Lesson Learned - Bamboo Needles and Soft Yarn


 

When I turned 50 several weeks ago, I also turned into a knitter. For the longest time, I thought that knitting was some form of magick that I would never be able to access, let alone understand. I also thought that knitting was a hobby that little old ladies did in their spare time. Once I turned 50 and delved into knitting, I found that I was dead wrong. My boyfriend purchased a beginner's kit for me, then I took off. I purchased bamboo needles, watched an excellent beginner's knitting video , and made time for this new hobby. Yesterday, I delved deeper into the world of knitting and discovered many organizations, yarn suppliers, and people who are passionate and happy about their love of knitting. I, too, found a hidden joy I didn't know I had, for it dawned on me that knitting was a HOBBY. For the longest time, reading and later working with tea were my hobbies until they became my job. I had no idea that I didn't have any hobbies to claim as a way to calm down and feel relaxed. Years ago, nothing truly excited me. Although I would visit art museums and bookstores, I didn't think about it too much. I didn't put all of myself into those activities. Looking back, I can say that I didn't put all of myself into tea or books either. I did it not only because it was fun but also because it was at a surface level within me. Knitting is the first hobby in which I KNOW I am fully present and active. There are many benefits to knitting and it's being called "the new yoga". Now whenever I walk into a craft store, I get giddy as I walk toward the yarn section, feeling myself smile when I see the myriad of colours and kinds of yarn offered. Knitting is my time, my way of showing gratitude for being alive. I've seen too many people who have no hobbies, or they used to have hobbies but then gave them up because they got too busy. Or, they put the entire world before them and their needs only to wonder why they felt burned out and resentful. At an event this past Sunday, I ran into a customer of mine who told me how much she loved my tea blends. When she saw that I was knitting, she proceeded to tell me that she was a knitter as well . . . and then she welcomed me to the world of knitting, that the world needed more knitters. Her kind words felt like a warm glow that spread all through my body. This morning, I finished my first piece and while it's not perfect, I am happy that I did it. I created something that I will use in my tea practices. I now have the magick and it feels fantastic. 


Lesson Happily Learned.



Viridian Tea Company - Tea, Books, Art, & Photography!

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