Mindfulness has become a popular term and there seem to be so many books on the subject. To me it feels rather like an extension of meditation but with a wider view on everything we do, rather than being just about sitting and meditating.
Its about being conscious and aware of things; being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and actions
So how does that work with Sew in the Moment and Slow Stitching?
IT DOES NOT FOLLOW ANY SEWING RULES!!
You are the one in charge and you do what you want. The important part is that you enjoy the process, not the end result.
I’ve never been one for rules in any part of my life where I think they are wrong or are unfair to someone!
I think sewing rules can easily put people off and can make you believe that you can’t do anything and that that is common across all arts
A very personal example I very vividly remember (aged 13) is painting what I thought was a lovely painting of a fox in the snow – I took ages painting it, losing myself in the moment and totally enjoying the process. So along comes the art teacher and dismissively says ‘Way too much white, that won’t do’.
My little world of painting ability shattered like a glass bauble and it didn’t recover …the fact that half a century (omg) years later it still springs to mind shows how deeply people you regard as experts can shatter your sense of self esteem.
IT IS VERY CALMING AND CREATIVE
In modern life we are ruled by the Internet, TV, computers, mobile phones that are like computers, IPads, tablets, Internet etc. etc. Our lives are governed by work, travel, caring, shopping and all the various responsibilities we have. Although I suspect that trying to survive around 1900 was extremely stressful, at least your mind was free and not being electronically assaulted!
There is also a pressure to always be ‘on the go’ – to be doing rather than simply being
With sewing in the moment that’s exactly what you do…clear your mind and concentrate on the sewing and what you are creating – no one is judging you and what you make is beautiful because you have put yourself into it.
You can take your kit anywhere you want and not reach for an electronic device which will add stress.
IT CONNECTS TO US THROUGH TOUCH, TEXTURE, VISION AND CREATION
Research has shown that sewing decreases blood pressure, heart rate and even perspiration! If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, long term chronic pain or grief, for example, it seems to make you feel more relaxed, confident and happy.
I think part of that is as sewing is so tactile – in the Sew in the Moment kits I deliberately include different textured and coloured fabrics and you will be looking at and handling to encourage that part of the process. Your vision comes from ‘playing’ with the fabrics and that is another part of Sew In the Moment and Mindful Sewing- you are giving yourself ‘permission to play’ – something as adults our cultures often deny us.
I studied and gained a Psychology Degree as a mature student and one of many memories is that of ‘flow’. Flow can be defined as “the mental state in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity” – you can see it in all sorts of places – sports, medicine, baking, exercise etc. Mindful sewing is a perfect example.
I am very open for people to know that for many years I suffered from extreme anxiety and am now probably unrecognisable as the same person since both retiring from ‘normal work’ and undergoing CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) I’m sure that my love of Slow Sewing has come through from that – slowing down and taking time to ‘smell the roses’. In fact, the therapeutic practice is looking at the Sew in the Moment kits in terms of follow on for people who have finished therapy!
During lockdown I have been very touched by how many people have bought the kits as presents for friends, especially those who may have been struggling. There now seems to be an emerging ‘Sew in the Moment’ Club where people are still buying them for friends but also for themselves and comparing their makes on Whatsapp!
Every picture I get will be in the Gallery and I’m absolutely in love with each and every one of them and particularly how incredibly varied they all are.
Keep Mindful Sewing and relax!