Gratitude and happiness go hand in hand

This is an excerpt from my 2018 Thanksgiving blog post.  It has been a very busy season, and this particularly touched my heart today.  I hope you enjoy it.  

I was reading an article on mindfulness today and how mindfulness and gratitude are the building blocks of happiness.  The author used the term "savoring." I love that word --  I love the idea of it.   I think it kind of sums up the whole mindfulness gratitude concept and ties it all up in a neat little package that summons everything we like most about Thanksgiving.  Food and family, time together, and a heightened awareness of the gifts we treasure.  But mindfulness is hard.  Especially during the holidays when there's the constant press of  shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating, whatever.  The focus is on getting it done rather than enjoying the process.  Sadly, getting through it all is the exact opposite of savoring it. 

The same thing happens in our knitting. We so often put pressure on ourselves to hurry up and finish this project or the other, turning an activity we love to do into a thing we have to get through.  It's all wrong.  Knitting is an indulgence - a treat we give ourselves - something to be savored.  We wouldn't rush through a box of expensive chocolates or a bottle of fine wine. We would savor it, enjoying and appreciating every aspect with all of our senses.  As you pick up your knitting, try experiencing it with all your senses.  Really look at it.  See the colors,  feel the texture, consider the many artists whose talents went into creating the yarn, the pattern, and the needles.  Savor it. 

Savoring an experience is a step along the path of mindfulness toward gratitude, which is a powerful antidote to much of what ails the world today.  Research shows that  finding and focusing on our many blessings reduces stress, helps with mild depression, and can head off other negative feelings that sneak into our psyche.  I am going to try and savor the time I have with my family and friends, the food we share, and the knitting I enjoy so much with you. 

I look forward to seeing you in the shop and around the table savoring our knitting together.  You are always welcome here.  

Warmly,
~Ellen