Making Stuff

I am rarely without something to do. I knit, embroider, draw, paint, etc. Once upon a time when I was considering grad school, I thought I might become an Art Therapist. Art Therapy is a technique that allows a person to process emotions, reduce stress, and improve self esteem through the creation of art. Art Therapy doesn't require any artistic talent, just the willingness to explore yourself through creating art. For me, making stuff is a good way to self-regulate. It can be meditative, focusing on my handiwork. When I embroider, I use one or two threads at a time to make fine lines. I have to pay attention to where I'm placing the sewing needle so I don't bring the thread up in the wrong place or even worse, poke myself. This turns it into a meditative experience.

The best way for me to meditate is through motion. When I was going to the YMCA, there was a little lazy river part of the family pool, where I would walk against the current around and around, letting my mind relax. The resistance of the current gave me something to focus on and the repetitive motion of walking soothed me. Making art is a similar type of meditation through motion. Counting stitches while knitting or crocheting provides the focus, while the repetitive motion of my hands actually making the stitches lets me relax. With knitting or crocheting, at least you get socks, a sweater, a blanket, or something similar.

I love fiber arts and I'm fascinated with the history of this so called women's work. Clothes are made by knitting, crocheting, or weaving. Nowadays there are machines that can knit or weave, but crocheting is all hand made. A machine can't make that kind of stitch. When you buy a crocheted item, know that someone's hands were making it possible. Fiber arts are essential to society and culture. Throughout history, fabric was created by hand. Clothes were rightfully expensive and the makers were highly skilled. Someone had to weave the fabric for the sails that powered ships exploring the oceans. Someone had to sew the clothes of the explorers. Often times we forget that the backbone of men's accomplishments were made possible by women's work.

Now, I'm not saying that fiber arts are meant only for women. I love me a great knitting man. Many highly regarded fashion designers are men. There are cultures where men are the only ones allowed to weave. Art of all kinds are gender inclusive. Or at least they should be.

Can art heal a person's trauma? Not directly, no. What art does is give you something to focus on while you work on processing your trauma. It allows you to use symbolism to come at your trauma from the side instead of directly. It can be a gentle process, or an intensely dramatic one, depending on how you approach your art. The best part is it doesn't require any talent, just the bravery to try.

How can you include art in your healing journey?