Hello!Many of us create but have you ever taken the time to think about why it is important and what creating does for you? Today I want to share with you some reasons why I create.
1. Provides a creative outlet
Creating is just a part of who I am. As far back as I can remember I have been creating. It all started with my Aunt! She taught me at a very young age how to knit, crochet, embroider and use a sewing machine.
She was my starting point. From then on I was obsessed with creating. I loved the feel of the texture of the materials I was working with and seeing a project grow right before my eyes. There was no greater joy then being able to complete something from beginning to end. A project had to be in my hand all the time. When we would go places to visit people I would always have a project bag with me. It became an extension of myself like another limb; something natural and meditative.
2. Calming & Meditative
Once I am into a project nothing else matters! I am one with what I am working on. It is very calming and feels like being in a meditative state, or flow. Mihaly Cxikszentmihaly has written many books on this subject. We need to put ourselves in this state of flow for an optimal experience in life. When I am in this optimal state time is no longer a factor. I am in the zone. Whether I am felting, knitting, crocheting or weaving, the repetitive nature of the process makes me feel calm and less anxious. Whatever problems I have are not important at that time and my mind can take a break and relax!
3. Working with my hands
One of the great reasons I love to create is I get to use my hands. William Morris was a great advocate of making things by hand. He felt the Industrial Revolution was making people sick because they had stopped using their hands to be creative. For me it is about keeping busy. I need to be doing something with my hands every day. It hard for me to just sit and watch TV with my husband without having a project going. When my hands are busy, I am happy!
4. Connecting with others
Nothing makes me happier then sharing my art with others. I love teaching and helping others learn the fiber art crafts. It gives me great joy when I am helping someone with a problem on a project and they finally get it! Their face lights up and the best simile you have ever seen appears on their face 🙂
My passion is talking about wool. I could share on that subject for hours. There is no greater feeling then when I have a captive audience that is interested in what I have to share. It fuels my fire. It is what I live for. Talking about what I love to do is so rewarding. I have met so many wonderful people in my travels teaching and speaking at guild meetings and other venues. Sharing is my passion!
5. It Boosts my Confidence
I am good at crafting and teaching. This is one of the big reasons why I create. I first make a piece of art and then I have the ability to teach and share how to make it with those who want to learn. There is no greater confidence builder then knowing others are interested in your work and have confidence in you as a teacher. So reasons why I craft…it makes me feel better as a human. The confidence it builds in me makes me a better person and better able to serve others.
Tuning into your creativity, however that maybe, could provide an amazing outlet for you and for others. I have shared why crafting matters to me. Why does it matter to you? How does your crafting or hobby impact your world? Are you still searching for the thing that puts you in flow or a meditative state? If not, here is a free project to get you started!
I would love it if you would share in the comments about what you think. Why do you do what you do?
Happy Creating!
If you are stuck and need to get out of your blah fog state check out my 5 Ways to Boost your Creativity
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