In March 2018, I was tired. March is the end of the financial year and the school year in Japan, and everyone is busy. I wanted to hold an event, but I knew that I didn't have the energy to do much and I knew that there were people around me who could use a break, too. I decided to offer an evening of Pattern Hunting.

Pattern Hunting was a workshop that I had offered in the past for parents and children. Going outside and finding patterns in the neighborhood was a big part of it. This time, the event would be held at night in the almost patternless fifth floor room of Shibaura House. How could this be done?

We had to bring the patterns in. Attaching posters, etc., to the walls and windows was not an option, so I thought about other senses and provided sound patterns. I made a Spotify playlist called "Pattern Hunting" and played it during the event. I also recommended to participants that they seek out patterns during the week before and take pictures to have with them. This advice had the effect of a warm-up before the event. A few participants mentioned that they enjoyed being prompted to pay more attention to visual patterns in their surrounding environment. They noticed more than they usually do. 

The emphasis on visual literacy and creation derives from the previous incarnation of Third Space Tokyo. So how does it relate to what we are doing now? How is this English co-creation? Admittedly, the relationship is indirect. I feel a connection, though, in the ultimate goal.

English co-creation emphasizes a desire to communicate, respect for others, and awareness of our interdependence. For this to happen, everyone involved has to feel relaxed and safe. Pattern Hunting encourages awareness of where we put attention and bravery in sharing a small story about how we decided to make the marks that we did. There is a "way of being" that allows for best work to emerge, and part of getting better at English co-creation is learning how best to create and support psychologically safe environments and cultures.