I spent most of yesterday (between loads of laundry) knitting and praying. One of the reasons I find knitting so calming and therapeutic, is the poetic physicality. I get into a groove, and my thoughts flow freely, much as they do with the Intentional Practice of a Walking meditation, or listening to Gregorian chants. A doorway opens, allowing my mind to walk an ancient labyrinth, seeking solace. When I walk a physical labyrinth, I hold a question as I enter. Meeting Myself in the Middle (the working title of the book, at present) I listen for, and receive an answer. Walking back out into the world to put that answer into physical practice is the second half of the patterned pathway.
I have such a clear picture of the people who came before me, walking and singing their prayers, while tending flocks of sheep....it seems like I'm genetically coded to DO this.
I'm certainly miserable if I DON'T.
Generally I keep a running Prayer List. People and concerns to think deeply about and how I might help them in their current situation. The garment I am knitting at the time often ends up gifted to that particular person, or the cause to which I am focusing my energies. Something to literally wrap them in, tenderly.
More often than not, I am stunned at the presence of this energy in the structure of the resulting knitted fabric. Last night, when I held up the piece I had been working on, it looked LIGHT filled. I love it when that happens, and I slept deeply for the first time in a long, long while.
If you are so inclined, I'd like to invite you to join me. Read Knitting Into the Mystery and start or participate in a group near and dear to your heart.
Most of my life this has been a solitary practice, but the March this weekend reminded me of the importance of Power in Numbers.
So May it Be.
kinda speechless...or commentless. beautiful post greta.
Posted by: Kathleen | April 26, 2004 at 09:58 AM
Wow....I'm going through my own emotional mental gymnastics tournament lately and what you wrote...WOW....being an aspiring Buddhist I really conect to your Walking Meditation comparison...
Wow...Greta you are an inspirational person.
Debbie in sort of sunny southern Ontario, Canada
Posted by: deborah klement | April 26, 2004 at 10:30 AM
I agree with Kathleen, I'm speechless. That was an awesome post.
Now I need to find the book, I want to join you.
Posted by: Cathy | April 26, 2004 at 10:44 AM
Greta,your post is so inspiring today. I love the thought that the prayers we pray and love that we put into our knitting for others is enveloped in that item. Have a great day.
Posted by: Lisa | April 26, 2004 at 11:40 AM
Greta, I can't believe we wrote about almost the same thing. I have been inspired by that book to knit a prayer shawl for my daughter. The main reason is because I am worrying so much about her and praying so hard for her all the time anyway, that I thought I would knit those thoughts into a hug. I thank you again for the book. It came into my life when I obviously needed it- and before I even knew it was needed.
Posted by: annie | April 26, 2004 at 02:38 PM
I'm on my way to the library today and I'll look for that book!
I've often imagined that I was knitting thoughts, prayers and goodwill into the knitted objects that I have made for others.
I also feel that in some ways, the knitted creation somehow captures the essence of the place where it was created. As a result of this, I do a lot of knitting in places that are (in my opinion anyhow) beautiful.
I am so intrigued to hear of a book that addresses this concept in depth!
I'm not a churchgoer but I do walking meditations and I'm blessed to have several labyrinths near me. I manage to walk and meditate once or twice a week.
As always, your post is a thoughtful gift to those of us who read your blog. Thank You!
Posted by: Christine | April 26, 2004 at 04:42 PM
I am ahead of you. We had a workshop on prayer Saturday morning at our church. Then I read your Saturday post. Talk about the right thing at the right time. I ordered the book, then went to my pastor and friends/elders at church. Before I could get to them, Sunday morning, our pastor mentionned an elderly member whose health is declining and who is very alone. Now I know I've been hit by God with a 5lb sledge (through you as His messenger in this case) and "Shawls for Joy" will start at Knox Presbyterian in Manotick (part of Ottawa, Ontario). Thank you for being here. God bless.
Posted by: elizabeth | April 26, 2004 at 05:26 PM
Greta, so wonderful that you were able to put such love and light out here for all of us to be warmed by... I hadn't thought of Rev. Lauren Artress for years, but you've brought her and the wonderful labyrinth she takes with her to mind. I walked it when I lived in Toronto, on two retreats north of the city years ago. Greta, you ARE knitting light into the fabric...friends of mine who see auras tell me that they've seen that light in some garments...of course you know that the love and light enfolds the giver, too... hugs and light to you..
Posted by: Caroline | April 26, 2004 at 07:39 PM
Greta, so wonderful that you were able to put such love and light out here for all of us to be warmed by... I hadn't thought of Rev. Lauren Artress for years, but you've brought her and the wonderful labyrinth she takes with her to mind. I walked it when I lived in Toronto, on two retreats north of the city years ago. Greta, you ARE knitting light into the fabric...friends of mine who see auras tell me that they've seen that light in some garments...of course you know that the love and light enfolds the giver, too... hugs and light to you..
Posted by: Caroline | April 26, 2004 at 07:39 PM
Hello Greta, A few more ziplock sheep will come to Tasha soon. I'm looking up Knitting Into The Mystery at powells.com now. I'm torn between not having a lot of concentration for reading, and wanting something to read. Peace to you, today and always.
Posted by: stonering | April 26, 2004 at 11:00 PM