Knititation

My group and I were at a Knitting and Mindfulness talk this morning to learn about 'knititation'.  

James McIntosh talked about how knitting saved his life when he was suffering from a severe depression and his partner, Dr Thomas Ernst - a senior Consultant Physician, gave a talk about mindfulness practise and explained how being present (while knitting and when not knitting) leads to wellness.  Their book, Knit and Nibble, contains knitting patterns, cake recipes and the practise of knititation. A wonderful mix!

The ticket was only £5, which was donated to Mind, and I got so much out of it. Similar to my billboard blip the other day, they talked about how we are all 'born amazing' before life, external factors and the pressure to succeed make you doubt everything you are.  I felt really positive when I left and wanted to start a new project using my new Scheepjes Whirl. Just don’t ask how much it cost!

I have taken this from his website, Knit and Nibble:

Knit one, purl one, and breathe.  For many of us, picking up our needles is a form of mindful meditation.  The simple act of focusing the mind, repeating stitch after stitch, and turning yarn into fabric, is a meditative process that fills our knitted hearts with joy.

Ask knitters "Why do you knit?" and you’ll hear stories from people who love the challenge, those who enjoy creating something unique, or knitters who enjoy giving to people they love.  But whatever our reasons, what unites us as knitters, is that we all go on a journey, and it’s in that journey that we find moments to contemplate, relax and feel at peace with ourselves.  Being mindful means being present.  When we relax into our knitting, we can turn our attention to our breathing, clear our thoughts, and take time to be in the moment. 

When you knit, the bilateral (two sided), coordinated hand movements fire neurons all over your brain.  Just like playing the piano, the act of using both hands at once to make different movements stimulates a whole host of brain functions which, in turn, have wonderful health benefits. 

Start knitting everyone!  It will do so much more than just keep you warm. And if you can find a group to join, even better!

Quote for today:
Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different.
- James Baraz, author and meditation expert