I began knitting in early 2005 as a way to make unique clothing and accessories for myself and my family. I started slowly, with my first project being an easy to knit summer shawl. I have to admit that I ripped out my knitting and started over twice before I was satisfied with it. Normally, such problems would make me throw down my needles and never knit again. But this time, I didn’t. In fact, I began to crave time knitting. I put off some household chores so that I could knit. I went crazy seeking patterns and yarn. I couldn’t get enough. It was unlike me to pursue something that would ordinarily frustrate me, so I sat down to think about why knitting intrigued me.

Now sitting and thinking is not something I often have the luxury of doing. I’m a mom and trying to run a business in the few precious moments while my daughter naps, so this was hard for me. It just seems so wasteful to sit and think. But this time, I knew something was really different and I wanted to know. What I realized is that knitting was a true reflection of my life. I make mistakes, and hopefully I learn from them so the next time is better. When I knit, I make mistakes so I have to train myself to focus my attention on the present moment. I’m also a master of multi-tasking. Being a mom does that to you. What I found is that the more I tried to do at once, the less success I had at any of them. When I concentrated on doing one thing at a time, I found that I could do even more because I had fewer things to do over. Interestingly, knitting is exactly that way. The more you focus on the stitches you’re making, the fewer mistakes you’ll make, and the less you’ll need to do over.

Now that wasn’t all I got from knitting, and not all I got from thinking. I have to say, knitting made me a better person. What follows is my best attempt to explain why.

One day, I was shopping at my local office supply store. As I wandered the aisles, a beautiful purple journal caught my eye. On the cover was a photo and this quote from motivational speaker and author Jerry Gillies.

You will recognize your own path when you come upon it, because you will suddenly have all the energy and imagination you need.

It really summed up exactly why I am writing this today. That craving I had early on with knitting, combined with my new understanding of why I knit led me to start Be Still and Knit. I believe this is my own path and I am following it with all the energy and imagination I have. I invite you to join me.

The name of the company was inspired by Psalm 46:10. That simple verse holds the key to successful living, no matter what your beliefs. You see, it’s impossible to connect with God, or any other divine being without stilling your body and mind. Knitting helps me to be still, and I hope I can share with you some ways that you can be still as well.

Let me state clearly that this program is not a religious-based program. I draw on a number of concepts that grow out of religious practice, but I do not advocate a particular religion or encourage any religious practice that may be contrary to your beliefs. I simply offer a philosophy of knitting that I believe will benefit you in your personal quiet time.

In the western world during this internet age, we’ve been trained to want to do it all and do it right now. We have little patience and much frustration. It seems that there is never enough time to do the things we must. So why would I suggest you add knitting to your ever-growing to-do list? I ask because knitting will help you to be still. It will help you to be more patient. It will help you to connect with your creator.

Just how this seemingly simple craft can do all that is the philosophy behind Be Still and Knit. I hope these three aspects of my knitting philosophy will help you to find your own sense of peace and stillness.

Help you to be still

Knitting, as I mentioned earlier, is a great tool for learning to focus on the present moment. It is by intentionally focusing on the task at hand that you will do your best. This is true in any endeavor, but I’ll use knitting here because I believe it is a great teacher. When you pay attention to your yarn, the pattern, your needles, and the stitches you’ve made, your finished item will be beautiful! If you knit while watching TV, having a conversation, or doing something else, be prepared to rip out and start over. Through knitting, you’re learning how to tune out the distractions of everyday life and focus on the present moment. The present moment is the only place where you can be still, so think about how you get your mind to focus there.

Knitting is a great way to learn to be still because it has the added advantage of producing something useful. When you knit, you have quiet time and stillness without sacrificing your need to do something. See how great it is?

Help you to be more patient

I don’t know anyone (personally, that is) who wouldn’t benefit from a touch more patience. Imagine how much more peaceful you could be if you weren’t frazzled by someone or something not following your schedule. Envision how happy you would be if other people’s actions or inactions didn’t irritate you. That, my friend, is the benefit of being patient.

I will admit that I am not a patient person, much as I would like to be. When I don’t focus on what I’m doing, it’s easy for me to fly off the handle at someone who doesn’t meet my expectations. Being a mom has helped me to develop more patience than I had when I was in the corporate world. And now knitting has helped me develop even more.

The beautiful thing about knitting is that it takes time. Sometimes it takes a lot of time. When you start a knitting project, you know that it will take more time to make it than it would to buy it. You knit because you choose to knit. That choice goes to the heart of patience. You choose to wait until you complete the project instead of rushing out to buy it. You choose to enjoy the process with all the challenges and triumphs instead of finding one already made.

The choice you make to knit is the same choice you make in every other situation that tries your patience. You choose to enjoy the weather or the scenery when someone is late rather than pacing in frustration. You choose to help someone understand (for the fifth time) instead of being angered by their ignorance. You choose to share your ideas with the group instead of clamming up when they don’t reach the same conclusion as you. You choose to celebrate whatever moment you’re in rather than waste it by being impatient. So do yourself a favor this week. Knit something slowly and really enjoy the peace and stillness that comes with patience.

Connect you with your creator

As the verse says, “Be still and know that I am God,” we must be still to feel a true connection to our creator, whoever you believe that to be. When you quiet your mind and body, you will find that you are more receptive, better able to listen, and more creative; you feel more at peace. You’ve probably felt these moments. They’re the ones where you just gaze in awe at the world around you and be amazed at how perfect and beautiful it is.

So if it’s so great to be in one of these moments, why is it so hard to do it? Our minds instinctively drift to the past (did I turn off the oven?) and to the future (I have to remember to put milk on the grocery list), or even to places you’ve imagined. The mind doesn’t seem to like being still and making that incredible connection to your creator. We must learn to be still and to focus our attention in the present. Again, knitting helps us learn to be still – both physically and mentally. It also helps you to make that wonderful connection.

We are made in the image of our creator, so when we create something, we access that part of us that is so much like the divine. We experience what it is like to create, and that experience brings us closer to our creator. It’s much like having something in common with another person – making a connection is much easier. And so, when you knit, you can listen for guidance, you can ask questions, you can examine your soul, and you can simply be at peace.

How to knit in the present moment

I suggest you find a comfortable chair in a soothing place and knit there. When you are comfortable, it is easier to want to keep your focus on the present. Set aside 20 or 30 minutes (or longer if you can) and bring along a gentle alarm or ask a friend to let you know when your time is up.

Pick up your yarn and really study it. Notice the color, texture, weight, and warmth. Imagine yourself wearing or using the item you’re knitting. If you are making a gift, think about the recipient. This will set your focus and intention on creating something wonderful!

Next, pick up your needles. Be aware of how they feel in your hands. Choose needles you like so that it helps you enjoy knitting even more. You may want to make your own! As you begin to knit, notice how the yarn moves between your fingers, how smoothly it knits (not all yarns knit smoothly, by the way), and how the stitches combine to make the fabric. Enjoy your knitting until your time is up. Then gently put away your knitting, making sure to protect the needle points and keep the knitting from falling off.

I hope that I’ve shared something with you that will guide you a little further down your path to peace and stillness. I have found knitting to be an essential part of my day. If there’s any advice I’d leave you with, it is to simply be still……and knit.

There are many other benefits of knitting. See if any of these fit your life.

• Take the time to be still and quiet
• Focus on the present moment
• Make gifts for others
• Make items for charities or the needy
• Revive a connection to an ancient craft
• Create something that lasts
• Create something unique
• Avoid the commercialism of the holiday season
• Gather with friends or make new ones
• Experiment with something new
• Connect with a family member
• Wearing something you’ve made gives you a sense of pride
• Feel the satisfaction of accomplishment
• Make money

By Lisa Akers, fiber arts instructor and owner of be still & knit. This article can be found at http://www.bestillandknit.com.