating a dorodango requires patience, focus, and a mindful approach. It's a meditative process that can be quite relaxing.
* Connection to Nature: The art form connects us to the earth and reminds us of the beauty that can be found in the natural world.
If you're interested in learning more, I recommend searching for videos or articles online. There are many resources available to help you get polish "you"r own ball of dirt.
"You are responsible for your second thought and your actions"
-Mel Gibson, Jan 9, 2025 The Joe Rogan Experience #2254
