This week, while making my crochet project, I wanted to gear my attention to being more mindful. As I am quickly approaching the end of the term, with final projects due and all the extra stuff in life, it was nice to spend 10-15 minutes focusing on myself and my creation. This week, I watched several guided videos that focused on relaxation, some shorter and some longer. One of my favourites, so far, is a mindfulness video that is guided by Dr. Robert E. Dinenberg. I enjoy the tone of his voice and how it almost sounds as though he is smiling when speaking. I also like how the video is only 5 minutes. I feel it is just enough to get my mind and body in a relaxed state to focus on my project.
To read more on mindfulness and its benefits, click the links on the photo. They are links for a newsletter produced by Harvard University. The first is about a 20-minute read, and the second one is only around 5. I found them to be very educative and beneficial to my learning as an educator and a person practicing mindfulness.
“Doing mindfulness is like a fitness routine for your brain”
Christine O’Shaughnessy
O’shaughnessy also has an app that I have used too!
As for the actual creation of the toque, I watched this video on YouTube. The technique used to begin this style of toque is the same as the one I used for creating the slippers. This similarity/already known technique, along with the guided meditation allowed this project to feel pleasurable. Below is the finished product.
Moving forward, I want to learn a new sitch to develop further as a crocheter. I want to continue taking a short amount of time to practice being mindful while I create. thus far, I am enjoying my journey and I hope you are too!
nhamilton
November 2, 2021 — 6:55 pm
Hi Ivory!
I love how you actively chose to be mindful while working on your creation because I know sometimes it is so much easier to simply throw on a show and zone out. I have been exploring being actively mindful as well and I think it is such an amazing, cool practice but can be so difficult sometimes! Anyway, I love the toque you made (it’s beautifully done), and keep up the great work!
– Natalie
ivoryeeducates
November 7, 2021 — 12:39 pm
Thank you Natalie! I find that when I am listening to the mindfulness videos, it is best to do so before I start crocheting so my focus is solely on being mindful. I then continue deep breathing to maintain the relaxed state the best I can. You are right though, it can be difficult!