Many people find the practice of fibre work to be a gateway to emotional and mental well-being. We all live in a fast paced world where, For some of us, the idea of practising mindfulness and meditation can feel out of reach, trying to force ourselves to slow down enough to do these practices. It can feel overwhelming and almost unachievable.

 

By working with our hands and body in a repetitive and rhythmic way, such as spinning or weaving, we are creating a calm and safe space for our thoughts and feelings to come forward. I personally believe that the rhythmic action encourages the mind to keep the thoughts fluid and moving, helping us not to get stuck on or ruminate on one particular thought. This is the practice of mindfulness - to simply acknowledge the thought or feeling without becoming attached to it. Weaving and spinning also require the crafts person to remain present during the process, we need to keep our eye on the work we are producing, on the quality and detail. Each time we are drawn back to the process at hand, we become completely present in the work we are doing and experience a break from any worries and negative feelings we may have had. Sometimes we need these breaks in feeling to rest and recuperate.