Crochet and Meditation: Words of Wisdom

As a mental health worker, I've been interested in the therapeutic benefits of crochet for some time. I had been planning to research and write a comprehensive article but recently came across the piece below which is a brief but very accurate description of how crochet can help calm the mind. This was originally published here: lifetips

Mindfulness

I think of mindfulness as being a little bit different than meditation -- meditation is a technique for achieving mindfulness. Mindfulness is an awareness of the present moment and all that is in that moment. It's also being aware of the world's effect on you at any given moment and your effect on the world.

Crochet is a great way to achieve mindfulness because it requires focus and attention. When you are following a pattern and counting stitches, it's hard to think about anything else. That's good, that's what leads to a clearing of the head and relaxation. Challenge yourself with a pattern that you think is too hard -- the extra effort and concentration you will have to put into the project will enhance your abilities to achieve focus and mindfulness. But, at the first sign of frustration, put the project down, nothing is achieved by added stress or disappointment. Come back to it when you are ready or abandon it all together -- it is the experimentation that is valuable in this setting, not the finished product!