Knitting As Meditation

Now I'm hooked! Never in a million years would I say that I actually enjoy knitting.

As a new found hobby, I find that knitting has a very meditative quality. Maybe because the task in hand is very repetitive in nature. It's almost like reciting a mantra. It somehow induces a relaxed concentration because I am giving all my attention to a simple repetitive task. It makes me aware of the detail of what I am doing and therefore I am living fully in the present. And that's probably why i feel very drawn to it. The effects of knitting not only keep me calm, but it also puts me in a state of self-forgetfulness which I am grateful for; since being pregnant, this helps put my worries and fears at bay.
Even Babylove in my womb seems to have a liking for it. Isn't this just great? So I say knit on!

Also, another fun fact why knitting is so beneficial is that according to a Waldorf mommy friend of mine (dharmadreams.blogspot.com), it balances both sides of the brain just like yoga. To add more, I just stumbled on this site:
(http://knol.google.com/k/discover-waldorf-education-knitting-and-intellectual-development#), that when knitting is taught to children at an early age, it stimulates intellectual development, focus, and instills a sense of achievement in the child. Apparently, in the Waldorf education, knitting is an important part of the curriculum. It totally makes sense to me. Now I know where I'm sending my baby.. :)

Hmm, with this "gung-ho" kind of feeling I am going through right now, could this be the start of my DIY projects??..Let's see shall we.. ;-)

If you want to know where I take my knitting lessons, it's from a very good teacher of mine, Mrs. Lilli de Leon who also happens to own a lovely yarnshoppe called Dreams at the 3rd floor of Glorietta 5. If you're interested to learn some knitting, crochet, cross stitch or different kinds of embroidery, she offers lessons at her shop for only P800, and that's for life! You can reach her at: (02)8560741 or cell no. +639178803327. I have to say that her shop also carries the most complete stuff in the country!

My accomplishments so far after 4 visits:

My first knitted headband: Thinking of knitting more of these in different yarns.. :)

Now I'm on to making my first lacy scarf! :)

A long weekend well spent! Hope your weekend was just as productive!

OM Aim Sreem Hreem Saraswati Davyai Namaha! (Salutations to that feminine energy which informs all artistic and scholastic endeavor!) :)

Full Moon Resting

It is a full moon day and I am tired-- there are other times on a full moon that I am extra strong. But in this case, the call of the bed is so strong I can barely lift myself out of it-- I am extra tired.
This heaviness is also added by the nearing of another moon day-- which is mine. It is after all only just 4 days away.

I take this opportunity instead to be really grateful of rest. No practice of yoga today and My errands can wait awhile. I will sit in stillness and in silence for a few and reflect internally. I will set aside ego for a moment and just be..




- Hari OM! Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.

Location:Manila

Chakra Meditation

Chakras are the 7 centers of spiritual energy sitting horizontally on the Sushumna.

As I find my own meditation and cleansing from within, I sit comfortably and breathe life anew into my chakra points. And in my mind, I give out a chant for each one of them: lam..vam..ram..yam..ham..om..

Zen Meditation

After teaching an early yoga class today, it was followed by my very first experience of zen meditation. It was led by Bahay Dalangin which is a group of dedicated zen practitioners.

Practicing mindful meditation is very much alike to my experience of yogic meditation during my teacher training. The only difference between the two are the rituals. With breath as the main focus, the seated postures are just the same as well. We sit in silence and in stillness (on comfortable cushions with pillows on the floor), either in half lotus, full lotus or in a cross legged position where in the heels are in line with each other. The spine is erect but relaxed. With eyes half open, we gaze on any point on the floor, and yet, still be aware of our surroundings. In yogic meditation, practicing stillness is a little more strict. As much as possible, we try not to move. If numbness starts creeping in our legs or any part of the body, it is suppose to be ignored. In zen, when this happens, we are allowed to change position. All you need to do is bow down (as a sign of respect to the person beside you) and switch. After 3 sets of sitting still and in silence for 15 minutes, the ritual included a meditative walk as well. We did ours for 5 minutes.

The end goal of zen or yogic meditation is all the same. It is to think of nothing, and instead more "doing." By going back to our breath, it helps us to stay in the "now," with no thoughts of the past or future, but only the present. In this modern and hectic world, this is almost impossible to do. So instead of fighting or indulging stray thoughts, it is instead acknowledged and then set aside by focusing back on the breath. In yoga, it is said that breath is the carrier of prana which means life force. In meditation, it is also our breath that helps us reconnect with our "inner selves" and helps us realize our true nature-- in my case, maybe my christian nature that is in me. I know this sounds like its a little hard to understand. But think of it this way, it is through the beauty of stillness and silence that we are able to hear and discover what is within. Practicing this discipline is proven to be a very big help in calming our minds and bodies in this chaotic world.

As of now, I will take the latter as the reason why I will start my practice of zen meditation. But in a parallel universe, I would meditate more faithfully, to not only achieve a calmer mind and body but to unhinder my mind of its many layers and experience insight into the nature of our existence-- ideally, which is to attain enlightenment. :)



Photo credit: rheasrhapsody.co.uk