Knit and Purl: Mindful Crafting and Creating Art

Crafting, creating art, and anything where we build towards a tangible product with our hands requires a thoughtful and physical process. The sustained attention, mental planning, repetitive motions, and physical touch require us to be mindful as we create art and a beautiful end result.

Whether it's crocheting, building LEGOs, making friendship bracelets, sculpting, or more, creating anything can be a mindful process that anchors you to the present.

Consider these ways you can incorporate mindfulness into your processes of creation:

• Repetitive physical movements and rhythm in repetition

• Tactile nature of the pieces you're working with. Consider textures, colors, shapes, and more.

• The sum of the parts and each individual part required for your end result.

Even if you're a beginner crafter, you can incorporate mindfulness into creation!

• Set a goal before you begin. This might be to enjoy yourself, to take time to feel the material as you work, to not get frustrated, or anything else that feels right to you.

• Check in on each of your five senses as you work. Name the colors you see, feel the material with your fingertips, notice any sounds or smells in your environment, and take a drink of water or a snack on your breaks.

• Craft nonjudgmentally. Notice when you recognize criticism in your work and provide compassion for yourself, recognizing that creation can come with mistakes and detours.

The end product of creating art can be incredibly rewarding to view and share with others. As you create, be sure to savor and focus on the process as you cultivate presence in your life and in your craft!