Creating is Good for the Soul

I love to crochet. As a child, my mother taught me how to crochet a chain and the single crochet stitch. Through the years I dabbled in scarves and blankets, but stayed away from anything more complicated than the one stitch I knew or that required a pattern. About seven years ago I fell back into the art while grieving the death of my sister. Crocheting gave me something to do without having to think too hard. It calmed me and kept me in a safe place where I could safely go through the grieving process. As time passed, I realized how much I enjoyed it and was inspired to take a class or two in order to learn to read crochet patterns (and learn a few new stitches). I am still not very proficient, but I can read patterns and am proud to say that I have expanded my repertoire (hats, purses, ponchos...) of crochet projects. You could say that crocheting is my go to creative outlet and relaxation.

But why do I love it? Well, there are the practical reasons, for instance; it is portable so I can take it anywhere; it keeps my hands busy when I am trying to stay out of the refrigerator, and there are so many quick and easy projects out there so when needed, I can attain instant gratification. Pretty good reasons so far, right? But, the real reason I love to crochet is because of what it does for my soul. It allows me to connect with the power of creation and with that comes peace. The steady motion of my hand is hypnotic as I work the yarn in and out of loops, placing me in a type of meditative state. My breathing clams and so does my mind. Ahhh, pure relaxation.

A few years back I was doodling on a piece of paper and my hand went into the motion that makes the infinity pattern (∞). As my hand moved through the figure eight-like motion, I noticed that the movement was familiar to me. I realized that the motion that the hand makes while crocheting is similar (if not the same) to the motion that is made when the infinity sign is drawn. I wondered if there could be a connection between infinity and creativity.

Definition of Infinity - unlimited extent of time, space, or quantity

Definition of Create - to make or bring into existence something new.

Have you ever noticed that when you are in the creative process you allow yourself to open up, remove limits, and lose a sense of time (a.k.a. being present)? Maybe part of the creative process is to enter infinity and be in a place of endless possibilities, a studio where ideas can be joined together to make something (anything). Knowing that what we focus on attracts more of the same, it makes sense that the more time we spend in our infinity studio,  putting ourselves in a place of endless possibilities, that that energy will continue to overflow into our everyday lives. Imagine having that sense of peace, calm, and being in the moment 24/7.

Now, I am not saying that everyone should run out and buy a skein of yarn and a crochet hook in order to find inner peace. What I am offering to you is the encouragement to spend some time during each day (week, month, whatever you have time for) in your own infinity studio, exploring the possibilities. Remember creating is good for the soul.

Here is my latest creation....

Thanks again for visiting Meaningful Living Now. I would love to hear about your creative experiences so please feel free to leave a comment.

In love and light,

Christine

For the pattern for this Poncho, please visit creator Patti Gonsalves of Dandelions Dreamers.