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Mindful Knitting
Mindful knitting is a concept that has evolved organically as both Buddhism and the return of handcrafts have flourished in the United States.
Our society has become so consumptive and increasingly disconnected from how things are produced, disconnected from the interdependence of things. Creating things by hand is a way that we can reverse that, and cultivate a greater understanding of how our things came to be and increase our mindfulness about our relationship to physical things, generally. When things are made by us or for us directly, they are imbued with a sacredness that both highlights that interdependence and supports our mindfulness. And it generates windhorse, our sense of unconditional well-being at an experiential level, beyond the theory of meditation or of Buddhism.
It might be a bit difficult for a non-Buddhist practitioner to see how any of this is connected to Buddhism. However, mindful knitting is a very non-threatening way that people can approach mindfulness as practice, who might not have considered it before. In Buddhist terms, we need a path. We can understand conceptually what enlightenment is, but a conceptual understanding is not enough. We need to do something. It takes a lot of work for most of us, and it is a long journey. So if we have a practice that we enjoy, which leads us there, our path will be quite easy. If we have a practice that can be shared easily with each other, creating a community of practice, then it is even more supportive. And if it connects us then in producing a physical connection, in an item that is very intimate, very personal, then that is yet even more supportive. So mindful knitting is one of the ways we can make the world better, as a community of practice and connection.
History
One of the first to recognize the contemplative qualities of needlework, Sylvia Boorstein offered a class in Contemplative Needlework at Spirit Rock for several years. (note: checking facts) Practitioners would would work in silence for the first part of the class, then share thoughts and experiences for the remainder of the class.
Another seminal event was the publication of The Knitting Sutra: Craft as a Spiritual Practice. Written largely from a Zen perspective, The Knitting Sutra is Lydon's tale of breaking her collarbone and taking up knitting to regain fine motor skills. However, her practice led her on to deeper contemplations, and a connection to fiber arts as part of a deeper type of healing.
At the forefront of the current movement for mindful knitting is Tara Jon Manning. Manning was raised in the Shambhala tradition in Colorado, and has introduced the public at large to the combination of knitting and contemplation. Her publications include Mindful Knitting and Compassionate Knitting, and she writes a column for Knitty.com which is appropriately entitled Mindful Knitting. Manning also teaches through Mindful Knitting workshops around the country.
Charitable Knitting
Charitable knitting is a large part of the act of mindful knitting, and any act of knitting that is executed in order to be given away would probably fall within this category. Charitable knitting is an excellent way to practice engaged Buddhism. A partial list of resources for giving is listed below:
- Adopt-A-Native-Elder - Provides clothes, and food for Native American Elders. (Accepts handcrafted items.)
- Children in Common - Orphanages and Cheyenne River Reservation a group of knitters that knit for orphanages in Russia (Eastern Europe), started by parents adopting from these orphanages - vests, sweaters, socks. There is a free sock pattern here.
- Christmas at Sea is affiliated with the Seaman's Church Institute, and provides packages for deep-sea and river mariners.(Several patterns on site.)
- Hannah's Socks - Socks and other warm items for the homeless.
- Hats and Scarves Project - Living Earth members, friends, and needle-workers in general knit and crochet (or sew) warm hats and scarves that will be given to children and families throughout our area to keep away the winter cold.
- Project Linus - Security blankets for children in crisis.
- The Red Scarf Project - Scarves go into Valentine's Day packages sent out to Orphan Foundation of America students, who are enrolled in college or trade school.
- Scarves from the Heart - This charity gives scarves to those who are undergoing treatment for cancer.
- Prayer Shawl Ministry - Ecumenical practice which provides hand knit or crocheted shawls for people in crisis, who are in need of comfort.
Mindful Knitting Retreats and Workshops
1. Tai Chi/Yoga Knitting Retreat February 26-28, 2010
About the Retreat
The Tai Chi/Yoga Knitting retreat offers a place where knitters (or "knitter wanna-bes") can come together for a relaxing weekend to learn and enjoy some meditative exercise, and of course to knit.
This is also a knowledge exchange weekend. There will be time available to teach beginning knitting, if necessary. You are welcome to participate in any or all of the activities.
Fee: $250.00
Registration fee includes:
- Two nights at Blue Mountain Retreat Center in Knoxville, MD (linens provided)
- All meals: Dinner on Friday, three meals on saturday, Breakfast on Sunday (all meals are organic.)
- All Tai Chi and Yoga classes.
- Participation in knitting knowledge exchange and/or beginning classes.
For further information and registration, contact Claudia Olson at claudiaolson at hotmail dot com.
2. 2010 Mindful Knitting Retreat in Vermont With Tara Jon Manning Thursday March 11 to Sunday, March 14th, 2010
About the Retreat
From the author of Mindful Knitting comes the Mindful Knitting Retreat. Enjoy a weekend of relaxation, inspiration, and, of course, knitting, as together we explore the parallels of knitting and meditation. We will look at the ways that one begins to be mindful in everyday life and we will examine how time spent with our handwork contributes to both the experience and expression of mindfulness.
Included are daily sessions of instruction and knit time, interspersed with yoga, fantastic meals, outdoor activities, and loads of fun.
Explore how to engage with your world and yourself with kindness and gentleness.
Look at how the work of your hands can enrich the world - on both large and small scale.
Share your retreat experience with a very small intimate sized group.
Investigate generosity through participating in a group charity knitting project.
Indulge in daily yoga sessions, guided hikes, daily afternoon tea, and optional activities - such as sightseeing, a la carte cross country skiing, and massage.
Enjoy afternoon workshop sessions with our special guest instructors.
More info at Tara Handknitting Designs.
More info about the Highland Lodge.
