Knitting: Relaxing Meditation

Knitting is extremely meditative. You knit, then you purl, then you knit again then purl again. It is a repetitive routine that frees up and de-stresses the analytical part of your brain. Many have labeled this ancient art as an exercise in mindfulness and even a form of relaxing meditation.

Nowadays, neuroscientists have termed knitting as the new yoga. Neuroscientists have also included other worthwhile arts and crafts. These crafts such as weaving, crocheting and sewing are ordinary but powerful exercises that lead the body to a state of high mindfulness and meditative awareness. And all of these lead to better physical and mental wellness.

Positive Survey Results

A prominent knitting therapist in the UK conducted a survey with over 3,500 respondents. The results have indicated that knitting has an effective personal effect on them. The respondents to the study stated that those who knitted at an average of three times a week had a higher state of relaxation, calmness, were happier, suffered from less anxiety and exhibited higher levels of personal confidence.

This same study made a conclusion that knitting regularly contributes greatly to the overall wellness of the individual. This significantly leads to a higher sense of self-worth and a better quality of life.

The study also yielded some surprising results. One of these is that those who knitted solo had fewer positive effects on their personal state of well-being, compared to those who did it as a group activity. Group stitching, “knitting parties” and other similar group activities had more significant contributions to their personal well-being.

The paper also stated that the skills and actions that are part and parcel of knitting support skills are related to meditation and the achievement of relaxing meditative states. The pace and the process of a repetitive action are similar to those that are also done for pain management training courses and even in depression treatment.

Knitting as the New Yoga

Meditation in yoga or even in martial arts takes a long time to master. It takes many years and a lot of training to get the benefits. On the other hand, knitting facilitates the basic skills that are needed for an individual to achieve these meditative states, in a shorter and less arduous time frame. This is the state of “absorbed concentration” that is focused on the main activity that one is doing. Think about it. In yoga, it is the poses; in martial arts it is the “katas” or the postures. In knitting and weaving, the practitioner also engages in repetitive actions and focuses only on the primary task.

Now, researchers in the field of neuroscience encourage this activity. It increases your level of mindfulness and creates a positive “flow” to your brain and senses. It has been scientifically recorded to reduce stress, decrease anxiety levels and create a more mentally positive you.

Just consider the benefits that you can get with regular knitting:

•   Create a mental sharpness that is essential in problem solving.
•   Establishes a high level of mindfulness
•   Makes for better social interactions when done in groups.
•   Develops better motor skills such as hand and eye coordination, better awareness of spatial skills and makes you more dexterous.
•   Encourages learning, teaching and sharing.
•   A great exercise for focus and concentration.
•   Encourages creativity
•   An opportunity to be patient and persevere.
•  Great for memory and mental exercises
•  Establishes opportunity for a better sense of accomplishment and self-worth.